:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/3F2E2DXWHSMIITIGRREFQIENNI.jpg)
Name
Laura E. Ross
Age
53
Current occupation
Sugar Grove Township Assessor
Education
A.A.S., paralegal, Harper College
Immediate family
Tammy (daughter, 32), Adam (son, 26), and Paula (daughter, 25), grandchildren Shannon (6), Jimmy (4)
Civic involvement
Volunteer at community events, president Kane County Assessors Association 2014-2017, Kane County legislative consultant 2013-2017, legislative chairman Illinois Assessors Association 2016-2017, Rob Roy Drainage District #2 clerk, Sugar Grove Drainage District #1 secretary.
Previous elected offices held
Sugar Grove Township Assessor
Why have you decided to run for election/reelection in the Sugar Grove Township assessor race?
Our township community is so deserving of an elected official who will continue to hear the needs of taxpayers, one who has developed and maintained high ethical standards to ensure fairness and uniformity, one who listens and responds quickly to your concerns and continues to provide great customer service to everyone. Equally important, there is always valuable experience to be learned as an assessor in Illinois, since it is the only elected position that requires certification and continuing education.
What experience and/or strengths would you bring to Sugar Grove Township if elected/re-elected?
I am prepared and well-qualified to serve as your township assessor. I began in the Sugar Grove Township Assessor’s office as a part-time receptionist in 1998. My predecessor recognized my abilities, then afforded me the opportunity to get my certification in 2000. Within two years, I was promoted to chief deputy assessor, then mentored to become the elected assessor in 2005. Formerly, I was paralegal for retired Judge Sam Amirante of the 3rd District in Cook County and campaign administration manager for an appellate judge. Just as important is bringing customer service back to government. We owe it to the families and businesses we are to serve.
What differentiates you from the other candidate(s)running for this seat?
Experience would be one of the key ingredients a candidate should possess before coming into an office as the President/CEO, particularly when an assessor is held statutorily responsible for for revenue generated in an entire community. Unfortunately, my opponent has never worked in the assessment field and only last year obtained a certification. He is qualified, though, to be an accountant.
Outside of politics, what are some of your other interests?
If I may be a bit bold, I am not interested in politics or like to be involved in politics. As assessor, I am elected to serve “all people” and be “for the people.” I believe I am accountable to “only the people." I truly enjoy the outdoors in all facets: gardening, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting and bike riding I hope to have an opportunity to experience parasailing and skydiving.
Why should people vote for you in this race?
I’m confident that I am the best-qualified candidate with a comprehensive understanding of the assessment process and my responsiveness to the people is unparalleled, always being available day, night, weekends. I also make house calls for those less fortunate or disabled. I bring professionalism, integrity and honesty to the assessor's office. I strive to always further educate myself and enjoy finding ways to help others. My continuing education in the assessment process, both residential and commercial (including legislation as well as my cognizance of unreasonableness in the tax code), leads me to fight even more for tax cuts and spending cuts overall in government. I can and do provide the support, understanding and direction to the people who elected me and entrust me to always do the right thing. I am active in communicating with Springfield on issues to benefit taxpayers and protect their rights.