Ron Almiron: 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: ronalmiron.comTwitter: @RonAlmironFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/electronmarch20/Office sought: DuPage County board District 4 Age: 51Family: Married sixteen years with one son in fourth gradeOccupation: AttorneyEducation: B.A., American Studies Psychology, University of Notre Dame J.D., The John Marshall Law SchoolCivic involvement: Ãcirc;#144; Secretary, School Advisory Board, St. Michael Parish School Ãcirc;#144; Lector and Parishioner, St. Michael Catholic Church Ãcirc;#144; President, Waterford Place of Wheaton Condominium Association Ãcirc;#144; Parent Volunteer, Wheaton Park District Barracudas Swim Team Ãcirc;#144; President, Greens of Glendale Lakes Umbrella Association Ãcirc;#144; Vice President, Glendale Heights Barangay Lions ClubElected offices held: Ãcirc;#144; Trustee, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, President pro tempore, Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District Ãcirc;#144; Member, City of Wheaton Planning Zoning BoardQuestions 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?The good citizens of DuPage County, and District 4 in particular, need a representative with a truly fresh perspective, one who is not an established politician or connected with one (or more). I am a part of several communities, and am best qualified to represent the County and its diverse citizens. I have the best combination of professional and community board experience that shows I would be a successful County Board Member. Good government would be my primary goal in office. Thus, I am motivated by a quest for smaller government, less spending, and lower taxes. My biggest issue is how the County spends its money Ãcirc;#144; the taxpayer money. Is money being spent in the right places? I am motivated by this issue because as a taxpayer, I am concerned that the County is spending the taxpayer's money wisely. At the same time I would look to see how the County's services can be delivered in a more efficient way.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes?County Board Members' pay is just right. They have to communicate on many issues, whether via email or phone calls, to prepare for upcoming Board meetings. If the County Board Members do their job right, they would be working all during the week, and not just on Tuesdays.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by the state funding reductions, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?I would advocate saving money first by closely scrutinizing vendors and the services they offer. It is a matter of prioritizing the needs of the County and its citizens, then allocating money to projects accordingly. The County should work with local governments as well as the private sector to deliver services more efficiently and at a cost savings to the taxpayer. I have seen this done first hand at the Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District. With the recent opening of Illinois Route 390 east of Route 53 as well as the McDonald's Oakbrook campus, there are opportunities for the County to attract more businesses to make DuPage County home. As such, growing the County tax base is important.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 in favor of the ACT initiative that would dissolve certain units of government. I applaud the County's efforts to streamline and consolidate local government for the benefit of the DuPage County taxpayer. I advocate expediting these efforts to remove unnecessary and redundant layers of government, ultimately to keep costs down. DuPage should continue to lead by example.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?I would have a specific opioid initiative in mind. The City of Wheaton has before it a pending application for an opioid treatment center on East Loop Road. The opioid problem is actually a County one, though. I would explore alternate locations for the proposed facility, including possibly the DuPage County Government Center itself. The County Board, States Attorney and Sheriff should all work together with the applicant, Haymarket, on a solution that would benefit the DuPage County citizens.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Keeping taxes low would be the highest priority for me if I am elected to the DuPage County Board. The County Board needs to continue to address ongoing stormwater and flooding problems. As for the County Board itself, it should explore the idea of term limits.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Nikki Haley, the United States' UN ambassador, has exceeded expectations, has led by example, and has proven to be effective in her role.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Pick a goal, and plan on achieving it. My father always preached, "Make it happen!"If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would be more open to all sorts of career possibilities, and not be limited to the medical or legal professions.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?In school I enjoyed writing. Clear, concise writing leads to effective communication. I have often implemented this in my 23+ years as an attorney.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I would tell my son to follow his dreams, set short and long term goals, and do everything he can to attain them.