Joseph Cantore: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: Oak BrookWebsite: joecantore.comOffice sought: DuPage County Forest Preserve President Age: 42Family: Married, One SonOccupation: Real Estate ManagementEducation: -Graduate, Marmion Military Academy, Aurora, IL -Graduate of Drake University, DesMoines, IA, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration.Civic involvement: -Commissioner, District 2, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (11 years) -Chairman, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Recreation Committee (4 years) -Former Alderman, City of Oakbrook Terrace (4 years, 1998-2002) -Former Commissioner, Oakbrook Terrace Planning and Zoning Commission, (2 years, 1996-1998. -Member, The Conservation Foundation -Member, Illinois Arborist Association -Former Volunteer Teacher, Marmion Academy (2 years) -Volunteer Police Officer (17 years) -Volunteer, "Meals on Wheels" for York Township Seniors, operated by DuPage Senior Citizens Council (17 years) -Member, Visitation Parish, Elmhurst, IL (42 years)Elected offices held: -Commissioner, District 2, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (12 years) -Chairman, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Recreation Committee (4 years) -Former Alderman, City of Oakbrook Terrace (4 years, 1998-2002)Questions Answers Outline two initiatives you have to improve the forest preserve district.Early in my tenure, I ensured the District focused on sensible and sensitive land acquisition practices. This meant that any land the District acquired had to have a definitive purpose and a direct correlation to the District's mission. It also meant that the District worked to become more aware and sensitive to the concerns of land owners as opposed to forcing condemnation and then taking land through condemnation. When the District did acquire land, it also needed to benefit DuPage County residents. Additionally, I worked to ensure the District enhanced its program offerings like our nationally recognized archery program.What role should be the forest preserve district play in preserving historic buildings on its land?The District should work to preserve its history but it's critical that we take a balanced approach. There may be a structure that is worthy of preservation, but operational and maintenance costs may be completely prohibitive. Resident interest and community input must also be sought to determine if that's how DuPage County residents would like to see the commission spend their tax dollars before moving forward on preserving historic structures. The District is reviewing these policies and we have a lot to consider. However we decide to move forward, it will be important we take a holistic view and approach.Are you satisfied with how the district responded to complaints from volunteers about the treatment of horses at the Danada Equestrian Center? Why or why not? Does more need to be done?Yes, I'm satisfied with the way we responded as a board. We took our volunteer's concerns very seriously and moved swiftly to address all of their issues. We hired the professionals we needed to solve the problem, then let them do the job. I believe we were pro-active with the meetings we conducted and the board's direction of Commissioner Burns to be our liaison to ensure all concerns were heard and acted on. We need to continue to monitor the program in the coming months on an ongoing basis to ensure it continues to run the way the people demand.Do you think forest preserve members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If elected, will you accept a pension?I will not take a pension as president. As far as what other forest preserve commissioners do, it is their decision whether or not they elect to take a pension.The forest preserve district has been approached by several agencies looking to use its land for other purposes. Describe your position on such requests and if it is ever appropriate to develop forest preserve land for non-forest preserve activities.Why did the voters approve a tax increase for the Forest Preserve to buy open space to begin with? That's a question we as Commissioners have to ask ourselves when it comes to the use of open space. A conversation between the forest preserve, the entity requesting the land, the county board, and all of the stakeholders involved is necessary to determine what's involved in this decision. Are there better ways to go about it and different locations that will come out of a collaborative effort between all involved? I think so. And one that keeps our open spaceâ#128;brvbar;open.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?One of the most important issues I will face as president of the district is building a consensus among the board members from each district and making sure that we as a board work together to accomplish the individual board member's initiatives for the constituents in their respective districts. I will also be actively working to increase public participation in our preserves and programs. It's a quality of life issue for all of us. Any resident of DuPage County can benefit from our forest preserves, and the best part is, they have this tremendous resource right in their own backyard!Please name one current leader who most inspires you.My parents. They taught me basic life skills, a good work ethic, and a moral compass I want to pass on to my son.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?A good moral compass and a solid work ethic.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?It's counter productive to dwell on what I would do over. If I make a mistake, I treat it as a learning experience.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject in school wasn't actually in school. It was the life experience I gained interacting with people.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Your word is your bond. Make a deal and stick to it, because your word is the most valuable asset you have to offer.