Joeseph Calomino: 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: Lake in the HillsWebsite: www.joeforcountyboard5.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry County Board District 5 Age: 58Family: Married for 23 years to Terri Calomino. Two adult children and 3 fabulous grandchildren.Occupation: President of self-owned consulting companyEducation: High School DiplomaAssociates Degree General StudiesCivic involvement: Member of Leadership Greater McHenry County Past Board member of Italian American CoalitionPast Republican Precinct Committeeman Chicago's 36th Ward and Grafton Township GOPPast Legislative Liaison Chicago Chapter of ABATEElected offices held: NoneQuestions 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 have spent the last 22 plus years in the trenches leading the charge and fighting for fewer taxes, less government and a more accountable, transparent government. I have a proven track record of bringing people together to affect positive change throughout the State of Illinois. I want to bring my over two decades of principled and independent leadership to McHenry County in order to help protect and improve the quality of life we currently enjoy. There are four core issues that motivate me. They are Economic Development, Transportation, Government Consolidation, and Property Taxes.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 am not an incumbent. However, I have a long list of accomplishments that held government accountable for how they spend tax dollars. Glimpses of my accomplishments are as follows: â#8364;cent; Exposed waste fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars throughout the state; â#8364;cent; Successfully fought against state and local property tax increases: â#8364;cent; Passed law forcing state bureaucrats to be more transparent (Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal);â#8364;cent; Filed successful lawsuit against former Governor Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones exposing hidden spending... I want to bring this type of honest, principled and independent leadership to the McHenry County Board.Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them. In particular in the suburbs, President Preckwinkle has set a goal of eliminating unincorporated areas from county oversight. Do you agree with this approach? If so, how should the county go about it?My combined intergovernmental and government watchdog experience uniquely qualifies me to address the budgetary and fiscal issues facing the County Board. It's especially true as it pertains to balancing a budget and doing more with less."I believe the "chief threat" facing the county moving forward is the current level of uncertainty local governments face regarding fiscal and tax code policies caused by the current dysfunction in our states capitol. As for Preckwinkle's approach, I believe that government must first conduct research to determine the effects of leveraging any public-private partnerships in order to provide better services at less cost.How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If you consider it adequate, please explain why. If you think improvements are needed, please describe them and why they are important.As the state director of Americans for Prosperity, I was on the forefront of the government transparency movement. I developed, executed, and led a two-year battle to pass the first ever on-line transparency law (ITAP). The legislation provides a single point of reference to review how tax dollars are being spent on state government programs.During this time, Americans for Prosperity and many other organizations under the umbrella of the "Sunshine Review" developed a standard on-line transparency checklist. McHenry County Government has regularly received A+ grade from the Sunshine Review. I will work to ensure their commitment to transparency continues.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?I was once appointed as a McHenry County Precinct Committeeman.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am passionate about serving the public and having a positive impact in our community. I look forward to doing so in McHenry County by working to improve Economic Opportunities, Transportation and Infrastructure, Government Consolidation opportunities, and helping to create an environment for Property Tax relief.I'm also a firm believer that it is my responsibility and desire as an elected official to provide citizens the opportunity to have their voices heard. By educating and engaging citizens on important public policy issues I hope to strengthen citizen participation in local governance and in the long-run reinvigorate citizen trust in government.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.It's not one person but it is one entityâ#8364;brvbar;those willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our country â#8364;#8220; our military personnel inspire me daily.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The biggest lesson I learned was how to be a productive member of societyâ#8364;brvbar;Respect others opinions, be honest, work hard, have goals, and love family.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I've had a blessed lifeâ#8364;brvbar;a loving family and opportunities to make a difference in people lives. Looking back, learning to play a musical instrument well.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Social studies. I feel it helped to open my eyes on the value of public service and how to make a difference.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?The same advice my parents gave me. Be a productive member of societyâ#8364;brvbar;Respect others opinions, be honest, work hard, have goals and love family.