ADVANCES IN DUPAGE COUNTY

Over the past year, DuPage County has worked hard to ensure county government remains open and accessible to its residents.  We've opened up the budget process, and will continue to promote the involvement of County residents.  We encourage the people of DuPage to make their voices heard on what they believe should be our top priorities when crafting a budget.

In order to ensure we are utilizing every available method to enhance transparency, we created the Ad-Hoc Committee on Government Transparency and Accessibility.  Their report provided a blueprint for us as we continue improving transparency in DuPage, and the County Board wasted no time in putting these recommendations into action.

Early in 2010, the county's Ethics Ordinance was updated and improved.  Some changes to the policy include whistleblower protection for county employees, a $25 gift ban, full disclosure of all campaign contributions made by vendors and a limit on campaign contributions to County Board members by those doing business with the county.  The residents of DuPage County must be able to trust their government, and with these updates we uphold our commitment to openness and transparency.

Thanks to the diligence of the DuPage County Board members, we have also taken measures to keep our county safe.  Earlier this year, the County Board passed a ban prohibiting the expansion of video poker into unincorporated DuPage, becoming the first local government in the state of Illinois to do so.  Fortunately, dozens of other counties and municipalities followed, sending the message to Springfield that our communities will not be burdened with the social and regulatory repercussions which video gambling would bring. 

DuPage County continues to provide longstanding and critical services to its residents.  Agencies like Choose DuPage have been instrumental in keeping businesses in our county, which in turn will stimulate our local economy.  Because of partnerships like this, DuPage has been able to maintain one of the lowest unemployment rates in the region. 

Like counties and cities everywhere, DuPage County faced hardship in 2009 which tested our resources and limits.  But unlike most local governments, DuPage County has managed to implement a number of new programs, and maintain those already in place.   One such successful program is DuPage Rx, which helps make prescriptions more affordable and readily available to anyone who has a card.  Since its launch in 2006, DuPage Rx has helped residents save over $500,000 on their prescription drugs.  That is real savings for those watching their pocketbooks.  Our Health Department also provided over 90,000 H1N1 vaccinations, making our distribution method the model of the region. 

I am proud of the work we have done in 2009.   We will continue to move forward with the kind of fiscal responsibility expected from DuPage County, and I have no doubt that DuPage County will continue to be the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Bob Schillerstrom
DuPage County Board Chairman

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