Politics & Government

Lisa Rusch: Candidate for Avon Township Supervisor

Lisa Rusch is among 22 people seeking eight spots in Avon Township.

Name: Lisa Rusch

Age: 50

Family: Married for 25 years to Steve Rusch, Two sons - Christopher 22 who attends CLC and Ryan (14) who is an 8th grader at Grayslake Middle School

Education: Associates in Arts - Harper College

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Occupation: Reception / Public Relations team - Cook Memorial Public Library District

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Avon Township Clerk - May 2009 to January 2013 Avon Township Supervisor - January 2013 to present

Other community involvement: 1. Round Lake Area Exchange Club 2. Round Lake Chamber of Commerce Member 3. Grayslake Chamber of Commerce Member 4. Regional Commissioner Grayslake AYSO Region #396 5. Co-Chair Chili Supper Sponsored by Round Lake Area BEST Coalition Character Counts and Round Lake Exchange Club

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Position sought:  Avon Township Supervisor

Campaign E-mail address: Candidate did not respond.

Campaign committee: Avon Action

Campaign Website: www.avonaction.com

Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/avonaction

Campaign Twitter: Candidate did not respond.

Why are you running?

As the former Township Clerk and now Supervisor, I am proud to say that Avon Township is the only local government in the area that has lowered tax levies every year, reduced unnecessary spending by over 20%, while expanding vital services -- a 300% increase in usage to our Food Pantry alone! These were goals that we set, and campaign promises we made, when we ran four years ago. We set a road map that has clearly worked. It is critical that the Board and the elected executives continue to find ways to do more with less, including putting the needs of taxpayers ahead of self-interest. Avon Action is running on a proven record of reforming township government. Our campaign platform is a continuation of the results-oriented agenda we began four years ago. They are: Continue Lowering Taxes. During our first term, we are the only local government in the area who has lowered tax levies every year in office, totally a 22% reduction. Avon Action will continue lowering the tax burden and pressure other taxing bodies to do the same.

Continue Cutting Expenses. Avon Action is responsible for reducing expenses by nearly a quarter of the total budget. Proudly, we have done this without eliminating jobs and -- to many people's surprise -- have substantially increased services offered by the Township. More can be done, including further cuts to elected officials' salaries.

Continue Helping Low Income Residents, and those who have fallen on tough times. Our weakened national economy led to a 300% increase in Food Pantry demand. It also had a devastating impact on seniors and veterans who rely on a fixed income. Avon Township responded on all fronts. But rather than look to tax revenue to fund these programs, we increased private donations and expanded community partnerships with non-profit organizations, including our own Avon Township Community Foundation.

In what ways would Avon Township benefit from your service?

My record as Clerk and Supervisor is the best qualification. In addition surpassing every campaign promise I made four years ago, I remain committed to improving the Township and the place I call home. I believe that community participation, helping our friends, family and neighbors, is the key to improving our lives. I have and will continue to volunteer for many local civic and charitable organizations. But my leadership role with the regional AYSO gives me great pride because, above all else, I'm a 'soccer mom' who believes that local government can be better.

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

I believe the biggest challenge the Township faces is one simple question: Is township government relevant or redundant? As the CEO of Avon Township, I believe it is my job to make sure taxpayer funds are being spent only on the services residents require. Since being elected to Avon Township Government in 2009, I am proud to say that Avon Township has managed to reduce our tax levies by 22%, eliminate wasteful spending, and lower elected officials salaries by almost 30% (including my own). Like many of my colleagues, I believe Avon Township has implemented a reform-minded plan to reduce the size of government, thus charging less and passing the savings on to taxpayers in the form of cutting tax levies. Unfortunately, as I am proud of the good government practices I’ve helped to enact there are still other local governmental bodies that must begin to take notice. Other local taxing bodies have not lowered tax levies, cut wasteful spending, and eliminated perks for politicans.

Even though I can’t control what other local taxing bodies choose to do, I can pledge to you that, if elected, I will continue the responsible agenda Avon Township has implemented.

What do you think the township does well?

The success of Avon Township over the last term has been our ability to 'think outside the box' and substantially reduce costs without eliminating jobs or services. Although we lowered salaries to elected officials by nearly 30%, I think we could have gone further. We must continue to keep our eye on the necessary, statutory requirements of the Township and not be distracted by creating programs that burden taxpayers. For example, an opponent has proposed that the Township offer low interest home loans. While it's nice to think this could be done, in practical terms it's ludicrous. The Township has neither the legal authority nor the resources to take on this responsibility. By spending less we are helping more. Most people will agree that high property taxes threaten the financial stability of our community.

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

Each township is different. In fact, one major problem is that Illinois law requires every township to be structured the same, regardless of population or -- in the case of Avon -- the fact that most of the Township is comprised of municipalities which provide the services. Beside the mandatory requirements of the Assessor and Highway Commissioner, I believe it is the role of Avon Township to dispense emergency assistance and promote community collaboration, which includes serving as a bridge between our residents, non-profits, and other government entities.

What else would you like voters to know?

Quite plainly, I am not a politician – I’m a soccer mom. I want what is best for my children and my family as a whole. For years I have strived to involve myself with many community engagements, including the American Youth Soccer League, the B.E.S.T. organization, and the Round Lake Exchange Club, just to name a few. As an elected public servant, I want to make sure our communities have what they need from Avon Township and accomplish this without adding high taxation and bloated, wasteful spending.


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