Christopher Zaruba: 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: WheatonWebsite: www.Zaruba4DuPage.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 4 Age: 33Family: Married to Mandy John and Mary, Parents Shannon and Patrick, SiblingsOccupation: AttorneyEducation: The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois Juris Doctor, May 2009 CALI Excellence for the Future Award Recipient University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Political Science, May 2006 Wheaton Warrenville South High School Graduate, 2002Civic involvement: Milton Township Republican Committeeman, DuPage County Young Republicans Member, Wheaton Park District baseball coach, Member of the Robert E. Jones Inns of Court, Member of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers, Former Chairman of the DuPage County Bar Association- New Lawyers Committee, Member of Friends of Pioneer Cemeteries, and Parishioner at St. Petronille Church in Glen EllynElected offices held: Elected Milton Township Republican Committeeman, Precinct #88 DuPage County Bar Association New Lawyers Committee ChairQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?I was born, raised, educated, and have been employed throughout my life in District 4. As a former DuPage County felony prosecutor, my dedication to my community has never wavered, and as a DuPage County Board member I will fight to protect and promote the high quality of life of the residents of my district. With families and businesses continuing to flee the State of Illinois, DuPage County remains a great place to live due to our fantastic educational opportunities and our safe communities. I was born into a family that has always emphasized public service and I will continue that focus on the county board promoting public safety and government efficiency.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes?As a DuPage County Board member, I will not accept a pension, health benefits, or any additional stipend currently offered or offered in the future. Public service should be the only motivating factor for any candidate seeking this office. Currently, the salary for a County Board member is higher than the starting salary for the majority of jobs offered by the county which is a concern. I would like the ability to experience and observe, firsthand, the amount of hours put in by the members of the board each month prior to proposing any potential salary cuts. I do, however, believe that the board members, as elected officials, should be accountable for the time they expend benefitting the taxpayers. In a effort to maximize transparency and the board's dedication to the taxpayer, I would propose that members of the county board keep a public accounting of the time spent representing their districts.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by the state funding reductions, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?Two initiatives that I would support would be the utilization and promotion of local vendors and services, as well as the expansion of shared services. Currently, the DuPage County Board offers a substantial amount of no-bid contracts, without competitive bidding, putting the taxpayer at a disadvantage. I would work with the other members on the board to reduce the number of no-bid contracts awarded and promote the use of an online reverse auction bidding system. This system would allow our local businesses to compete with the national vendors on all of the contracts routinely offered by DuPage County. Not only would this system lead to a reduction in contract costs by increasing the number of competitive bidders, it will also increase sales revenue and promote our local economy when a local vendor is awarded the contract. Additionally, another benefit to a reverse auction bidding system would be the continued increase in transparency at the county level, as the bidding, and not just the final contract, could be made public. I would also promote a focus on shared services within the county. Within my first year on the county board, I would conduct a review of all expenditures from all county offices and departments in an effort to maximize efficiency and identify unnecessary duplicative services that can be eliminated.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?The focus of the county board should always be on looking to create government efficiency to keep the county's tax rate low, while also maintaining the high quality of services the county provides. The goals of the Chairman's ACT Initiative, to reduce the size, scope, and costs of government, are principled ambitions that DuPage County residents support. While the ACT Initiative should be praised for eliminating the Fair and Expo Authority, a duplicative unit of government, and promoting shared services by eliminating the DuPage County Youth Detention Center, I do believe that the county can do a better job of shedding their own expenses. Whether looking at township, municipal, or county level services, the board should always consider both the cost and quality of the services provided before considering consolidation. The decision making process should also include the recommendations of the residents and local governments affected.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?Over the last twelve months, issues relating to economic development and the concerns of local residents have arisen in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Lombard. The DuPage County Board needs to do a better job of listening, understanding, and addressing the concerns of the residents in District 4, as well as working with the various local governments. As a DuPage County Board member I will make myself available to the residents, promote intergovernmental cooperation, and strive to ensure a balance between economic development and the realistic concerns voiced by the families in my district such as health services and safety.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Maintaining a high level of public safety for our citizens, particularly our seniors and children, our most vulnerable assets. Promoting honesty in government.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Other than my father, former Attorney General, Jim Ryan, and former State's Attorney, Joe Birkett, have inspired me with their professionalism, honesty, and leadership.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The biggest lessons I learned were to treat others with respect and to listen to all opinions and positions before making decisions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would spend more time with lost loved ones, particularly my grandparents, and listen to the advice they have to offer.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I always enjoyed my English and Literature courses. In addition to helping me become a better communicator, they contributed to my love of reading.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I would give them the same advice I received from my parents. Be kind,respectful and compassionate. You never know what someone else is going through.