Russ Ruzanski: 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: Lake in the HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Elect Russ RuzanskiOffice sought: Lake In The Hills Village President Age: 70Family: Wife,Dorie; Sons, Richard; Randall; Grandchildren, Scott, Mykala,Eric, Andrew, Mathew.Occupation: Retired, 42yr. career at Coca-Cola Chicago, all in sales ascending to the position of Region ManagerEducation: St. Ignatius College Prep, 1964; ECC Elgin, Basic Computers, Excel and PowerPoint.Civic involvement: 2011-present, Village Trustee, 2008-2011, planning zoning commission, 2004-2008, business relation committee. 1997-2004, citizens police academy.I am an associate member of the LITH Rotary and do volunteer projects with them such as; Rockin'rotary Ribfest, soup kitchen work in Chicago. Weekly volunteer at the LITH/ALG.food pantry. It is there that I have the opportunity to mentor children from 12yrs. old on up. It is very rewarding to introduce the children to the needs of the community, perhaps they will be lifetime volunteers. Also, Sunday School teacher at Living Waters Church.Elected offices held: 2011-present, :LITH Village Trustee.Chairman of the LITH Business Relations Committee, 2006-2008. Vice President of the Living waters Lutheran Church Council. Treasure of the LITH Citizens Police Academy Alumni association.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have gained a great deal of experience serving on committees and the Village Board for the previous twelve years, six of which on the Village Board. I am an honest man of integrity, who will lead the village trustees into the future with diversity, transparency, and respect at all times.How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?We have been able to make projected expenses match our projected income by maneuvering funds between bank accounts to fill the projected income shortfall. This practice has taken up for the last few years, some of these funds may have been earmarked for future capital projects. This trend needs to be reversed. More income is needed and expenses trimmed. I will attempt to cut our budget as stated in the next question. Filling the empty Dominick's building with one or more revenue driving businesses would help significantly. Speedway Petroleum will be building a 4000 square retain convenience store with ten gasoline pumps will drive new revenue. I fully support bidding village improvement projects jointly with neighboring municipalities to achieve the lowest cost possible.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?As President, I would monitor the budget process as the year progresses.I would begin the process of lowering the entire budget by 5% by giving this goal to all department heads, putting a timeline on which they need to report their progress. I would monitor diligently. I would consider their choices and then establish the areas to cut along with each person to assist them with this process. Knowing many of the strip owners, Approaching businesses with vacant storefronts next to them and inquire as to possible expansion of their business could reveal some interesting possibilities.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.My leadership style was honed throughout my years as a manager at Coca-Cola Co.The example I set will be very important. It is one of complete respect and calmness under pressure, nothing is ever better by losing one's emotional control which has been witnessed by my years on the village board so far. We must strive to make the best decisions available for the 29000 residents we represent while keeping a professional presence at all times. I regularly had twelve direct reports and was responsible for achieving monthly, quarter, and yearly sales goals.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I have an idea of a cost saving measure I would like to pursue. I am seeing more vehicles that are powered by natural gas, they are efficient and go well with the green eco-friendly movement . We would look for funding through Federal and State grants to fund this project. A fill station could be established at the LITH airport that would service LITH vehicles as well as those of surrounding communities thereby creating s win-win situation.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Respect must be maintained on the village board, at all times. Again, I would lead by example. Diversity and transparence must be practiced at all times.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Arizona Senator John McCain. This former POW has contributed a great deal as a public servanito his state and the country as a whole.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Honesty and humility are two character traits to pursue in an ongoing manner.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would finish my finish my higher education. Truth be told, I am very happy how my life has turned out.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Mathematics have helped me with day to day issues such as balancing the checkbook up to performing complex formulas as a manager for Coca-Cola.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?It has been to always tell the truth and be impeccably honest as well. Your conscience will always be clear and volunteer whenever possible.