2013 Election: Scott Burkhardt

Scott Burkhardt has served as City Clerk since 1997. He also serves as the City Collector and Director of Human Resources. Burkhardt is directly responsible for personnel and risk management, as well as city safety programs.

Burkhardt is also a Registered Municipal Clerk through the Municipal Clerks of Illinois and a Certified Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Valparaiso University and a master's degree in public administration from Governors State University.  Before joining the city, Scott worked for 19 years with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Name: Scott Burkhardt

Position Sought: City Clerk

Campaign Contact Information: 

burkhardtforclerk@gmail.com
Cell phone: 708-297-0352

What will be your single most important priority if you are elected?

I will continue the high level of service and professionalism my office provides to the citizens of Oak Forest. I personally make sure that customer service is of the highest caliber. If we can’t answer a question, we try to find someone in the City who knows the answer. I pride myself on personal responsiveness and availability. I use my personal office telephone number as point of contact for any citizen who wishes to contact me.

Family:

Maggi—Wife
Scott, Jr.—Son, age 25
Brian—Son, Age 23
Lauren—Daughter, Age 20
Matthew—Son, Age 19

Education

• Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Graduate Class of 1974
• Valparaiso University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Graduate Class of 1978
• Governors State University, Master of Public Administration, Graduate Class of 1989

Current Occupation

City of Oak Forest, City Clerk

Political Party Affiliation
Independent

Why Are You Seeking Office?
I want to continue to have an active role in this community. Oak Forest is an excellent place to raise a family and I am proud to represent this community as a citizen leader. I also wish to continue looking for new and innovative ways to bring ideas to the city.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I have a strong history of volunteerism within the community. I believe volunteerism is essential to keeping the community strong. I have been involved in numerous activities within the community, including scouting, youth athletic programs, church groups, school booster boards, and charity fundraising to name a few.

I also believe continuing professional education is essential. I have earned numerous professional certificates since becoming Clerk to stay current with professional trends and issues. 

What is the most important issue facing Oak Forest?
Costs for operating the City must be kept close to budgeted levels. All municipalities, including Oak Forest, must continue to look for the most efficient ways use limited resources.

What approach will you bring to solving it?
I will continue to increase the efficiency of the Clerk’s Office. For example, the implementation of technology has allowed an increase in productivity. This increased efficiency has yielded an associated reduction in personnel. The office currently operates with approximately one-half of the staff from when I was first elected. Office hours have been reduced to save on personnel costs. Additional sources of revenues were instituted, such as the US Passport program. Information is more available through the use of technology. One example is the posting of the municipal code online. 

Define the role of clerk, as you view it.
The role of Clerk has always been about organization and accuracy. The Clerk keeps track of vital documents such as codes, statutes and policies. Essential leadership is also required when working with other elected officials for meeting and agenda development. The Clerk works with the Office of Attorney General to provide guidance with relevant statues. The Clerk must strive to improve and protect the framework which allows the public to govern, and to have confidence in the governments which serve those same citizens. 

Anything else?
This community has allowed me the privilege to serve the citizens of Oak Forest for many years. I ask for your support and vote to continue to do so on April 9, 2013.

For further information, I invite citizens to visit my Facebook page, Burkhardt for Clerk. Everyone is also welcome to email me at burkhardtforclerk@gmail.com.