Dino Gavanes: 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: ItascaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 1 Age: 66Family: I reside in Itasca with my wife Melanie. Between us we have 3 adult, married children. Katina ( Eric) Czachorski, Beau (Amanda) Singer, and Zachary (Karen) SingerOccupation: Insurance Broker/ConsultantEducation: BS Engineering - Univ. of Illinois MBA Finance - DePaul UniversityCivic involvement: -Precinct Committeeman -Itasca Police Pension Board -Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois- Past President -Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America- Past National Director GOA Business Association- Board of Directos - Itasca Chamber of Commerce- Board of Directors -National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research - Board of Directors and Past ChairmanElected offices held: Itasca Police Pension 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?I have been a resident of DuPage County for more than 25 years. I have owned businesses and employed people in Dupage County since 1978. This county and its people are important to me. When the opportunity to serve on the County Board arose, I decided to accept the challenge because I felt that my background in business, my educational background, and my knowledge of the county would serve it well. Issues that motivate me include economic development, especially entrepreneurship opportunities. New business development is a crucial element of a vibrant economy. Another issue is the need for our youth to become familiar and involved in the political process. Voter turnout is pathetically low, and apathy is pathetically high. Another issue that frightens us all is opioid addiction, and the deaths that arise from it. If I can make a small difference in these areas, then I will consider my time on the board well spentWhat is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes?I believe that the current board member pay level adequate. Having viewed the activities of many board member, it is clear that they are committed to the board and spend a considerable amount of time on board issues throughout the countyWith 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 support any initiative that increases revenue through economic development. I oppose tax rate increasesWhat 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 believe that considerable progress has already been made under the ACT initiatives. Projections of savings from the reforms are approximately $100 million. These reforms include 1.consolidation of some local governments 2 Changes to the DuPage Water Commission 3 Restructuring of employee benefits 4 Shared services agreement with Kane County and 5 Consolidated Public Safety Answering Point dispatch centers. Some additional changes could include infrastructure renovations, such as LED lighting. The DuPage ACT Initiative continues to examine areas of potential savings.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?If I am elected, I would like to meet with District 1 Board members, Township leaders, and municipal trustees, and police departments to discuss areas of concern of which the county has authority. Airport noise and pollution, I-390 economic impactWhat other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Issues focusing on the economic well being of the citizens of DuPaage. Job and business creation, fiscal responsibilityPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Jamie Dimon CEO of J.P.MorganWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Respect for others, especially your eldersIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?More time with family, and world travelWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Entrepreneurship management and finance, as part of my MBAIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Respect and Kindness towards others, Hard work and Honesty