Politics & Government

Cathy deGroh: Avon Township Trustee Candidate

Cathy deGroh is one of 22 people seeking eight spots in Avon Township.

Name: Cathy deGroh   

Age: 59

Family: Married, 2 grown children 

Education: Bachelor of Science, Northern Illinois University

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Occupation:  Retired -  retail manager, event planner, business owner, community/school/library volunteer

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices:  Elected Grayslake Library Board – nine years, Avon Township Deputy Clerk appointed Feb. 11, 2013.

Other community involvement: PTO/PTF, Scouts, Friends of the Library, Lake County Fair, AHSGR Historical Society

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Position sought: Avon Township Trustee

Campaign E-mail address:  AvonStrong@aol.com

Campaign committee: Candidate did not respond.

Campaign Website: www.AvonStrong.org

Campaign Facebook:

Campaign Twitter:

Why are you running?   

I see a great need to turn the focus of Township toward community needs and away from politics. I care about my neighbors and want to see them receive the best services possible, using the most cost effective systems. I will work to make the Township responsive to residents, get rid of deficit spending and balance the budget.  

In what ways would Avon Township benefit from your service?  

With my business experience, I would work to eliminate wasteful spending, develop an accounting system that is clear and concise, and return to a balanced budget. With my customer service and volunteer skills, a Township that is community focused would be developed. The result would be helping our neighbors while keeping costs down.

What is the biggest challenge the township faces and what should be done to address it?  

The current budget is on the verge of crisis with deficit spending that could crash the whole Township. Contributing to the budget problem are legal problems that continue to cost taxpayers in both huge legal fees and settlement costs. The work of the people cannot be done effectively until these issues are addressed.  

What do you think the township does well?  

Having Township services available in one building that is easy for the public to reach is a real plus. All Township services accomplish some good, but the average citizen does not even know what Township does. There is a huge gap in Township knowledge. Outreach, education and other communication methods are sorely needed to inform citizens of the role of Township in their lives. I propose a plan that addresses this lack of knowledge and builds a dialog with citizens, civic organizations and the Township.

What should be some of the township's priorities over the next several years?

Balanced budgets, focus on community needs and ridding the system of politics as usual

What else would you like voters to know?  

There are so many ways Township can serve our community, that do not cost anything except the willingness to work. For example – The issue of domestic violence arose while I was talking to a neighbor. I went to the Township and found the only information on this subject is written in a big black book behind the counter. Only a staff person has access to this information to share with residents. It is my opinion; information should be readily available in many forms and avenues. What about a domestic violence poster in the public hallway? What about fliers? Information on the outside sign? Links on the website? My list could go on and on. And none of these ideas would cost a dime but they just might make a difference in someone’s life. All that is needed is a dedication to work to make our Township a better place. I will work to build a Township that makes a real difference.


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