Robert “Rusty” Stevens: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 2

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 2

Party: Republican

City: Villa Park

Age: 68

Previous offices held: Precinct Committeeman

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I have the time and experience as a fiscally responsible, hardworking, compassionate and common-sense person who loves the county. When you see things that are going wrong or mismanaged, if you do nothing, you are part of the problem. One example would be the interaction with the County Board and the Clerk's office, that could have negated the ability to even hold an election. Only an emergency funding bill prevented that catastrophic result. That is an expensive solution, one of far too many, that simply passes the expense on to the taxpayers. Government owes the residents and families of the county more. It's not impossible to use more common sense and responsible standards. I will.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you’ve led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

I am a challenger for an open seat with no incumbent running. I'd bring a sense of my priority to my seat in government, and the common sense of an upstanding citizen who, like most residents of our county, has managed to survive a government that has habitually worked against our best interests. I wouldn't say they have been purposeful in much of the damage, but I would say that carelessness and lack of any real scrutiny has put us in too many compromising fiscal positions. The compromise always leads to higher taxation. Moreover, this body has become a beacon for every other taxing body that simply refuses to believe our residents are not a bottomless well to keep going to. Reasonable people can compile a strong agenda of issues to deal with and then order them in a manner that is both solvable and logical. DuPage is a very special place. We need to rediscover how it became that place and then work to protect it.

What initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

I would enable an entrepreneurial look on how to “increase Taxpayers and tax receipts.” Making our county a more profitable place to do business, hire more people, and expand their businesses here is a strong first step. As their revenue increases so does the revenue of the county. As employee headcounts rise, more revenue. More jobs lead to more ownership and residency in the county. Again; increased revenue. What I would not do is look for another utility, commodity or service tax to add to the burden of individual, families or small and large businesses. That's a disincentive to come here, stay here, expand here, or raise a family here. Our population blesses with receipts that would make any county envious. We are flush on the receipt side. on the spending side we need a lot more scrutiny. We have many wonderful and worthwhile services that are necessary. We should be proud of that. We must provide safety, good infrastructure and strong maintenance services. Beyond that, we operate a court system, jail, Convalescent ctr, and many other facilities that treat great need and quality of life here. There's ample opportunity to save money by examining every payable the county makes.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

Let's highlight some bright spots. The Sheriff's office and associated Rehabilitation services are 1st rate models for other counties. The Convalescent Center provides outstanding and compassionate care. It's a model for the nation. Animal services is an area that was deemed a priority, and we are better for it. The county supports many of the townships, nonprofits, houses of worship, etc. to provide food, shelter and service to seniors and others in need. Mental Health has been a priority that needs attention, and it's getting it. With much of these models relying on coordination and collaboration, those are strong models to build upon. These are priorities and they are areas where the government plays an important role, but in most cases, it shouldn't provide the “only” role. Anything that does not fall into the category of these areas of safety and a societal safety net need to be looked at very carefully. Would it be a sin to ask the questions, “Do we need this?”, “Are we the only source to provide this?”, “Is there another way or a more cost-effective way?”. These are questions we grapple with in our personal lives every day. Government as an entity can be just as accountable.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

Of course, absolutely. If you have cooperation by definition, you have bipartisanship. County residents don't care where the best ideas come from. They simply want good government with responsible people acting in their best interests. Thoughtful discussion and debate on the best policy and best solutions is not just good practice. It's what we owe the people who elect us to take care of their public business and responsibilities. Nobody forced us to run for office. If we are sincere, we're doing it for noble reasons. Keeping our confidence with our residents is vital. The least we can do is be respectful and cooperative in doing the people's business.

What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?

Frankly. they should be compensated, as this position, done correctly, it requires a very strong time commitment that takes away from family time and careers members are engaged in. I've served with many people on a number of nonprofit boards. All were unpaid and all were very committed to managing very scarce resources to manage many huge issues. Our Board attracts some people for the salary. Because it goes beyond reason and accountability. It can't just be an “at will piggybank” that has no direct and specific voter input. Offer a referendum to the citizens who are taxed. If they are content with these salaries, they'll say so. I am not.

What is the most important issue facing the county in your district and how should it be addressed?

We need to be fiscally responsible, completely accountable to our residents, and operate like a functional body free of drama and hyperbole. This is serious business with serious problems. We must prioritize our need first, our wants second, and recognize the difference! A little more parity on the political side of this equation will be helpful, no doubt. That said, when the election is over and the business begins. We are County Board Members representing DuPage County Families and residents from babies to seniors and everyone in between. There is no legitimate reason to perform in a partisan way that is less productive than creating the best policy. And then, faithfully following it. That's how we preserve a great County for generations to come.