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Peter "Pete" DiCianni: Candidate Profile

DuPage County board District 2 (Republican)

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: ElmhurstWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 2Age: 45Family: Married 18 years to Rose DiCianni a CVICU Nurse, Loyola University Medical Center, Children; Natalie Rose-16, Peter-14, Brianna-8 All attend Elmhurst Public Schools (Lincoln Elementary, Bryan JH, York HS.)Occupation: Mayor of the City of Elmhurst 2009-present Founder CEO of DiCianni Graphics, Inc. 1985-present Full Service Graphic Design Print firm located in DuPage County Started Business at age 18 out of parent's garage as a way to pay my way thru college.Education: Elmhurst College School of Business-Bachelors Degree in Business Management '88 Associates in Accounting '86Civic involvement: Author Lead Advocate "Brianna's Law" Insuring Autism in Illinois 2008 insuring Country's #1 Diagnosed Medical Condition effecting 1/110 children. This legislation has been replicated in over 24 states since it's passage. Bill passed with over 133 bi-partisan sponsors (out of 177 legislators) Legislation named after daughter Brianna diagnosed with Autism in 2006. President Director of Elmhurst Children's Assistance Foundation (ECAF) 1996-2006 raised a record 1 million dollars for DuPage area children with life-threatening disabling conditions. Recognized as Friend of the Children Recipient 2010. Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage Board of Director 2006-present providing Social Services to Seniors Families. DuPage Senior Citizens Council-Volunteer Advocate for Meals on Wheels for Seniors in DuPage County 2009-Present Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce Industry-Director 2001-2009 Elmhurst Family YMCA Board of Director 2004-2009 Awarded YMCA Legislative HERO Award for fight against Childhood Obesity 2009 Elmhurst College ELSA Advisory Board Member 2006-present Special Kids Day-Board Member 2006-present (provides Christmas to Special Needs Children throughout DuPage County) Elmhurst District 205 Vocational Advisor 1985-present Elmhurst School District 205 Finance Task Force Member 2005 Rotarian-Elmhurst Noon Rotary Visitation Catholic Church Men's Club Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic ChurchElected offices held: Mayor of the City of Elmhurst 2009-Present One of DuPage County's Finest Communities with population of roughly 44 thousand people. Leadership accomplishments include Completion Opening of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital with over 3600 employees, Award Winning Public Schools Parks, Beautiful Central Business District, great restaurants, low taxes and low crime. DuPage County Stormwater Commissioner (elected by Mayors of DuPage 2009-present) suggests policy recommendations along with County Board Members which are then ratified by the County Board. Local Government Advisor Board 2011-present-State of Illinois Appointed by Judy Baar Topinka (to analyze government consolidation legislation effecting local government) Governor's West Bypass Advisory Council-Appointed by Governor 2010-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Creating solutions for problems that storm waters create is a key focus throughout my campaign. As an experienced mayor who currently sits on DuPage County's storm water committee, I have a deep understanding of how the county can help local communities deal with storm water challenges.Virtually every town in District 2 and throughout the county has faced problems brought on by storm waters.My voting record, and a new ordinance that I helped craft, have lead these communities to infrastructure improvements that have helped prevent damage to homes and businesses.During the storms of 2010, I lead the way to bring in a record amount of FEMA relief funds. Millions of federal dollars benefitted many DuPage County residents and helped them rebuild. I understand government, and how local, county, state and federal agencies come together to get the job done.I also understand that coping with storm water issues can burden many municipal budgets. My local government knowledge and my own experiences dealing with storm water issues as Mayor of Elmhurst, provide invaluable experience and insight I can bring to the board.Many communities including Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Downers Grove, Lisle and Oakbrook have seen first-hand, the destruction storm waters can cause.I will be your voice and find solutions that matter.Key Issue 2 As a mayor, a businessman, and a taxpayer, I realize the important role intergovernmental cooperation plays in cost and budget reduction.I will look into regionalizing services, in order to provide top-quality public health and safety, economic development, road maintenance, and transportation, while still maintaining budget expectations. We must be certain to eliminate service duplication, maximize tax dollars, and work together to ensure DuPage County remains an ideal place to live, raise a family, start a business and retire. Many residents are remaining in Elmhurst well beyond their retirement years. Many are homebound or have limited mobility. We need to make sure budgets are kept intact, so county-sponsored programs like "Meals on Wheels," and Ride DuPage are maintained and enhanced. I will also focus on local government working with the county to secure quality services such as police and fire, streets and sanitation and more for unincorporated areas as well.Key Issue 3 Three issues wrapped in one - low taxes, economic development, and job creation go hand in hand.As a business owner for over 20 years, I have created jobs and have seen the direct, positive economic effect jobs creation provide.Keeping our taxes low in DuPage County creates an environment where companies want to do business in our County.More businesses bring more jobs. Recruiting businesses that will be a good fit for our communities will welcome revenue streams in the form of sales taxes and commercial property taxes. The bottom line is, the more revenue generated from businesses, the less is required from hard-working families and seniors living on fixed incomes.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?I am running for office because I feel I have the leadership, experience, and passion to be an effective voice for the residents of District 2.I am endorsed by many mayors, legislators and county officials, because of my knowledge and passion for issues such as storm-water, economic development and job creation, public health and safety, and transportation.This knowledge and experience will help me hit the ground running and bring local government understanding and business perspective with me.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?I bring experience and proven leadership to the table.I have a reputation of being a passionate, hard worker who has introduced innovative solutions for many problems. Solutions are formed when people come together and work as a team. A community with a high quality of life, economic development and job creation exemplifies my leadership as a public servant in DuPage County. The brand new Elmhurst Memorial Hospital employs 3600 people, and Chamberland Group's new world headquarters has provided 100 additional permanent jobs.Elmhurst is home to over 40 restaurants and a vibrant downtown area with the historical 10-screen York Theatre.Elmhurst also subsidizes 14,000 home delivered meals to seniors every year.All of Elmhurst's offerings are maintained while still securing one of the lowest tax rates in the county.I will use the very same leadership skills, along with my senior and family service background to be a sound leader for DuPage County.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?DuPage County must work with all levels of government - municipalities, townships, and state and federal government - in order to manage its growth and growing diversity.I believe a task force should be developed to analyze each level of government, and relate how those levels can best help our county serve our ever-growing and changing population and our business owners.If incumbent, are you satisied your attendance at county board/committee meetings has been adequate? Describe the rough percentage of meetings you've attended. If non-incumbent, are you aware of the incumbent's attandance record and is it adequate?My district has three open positions.Through my own experience, board members have been accessible and responsible to both constituents as well as to me as a Mayor.My attendance record as a Mayor is beyond reproach.I take public service seriously and my record speaks for itself.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes' Do you think county board members should receive pensions' If not, would be willing to pledge not to take one?I have already pledged that if I am elected to the DuPage County Board, I will donate my mayoral salary back to the City of Elmhurst.As a businessman, I have been fortunate enough to be able to provide for my family.And although some public servant positions, including ones that I have held, come with pay, I am dedicated to public service because it comes from my heart and the desire to help people.