Richard Blass: 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: ElmhurstWebsite: www.blassfordupage.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County Board District 2 Age: 48Family: Katherine C. Blass spouseTimothy L. Blass 8 yrs. sonCashel R. Blass 7 yrs. sonOccupation: AttorneyEducation: Lewis University BA (Business)Dominican University MBAJohn Marshal Law Juris DoctorateCivic involvement: Visitation School Elmhurst 3rd Grade Catechist (CCD Teacher)Visitation Parish Elmhurst Eucharistic MinisterKnights of Columbus ElmhurstLincoln Elementary School Elmhurst PTALincoln Elementary School Elmhurst Lincoln Dad's ClubElected offices held: Village of Berkeley Library TrusteeVillage of Berkeley Village Board TrusteeVillage of Berkeley Chairman, Zoning Board of AppealsQuestions Answers What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?DuPage is the second largest county in the State of Illinois with a budget of nearly a half a billion dollars and a population larger then seven states. The residents have come to expect and deserve well qualified individuals serving on the Board. As I understand the job description and what it entails, I think the current salary is sufficient to recruit and maintain qualified candidates for this important office.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?If elected, I will not be eligible to participate in the pension plan. That notwithstanding, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on other Board members who have or are participating in the pension plan which was part of the salary package offered when they were elected.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?Focus on revenue streams that the County has direct control over rather than just being in defense mode. Sales Tax, which is our county's number one revenue stream is one of the keys to our future. Keeping a pro-business mindset by reducing unnecessary regulations and keeping commercial property taxes low enhances the business climate and facilitates in attraction and retention of businesses.Having a balance of Commerce that reflects a strong retail base, as well as strong industrial and commercial base, will strengthen sales tax, increase job creation and keep the quality of life that is expected and deserved.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 transparency and facilitating the public's ability to access information. That is the cornerstone of the ability of the public to effectively engage the county in discussions regarding important topics. I think DuPage has a strong Ethics Ordinance and that the County has been proactive, rather than reactive in the sharing of information.As to consolidation, I am in favor of the utilization of shared services after careful consideration and verifiable cost and efficiency analysis.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?Public SafetyMy number one issue is to keep the families of DuPage County safe. As a former Deputy Police Chief, I have seen first hand how manpower, training and technology is key to keeping gangs and drugs out of our county.Storm Water MitigationDistrict 2 is the hardest hit in DuPage and the lead disperser of federal funds for local projects like the celebrated Graue Mill Flood Mitigation Project. I understand the importance of these projects as I have been personally affected by flooding.Lower Taxes Through Economic DevelopmentCaring for our seniors, mentally ill and developmentally disabledWhat other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?In line with my initiative in Public Safety and through my experience as a law enforcement officer, I truly understand that the heroin epidemic has metastasized throughout the County without regard to economic or social status. Although law enforcement and imprisonment is important, there must also be an emphasis on treatment and preventative education for society to even make a dent in the destruction heroin has caused.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis because he has reinvigorated the church and sparked interest and hope in both Catholics and non-Catholics through his acts of kindness and leadership.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Having a family to rely on with strong bonds is precious and something to be cherished.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Any one of the moments in my life where I didn't act with as much patience or kindness as I could have.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Trial Advocacy in law school because it gave me real world experience in adjudicating a case from start to finish.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always choose to be kind. You never know what battles other people are facing.