The following is the response to a Northern Star questionnaire sent to all local candidates for the 2020 election. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and consistency.

Name:

Rukisha L. Crawford

Occupation:

DeKalb County Board Member

Education:

Master’s in Education, Master’s in Literacy, B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Minor in Black Studies, ESL certification

Position running for:

DeKalb County Circuit Clerk

Related experience:

Working on the DeKalb County Board and sitting on the Health Human Services, Economic Development, and Forest Preserve committee. Being a DeKalb County Board representative on the Dekalb County Board of Health Department. Being an educator and advocate for my community.

Why are you running:

I am running to bring a change to the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk office. As an advocate, educator, and leader in DeKalb County I am committed to serving the public by creating an atmosphere of diversity, integrity and transparency.

Goals you want to accomplish if elected:

My goals that I will accomplish if elected will be to build positive relationships and to work closely with judges, probation officers, and staff to ensure an efficient and fair court experience for everyone. My goal is to also update the website to have a place where the community can voice their concerns and issues in a comment section so that accountability and transparency can be followed up with staff.

Why students/residents should vote for you:

I am a resident of the DeKalb County for over 20 years and have raised my son here. I am an alumnus of Northern Illinois University. The lack of diversity within elected positions here in the county is one reason why I am running. I want to be a role model for the next generation to come that want to get involved in politics. My campaign slogan is “Changing mindsets to change DeKalb County.” I want to be that change.

The Northern Star is publishing the candidates’ responses to our questions as they are given to us. The Northern Star is not endorsing local candidates.