John Retondo: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: AddisonWebsite: http://info @addison democrats.comOffice sought: Addison Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 45Family: Married with two childrenOccupation: Instructor for the Chicagoland Laborers District Council Training Apprentice Fund .Education: Coyne American Institute Diploma HVAC College of DuPage Home Inspector Continuing Education and certifications in Real Estate and construction industry.Civic involvement: Addison Recreation Club youth coach Precinct Committeeman Addison 47thElected offices held: Union offcer Laborers Local 2 Sewer and Tunnel Miners Union serving as Auditor on Excutive Board. Officer of Addison Township Democratic Organization serving as Trustee.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Township Goverment needs to do a better job informing and educating people of social programs offered and the role function and purpose of township goverment.Key Issue 2 Have a more efficent government, look for partnerships to bring in more revenue and reduce unnecessary spending to better serve the community. This is just one way we can provide tax relief and a balanced budget while maintaining and improving community programs and upgrading our infrastructure.Key Issue 3 Shepherding the planning of Urban development, growth and safety of the township, bring in more businesses and commercial industry to help stimulate our economy while providing excellent services and lower property taxes on home owners. Also, look for more creative ways to provide for the citizens who most need our help.Questions Answers Name the three most important goals or objectives this board should tackle in the coming term. Prioritize them, and briefly discuss why you believe each to be critical, and how the board should go about addressing them.Balance the budget by bringing in more businesses to the area. Future partnerships or joint ventures to possibly entertain the idea of Addison township getting a sports team. Improvements to our transportation system, our infrastructure and possibly bring more rail into the area. Improvements to parks and community programs. I would like to establish more community involvement in necessary programs for the community, public-private partnerships also township to township partnerships. What ever it takes to meet the needs of the community while bringing in more revenue to balance the budget and make improvements in the quality of life for our citizens.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Townships are needed. We need to be careful of not duplicating services, but maybe combine services with other townships or with the county to become more effective and reduce costs to tax payers. I would try to communicate more with town mayors on that as well.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?I feel Township government should meet the needs of individuals and families by establishing good policy's, good programs and excellent services year after year within a balanced budget.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?I look more toward increasing the operating efficencies of programs and bringing in more revenue. Working closer with towns and county government to reduce the tax burden, rather than cutting any programs.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?My experience in the construction field,I truly look at a community from the streets up. I can bring that perspective to this position, along with my negotiating and problem-solving skills that I use in my current elected office to work towards solving problems to everyones satisfaction. I believe in working in a bi-partisan fashion for the betterment of all people. Because of this, my combined knowledge and experience when elected, I can make an immediate contribution to our community.