Michael Ruffulo: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: East DundeeWebsite: http://Facebook: Re-elect Michael RuffuloOffice sought: East Dundee Village boardAge: 61Family: Married to Judy Ruffulo, the love of my life One son, Christian Ruffulo, the pride of my lifeOccupation: Controller, General Fire Sprinkler Company, Elgin IL. Owner, Up Running Business Services, East Dundee ILEducation: Roosevelt University, Chicago ILLewis University, Lockport ILCivic involvement: Member, East Dundee Telecommunications Committee 1997-1998Commissioner, East Dundee Plan Commission 1997-1999Chairman, Community Events Committee 1997-2009Treasurer, Dundee Township Visitor's Center 1997-2005Director,Dundee Township Fine Arts Council 1997-2000Treasurer, Tri-Cities Little League 1996-2001Treasurer, Special Education Network 2001-Present Elected offices held: Village Trustee, East Dundee 3 four-year terms, 1999, 2003, 2007Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I am running for re-election to continue the programs for which I was elected. Obviously, economic development is the critical issue facing our Village at this time. Working to solve the impact of this challenge will be my priority. We need to continue the strides made at Dundee Crossing and Santa'a Village, and rectify the River Valley Square mess.Key Issue 2 Keeping a promise to the taxpayers to eliminate all wasteful spending. Residents struggling in these difficult economic times cannot continue to be expected to resolve our deficits. Unnecessary spending must be eliminated and creative ways of generating new revenue streams will be critical, especially with the impending loss of Wal-Mart.Key Issue 3 Continuing the fight for clean air. We have made some headway with leaf burning, but we need to do better, especially in the more densely populated neighborhoods.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Experience. I believe the best approach to difficult issues is honest, open and respectful debate among board members. I#146;m proud that I have maintained a standard for myself of not getting caught up in taking sides, but rather making decisions based on what I believe to be best for the community. I always have and will continue to work towards a cohesive, unified Board.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.Like other communities, our sales tax base has been declining over the years. The Home Rule Sales Tax and Business Development District tax has been helpful in off- setting some of these deficiencies. I have always been a proponent of a higher sales tax rather than a higher property tax because it eases the burden of residents.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.Residents all want their basic needs met -- police protection, safe and clean roads, and a sufficient supply of water. We have done an outstanding job on these facets of government. We need to do more to help those with respiratory problems during burning season. Also, I was proud to sponsor legislation requiring handicap parking spaces at River Valley Square Medical Centers. And we need to update our emergency plan regarding extraordinary circumstances.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I believe certain areas of management need to be looked at. Less at the top, and more for public service employees. I sponsored legislation for an ""opt-out"" of Trustee and Commissioner pay. It's a small number, but it sets an example.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I believe that our downtown area should have a more hands-on approach from the Village Board. We need to market and capitalize on the Dundee name. The time is right to form a true Dundee Chamber of Commerce. We need to market the unique shops and businesses that are on both sides of the bridge and develop a strategic plan to make Dundee a destination point. I feel very strongly about this.