Richard Baldino: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: https://baldinofortrustee.com/Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Neighbors for BaldinoOffice sought: Arlington Heights Village Board Age: 49Family: Wife Mary, Son Robert, Daughter GraceOccupation: Environmental ChemistEducation: BS Chemistry - North Central CollegeMS Water Chemistry - University of Wisconsin at MadisonCivic involvement: Chair of Trustees - First United Methodist ChurchElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My plan is to create an environment where small businesses can thrive, while holding the line on property taxes. As an environmental scientist, I have a practical approach to problem solving. I think the Village can combine green solutions with support for infrastructure investment to repair roads and prevent flooding. My experience with government contracts for environmental consulting is relevant to some of the work that the Board conducts.I have a long track record of responsibility to the community, volunteering in my church, with Scouts and the local homeless shelter. I am respectful of everyone "â#128;œ and I think this is welcome in the tense times that we are living in.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.I have looked at the sales tax rates and property tax rates for our closest surrounding communities and Arlington Heights is on par with those communities. I feel that these tax rates are at a suitable level to maintain high quality schools, Village services, library and park districts. I am in favor of no tax increases. In fact, we should look for ways to freeze or lower them while still operating within our means. I would work with the local business community to find ways to help grow local business and attract new businesses to Arlington Heights.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 police department won First Place in the 2016 National Law Enforcement Challenge and won the Clayton J. Hall award for comprehensive traffic safety. The Fire Department scored in the top 1/3 of 1% of fire departments nationwide by earning a ISO rating of Class 1. These are strong indications of excellent fire and police coverage here in Arlington Heights. I think it is very important to continue the process already begun for the renovation of the Police Station to meet future challenges. It should be noted our Public Works department wins competitions for fastest fixes of water main breaks. Their coordination with the police and fire departments during flooding emergencies is critical.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The Village is currently working within its means and has a history of doing so. I am very interested in continuing that practice by working with the village administration to control the budget wherever possible. The village is also fortunate in that it has a strong financial position. As we have opportunities, we should prioritize long-term solutions for our infrastructure. This will be a challenge to uphold as the village moves forward with the new Police Station renovation and maintenance on the local infrastructure such as water mains, street repairs, and storm water management.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would look for low-cost ways to implement sustainable development here in Arlington Heights. These solutions can be as simple as adopting paperless statements and newsletters to as complex as expanding use of the rain barrel program to help control flooding in the area. Sustainable development also includes embracing cultural diversity in our community as part of an ever- shrinking world.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Arlington Heights has a wealth of cultural opportunities through our parks and the Metropolis. I would want to be careful that those advantages stay a vibrant part of this community. I would like to ensure that the Village and Chamber of Commerce work well together on economic development.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bill Gates has accomplished much with his foundation. He values research and innovation and applies that to solving big picture problems like poverty and disease.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Responsibility "â#128;œ take responsibility for your own actions. Do what you say you will do, period.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have asked my wife out sooner. We were friends for a few years before dating, and I would have enjoyed the extra time.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I wanted to go into one of the physical sciences and taking Chemistry confirmed that. My professional career has been based on that one class.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Respect everyone. It's the first step to earning others' respect.