Tawanna Easter
March 29, 2011 7:42PM
Office sought: Board of Trustee
Name: Tawanna Easter
Address: 18739 Royal Road, Homewood, Illinois
Date of birth: 07-22-1972
Email: eastertawanna@yahoo.com
Education: M.Ed. Adult, Continual & Literacy Education
Occupation, employer: Adult Educator, YMCA Alliance of Chicago
Please list all sources of income: YMCA Alliance of Chicago, Cook County Government
Spouse, spouse’s employer: Michael Easter, Cook County Government
Children, age of children, children’s employer (if applicable): Two sons ages 12 and 9. N/A.
Please list any relatives, including in-laws, who are employed by a government agency at the federal, state or local levels. What are their job titles and with what agency are they employed? N/A
What other elected offices have you sought? What year?
My family and I were residents of Glenwood from 2000 to 2005. While there, I sought the office of Glenwood Library Trustee.
Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime? If so, for what? What was the disposition? N/A
Do you have any criminal convictions on your record? If so, for what? What was your sentence? N/A
Political (elected or significant appointment) experience: N/A
In your view, what are the two most important issues facing your constituents? How would you address those issues?
The two most important issues facing my constituents are lack of employment opportunities and job readiness skills.
First, I would address the lack of employment opportunities by establishing relationships with local businesses and encouraging hiring from within the district and the participation of these companies in job fairs that would be held on the campus of Prairie State College.
To address job readiness skills, I would ensure that the staff of Prairie State College’s Illinois workNet Center receive continuous training to keep up with the current workforce trends.
Please explain something significant you would like to accomplish within the next two years if you are elected to the office to which you aspire.
I would like to propose a one year tuition freeze. This would benefit the students of Prairie State Community College in a great way.
Please explain how you believe the office you’re seeking can help in creating local jobs.
I feel that this position would allow me the opportunity to meet, network and strengthen the relationship between local businesses and PSC. Because of this relationship, I can advocate on behalf of PSC’s students/constituents that are currently seeking gainful employment and PSC’s Illinois workNet Center Program that focuses on job preparedness and training.
Do you believe the current way Illinois pays for education is working? If so, why? If not, why not? What would you change?
No, I do not. Illinois school districts are primarily funded by property tax dollars. As a result, there is inequity in the levels of educational services provided in our school districts due to uneven levels of property taxes across Illinois communities. If possible, I would see to it that educational services in Illinois school districts with lower property taxes are equal to their counterparts in higher property tax paying districts.
Would you make any changes to the budget of the governing unit to which you are seeking elected office? If so, what?
Yes, I would begin with a complete review and assessment of all contracts, PSC/Board policies, procedures and operations to maximize effectiveness of the districts resources. I would work to promote continuous training for all faculty and staff.I would push for and encourage early retirement program incentives and other cost saving methods that may be brought to my attention.
Are there any other issues you want to bring to the public’s attention? If so, what?
Yes. I feel that Prairie State College needs to increase their student enrollment/outreach efforts and strengthen their faculty/student relationships.
