1. What is West Deerfield Township? It’s a unit of local government in Lake County. West Deerfield Township covers Bannockburn, nearly all of Deerfield, portions of Riverwoods, Highland Park, and about one-quarter of Lake Forest, plus three unincorporated areas. The Township includes about 33,000 residents.

2. What does a township do? By statute, a township has three mandatory responsibilities –

3. Do I pay high township taxes? NO – quite the contrary. Each year the State of Illinois issues a report card comparing townships. The most recent report card indicated that the average yearly property taxes and fees to a township resident in Illinois for 2007 was $193. For West Deerfield Township residents, the cost was only $28.

4. In these uncertain economic times, are the Township’s funds safe? All Township funds are in FDIC insured accounts.

5. Why is the Assessor Office so important? In Lake County, Township Assessors set the assessments. Steve Stanger, who is retiring, served our Township with exceptional skill and dedication. Bannockburn resident Tom Healy, our choice as Steve’s replacement, has a deep knowledge of local real estate. He promises to be a full-time Assessor. Tom has exceptional interpersonal skills that will help residents understand their assessments and tax appeal rights.

6. What are the responsibilities of the Supervisor? In addition to chairing board meetings, the Supervisor is the day-to-day administrator of the Township. For the past twelve years, Julie Morrison has done an outstanding job as Supervisor. For example, she recently secured grants to obtain and operate a van that transports those with disabilities to their medical appointments. On a daily basis, she works with seniors, General Assistance clients, and Township residents with emergency needs.

7. What are the responsibilities of the Township Clerk? The Township Clerk (1) takes minutes of township meetings, (2) is responsible for supervising voter services and (3) maintains Township records, among other responsibilities. Robbie Boudreau, the Township Clerk, received kudos for organizing early voting for the November 2008 election that brought out a record number of early voters.

8. What about the rest of the Township Board – the four Trustees? They are responsible for auditing Township expenses and approval of the budget. Township trustees, together with the Supervisor, are also charged with setting policy for the Township.

9. Who are the Democratic slate’s candidates for this office? Three present trustees and a newcomer. Ron Schwartz, a labor and employment attorney, who designed a website for his own practice, spearheaded the development of a dynamic Township website that showcases township services. His background in law has helped the Township avoid legal problems. Bob Rosenbacher, retired treasurer of his printing company, brings financial expertise and a desire to help others. He collects baked products for the food pantry and fixes donated computers for residents in need. Ron Levitsky, a businessman and a retired schoolteacher, has advocated assistance for the physically and mentally disabled. He also helped to create an archive of historical township records. Newcomer Betty O’Shaughnessy, a political science PhD and educator, has a strong knowledge of local government and wonderful ideas to get students more involved with the Township.

10. Your opponents call themselves the “Independent Party.” What does that mean? They aren’t independent. Their party is “run by local Republicans.” Deerfield Review, January 29, 2009.