Robert Larsen: 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: WheatonWebsite: www.BobLarsen.netTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County Board District 6 Age: 52Family: My beautiful wife, Jane, and I have been married for 17 years. We were not blessed with children of our own, but I have 6 godchildren, and many nieces and nephews whom I cherish.Occupation: AttorneyEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Government and Economics (double major) from the University of Notre Dame in 1986.I also received my law degree from the Catholic University in 1989. I also received perhaps my finest education from the U.S. Marine Corps in Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, and Naval Justice School (where I finished first in my class).Civic involvement: I served my Country for over 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2011. I currently serve on the Board of Giving DuPage, and on the Board for the DuPage Board of Health.Elected offices held: Milton Township Trustee 2005-2010DuPage County Board 2010 - presentChairman, Health and Human Services Committee. Vice Chairman, Judicial and Public Safety CommitteeDuPage Board of Health 2012 - presentQuestions Answers What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?I think current Board Member pay is reasonable, assuming the Board Member who receives it works hard, regularly attends meetings, and properly prepares for those meetings. Although a part time job, it is a job that requires a lot of effort, focus and homework to do it effectively. While it is common to call for lower pay for elected officials, we want to continue to attract quality candidates, many of whom, like myself, must take time away from other professional activities to serve on the Board. I have, however, resisted efforts to substantially increase Board pay.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If not, would you be willing to pledge not to take one?When I first took office nearly 6 years ago I made the choice to turn down the pension. While I respect the personal decisions of my fellow Board Members who chose to take pensions years ago, I think current budgetary pressures, and the view of our constituents, tell us it is time to end pensions for the Board. I earned a pension from the Marine Corps, and that is enough for me.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by state funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?During the entire 6 years I've been on the Board, we have worked extremely hard to cut fat from the budget. We have consolidated, we have reviewed and downsized contracts, we have worked and re-worked our insurance plans, etc. I led the fight to consolidate DuPage County's Juvenile Detention Center with Kane County's Center, recognizing the modern trend against incarcerating juveniles. Because I stuck to my guns, we continue to save about $2 million/year from that move alone. I will continue to look for these opportunities. We cannot just keep doing things because "that's the way we've always done it."What are your thoughts about the county's Accountability, Consolidation and Transparency Initiative? What role should DuPage play in efforts to streamline and consolidate local government?I am extremely supportive of the ACT Initiative. The only way to slow the growth of government expense, while still meeting the important missions for which County government exists, is to find ways to do more with less. Consolidation of redundant services is a huge part of that. DuPage has been, and should continue to be, a leader in eliminating redundancy, and finding efficiencies through intergovernmental cooperation and agreements. We must also lead in accountability and transparency, so citizens can have confidence that their officials are working for them, not for themselves.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?Probably the 3 biggest issues in District 6 are flooding, protection of open spaces, and the need for economic development. In many ways they are tied together. There are still areas in the District that are hurting from the most recent economic downturn, and flooding, while improved, continues to be a problem. We need to balance responsible protection of our cherished open spaces with the need for new development and economic expansion. I continue to carefully monitor new development proposals to ensure they are done responsibly. But we must also support and encourage new business ventures in the District.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Economic pressures, including State cuts to reimbursement rates, have presented a real challenge to the DuPage Convalescent Center. Yet, there are few responsibilities of government higher than caring for those incapable of caring for themselves. We initiated a top to bottom review of Convalescent Center operations last year to identify cost savings, consider new funding streams, and to find ways to maximize usage of this cherised gem of DuPage County. I have met with the staff, listened to residents and their families, and continue to work with the Director to protect the Center for the next generation.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Paul Ryan. He took on the difficult task of being Speaker when his Party and his Country needed him, knowing the sacrifice it entailed.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My father taught me the importance of honor, while my mother taught me compassion. These led me to a life of service to others.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I am not one to focus on past failings (and I have many), but rather on future opportunities to succeed and help others.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It has taught me that even the greatest leaders are human and fallible. The courage to persevere despite adversity is what matters.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Don't be afraid to take risks. We learn and grow from failures and successes, not from playing it safe.