Dawn Cassady - Trustee

I have lived in Roscoe for 21 years. Originally born in Rockford and raised in the New Milford area, I settled here with my family after living in Arizona for 14 years. My husband, Rich, and I have been married for 36 years. We have 3 children: Carissa, 31, and husband, Mike, Joel, (28) and Jared, (26), along with one grandchild, Madeline, who is 3 years old, all living in the area. I studied accounting, with emphasis on cost accounting and inventory control management in a manufacturing atmosphere, but ended up making my early career as a computer technician, installing mainframes in accounting environments in the early 80s. I was a homemaker for 11 years while my children were small. I spent my time as room mom, PTO member, Girl Scout co-leader, and board member of my children’s preschool for 7 years, 2 of which I served as Chairman. I was also a member of my Church Council, and taught pre-school Sunday School for several years.

My hobbies include genealogy, macrame and silver/turquoise jewelry making.

My husband and I made the decision to move back to this area in 1995 after our youngest son was diagnosed with autism to be closer to family support. Our son, Jared, was the first autistic student to attend Kinnikinnick schools. I am very proud of the relationships I built there, and the opportunities I was given to educate, not only staff, but the children who attended school with our son at the time. I worked part-time for Rockton School district for 3 years as an aide to Rockton’s first autistic student shortly after moving here. After attending some refresher classes at RVC, and becoming a certified computer repair technician, I owned and operated Certified Computer Service for 12 years in Roscoe, specializing in network configuration, installation and repair for businesses, along with support and repair for home users. I retired a couple of years ago.

I fought for 8 years to get Roscoe Township to join into the Stateline Mass Transit District system, which provides door to door transit service to residents in the area, with the disabled and elderly being able to ride for half fare. This service finally was provided in May.

I have been attending Roscoe Township meetings regularly for almost 9 years. My hopes, if elected to a trustee position, are to maintain fiscal responsibility and provide more of an open communication with the residents. I would like to see more citizen involvement in the aspirations and decisions of the Township.

I would like to see a website for the Township where citizens can access information regarding general issues, and gain information including upcoming Board meetings, meeting agendas and minutes. I recognize that Roscoe has a mix of young families and aging, original homeowners. In addition to supporting parks and recreation, I would like to address activities and support for our aging population.