Robert M. Zubak: 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: Barrington HillsWebsite: http://www.yourbarringtonhills.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Barrington Hills Village Board Age: 64Family: Wife and two adult childrenOccupation: RetiredEducation: Education/Degrees BS #8211; University of IL and MBA #8211; Northwestern University - KelloggCivic involvement: Served on Municipal Securities Rulemaking BoardElected offices held: Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have lived in the Village for only one and a half years but already realize what a wonderful community and how different Barrington Hills is from other towns. Having spent my career in the Municipal Finance field, I have a solid background to act as a Village Trustee. In that capacity, I would serve the community by concentrating on greater government transparency, preserving the five-acre zoning, and continuing to work on keeping Barrington Hills a unique and great place to live.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.There is no commercial property in Barrington Hills so there are no sales taxes collected. The current tax levy has not changed over the past twelve years, and provides enough tax dollars for a high quality of village services. However, residents feel our property taxes are high, so I will continue to cut wasted expenses and make our local government run more efficiently. I would also continue to emphasize financial stability, public safety and transparency.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?The fire and EMT services are very good and appear to be prepared for future growth. The police department staffing has dropped over the past several years. With continued growth around Barrington Hills and the expected increase in traffic as the Long Meadow Parkway project progresses, police staffing will need to increase so to address public safety concerns.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Village legal expenses continue to be high compared to other communities. Unfortunately, services have suffered in recent years and we need to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely to serve the needs of the residents. I believe residents would like more staffing in Village Hall, increased police staffing and more roadway repairs with their tax dollars.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The Village government needs to have greater transparency and include an ethics policy so that board members are aware of potential conflicts of interest that might arise as they make decisions for the Village. I believe many residents would have more confidence in the board if a strong ethics policy were to be put into place.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We need to make sure Village government does everything possible to improve property values. Government's role is to deliver the village services, which are important to the residents. I will listen to the community and restore services, safeguard property rights, and maintain the unique qualities that make Barrington Hills a great place to live.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.While I do not agree with everything he has done, Bruce Rauner is in office trying to do the right things to effect change for the long-term financial stability for the state of Illinois.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?A sense of humor makes life much more enjoyable.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To spend more time with my Father before he passed away.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Economics because it helps you understand that people will operate by the way they are incentivized.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do the right thing and you will never regret your actions.