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Mario Palacios: Candidate Profile

Des Plaines City Council Ward 6

Back to Des Plaines City Council Ward 6

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: Des PlainesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Des Plaines City Council Ward 6 Age: 48Family: Mario and his wife, Patty, are the proud parents of three beautiful children JR (16), Taylor (15), and Dakota (13). They have lived in the community for over 14 years.Occupation: Transportation IndustryEducation: B.A., University of WisconsinCivic involvement: *Maine Township Latino Community Organizer *Donor, local church *Past Board Member, First Security Credit Union *Past Fire and Police Commissioner, City of Des Plaines *Past Board Adviser, Federacion de Clubes Michoacanos in Illinois (FEDECMI)Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am the best candidate, because I have a strong background in business/human resources, entrepreneur experience, fiscal conservatism, and community organizing. The 6th ward needs a leader like me who will help operate our city in a business-like manner, roll up my sleeves and get the job done. I have experience managing people, budgets, and holding all parties accountable in an ethical manner. I believe that is just what our city needs. The leadership of Des Plaines is hard at work with plans for the long range growth of our city. I want to make sure the day to day concerns of our neighbors are not overlooked. I would like to be the bridge between the people of the 6th ward and city hall. If elected, I pledge to donate my entire alderman salary to the 6th ward students who need back- to- school supplies. I am not running to benefit myself, I am doing it to serve my community. I will work very hard to make sure that everyone's voice is included and that everyone has a say in what will affect our neighborhood.Do you approve of the direction in which Mayor Bogusz is taking the city? Why or why not?I believe Mr. Bogusz has good ideas that can benefit the progress of our city. But, I also believe that in order for democracy to exist in Des Plaines, no one should hand pick the councilmen. Alderman, serve as the "checks and balances" of the Mayor. The city needs diversity and different points of view to generate the best ideas possible and help move the city forward. I personally believe in putting taxpayers over politics.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?On the spending side: We need a more thorough review of the budget to locate and eliminate unnecessary expenditures that were given out as political favors. I would like a more open and transparent bid process for city services and preferably from vendors who do not contribute any political money to Des Plaines elected officials. The process of cleaning up Des Plaines politics, by electing truly independent aldermen like me, also means a thorough house-cleaning of all areas of government - which will save us money as well.What is the single biggest problem in your ward not getting enough attention right now and what do you propose to do about it?As I talked to residents in the 6th ward, we face many problems, but the 3 most pressing problems are: 1) Being fiscally responsible by being good stewards of taxpayer money. 2) Encourage Economic Development to provide living wage jobs for our residents. 3) Maintaining the infrastructure and city services that our residents deserve and expect. Our infrastructure investment needs to continue as we must maintain a reasonable paving schedule each year. Our drainage issues must continue to be addressed as we have older areas of our city that are in need of new upgraded drainage infrastructure. If elected, I can work hard to find solutions for the greater good of the 6th ward.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?One of the many ideas I have, is the creation of an independent city inspector general office. The mission would be to address many of the questionable events Des Plaines faces with police misconduct, elected public officials receiving questionable political donations, and established political parties' involvement in a nonpartisan political process. However, the details would have to be well thought out. My idea would be for the Inspector General to monitor every city agency, department, or elected office. It should be done in a legal, orderly, well-thought manner.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I will hold town hall meetings to have face to face time with the 6th ward constituents. I plan on walking the district, talking to people, not just during election time.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bruce RaunerWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To love this country! My family came to this country from Mexico with nothing. Only in America you can be anything you want to be.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Finish law school.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Political science was one of my favorite subjects. It has helped me embrace my diverse community and understand my elected official.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be persistent. When knowledge and ability aren't enough, be persistent.