Bolingbrook Election 2013 Candidate: Barbara Osborne

Campaign information 

• E-mail address: FriendstoelectBarbaraOsborne@aol.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/electBarbaraOsborne
• Address: Bolingbrook, IL
• Website: FriendstoelectBarbaraOsborne@facebook.com

Personal information 

• Age: 56
• Family (name, relationship and age): Married to Courtenay Osborne with two children, Jonathan and Khari; daughter-in-law, Jen and a darling first grandchild, Janessa.
• Education (degree and school): Masters of Science (MS) in Management/Communications from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; Bachelors of Science (BS) in Business Admin/Marketing/Economics from Xavier University in New Orleans, LA
• Occupation: Management Consultant and Project Manager
• Political party affiliation, if any: Democrat
• Previous elected offices: Precinct Committeeperson, DuPage Township – 2004 to current

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

In addition to a 20 year career in management and leadership, I believe my life experiences stemming from childhood poverty, homelessness and struggle, equipped me with  first-hand knowledge of how important it is to treat all people, but especially the vulnerable, with dignity and compassion. I am grateful for the opportunity and life-long commitment to serve and advocate for those in need.  These characteristics will be an essential part of both my leadership style and expectations of my administration and staff, as Township Supervisor.  

Candidate questions  

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for this office because I believe the time is NOW for the Democratic Party in DuPage Township to move this community forward. I am confident that I have what it takes to get the job done as Township Supervisor. I am a visionary leader with great ideas and stamina to move the Township to the next level in service and restore its professional integrity.

What will be your most important priority if you get elected?

A good old fashioned “house cleaning” of the township status quo-- ridding it of outdated management and closed door policy making. Introducing ethical standards with checks and balances, ensuring my Board of Trustees and I are stewards of taxpayer funds…not benefactors, will be my driving force. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I see this role as one of service, not merely a job or a political move. I am impassioned and equipped with both knowledge and experience, to work with and advocate for all residents of the township. Most importantly, I have no hidden agendas and look forward to bringing people together to move this community forward.

How long have you lived in your community and/or been active in local issues? 

My family and I have lived in DuPage Township for 22 years. I’ve been an elected Precinct committee person for over 8 years, I’ve volunteered in the juvenile court system, and Bolingbrook Cable TV, ran a Points of Light children’s club to teach charity and service. I have always been active in local and national issues strengthening family and community.

What's your favorite thing about DuPage Township?

I was drawn to the township by its diversity of cultures and people of all age groups, ethnicities and socioeconomics. A top-rate school system, park district, library and Levy center were definite assets of course, along with small-town living and relatively low crime rates.

What are the biggest challenges facing DuPage Township, and how would you address them? 

Although diversity is what attracted our family to the township, it’s very concerning that the only area of the township without diversity is the government here…we’ve had the same political party and players in place nearly 30 years! It’s time to move forward locally, just as we are doing on the national level.

It’s time for new and different ideas, approaches and fresh new leadership that can work with everyone, regardless of political affiliation or loyalties. 

In this role, I look forward to galvanizing community leaders and service based organizations in the township to pool resources and to better identify unaddressed service gaps;  then collectively work to fill these gaps! For example, is there an organization in the township that can share its success in helping prevent homelessness? What organizations are helping released inmates having completed their jail terms re-enter the society and help keep them from returning to jail? Is any organization working with young adults in the 20-30 year age group with post high school or college life skills or advice on how to pay off college loans sensibly? Any organizations looking at supplementing  senior programs once covered by the State in healthier economic times?