Frank Avila: 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: ChicagoWebsite: "YOU TUBE" Search for Commissioner Frank AvilaOffice sought: Metro. Water Reclamation District Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married for 49 years to Sherry Avila: three children: Frank B. Avila, Quinn M. Avila, Audrey D. Avila; 2 grandchildren: 17 Clarence and 3 ThaliaOccupation: Professional Civil Engineer State of IL. Professional Land Surveyor State of IL and EnvironmentalistEducation: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, U. of IL Champaign-Urbana, IL; Master of Science in Finance, U. of AZ, Tucson, AZ Various conference/classes on Protecting our Water Environment, Wellness, and Health and Welfare of the Residents of Cook CountyCivic involvement: American Society of Civil Engineers; Hispanic American Labor Council; Member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, IL; Loyola University Museum of Art {LUMA}; Future City Competition with various elementary-middle school throughout Cook County; Irish American Heritage Center {IAHC}; Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization {IVI-IPO]; Illinois Committee for Honesty Government;Elected offices held: 2002 to 2008-Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago 2008 to present-Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater ChicagoQuestions 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? What specific professional qualifications do you possess that would make you excel in this office?The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is an operation-type of agency to protect the water environment, and my experience and education as a Professional Civil Engineer, Land Surveyor, and Environmentalist relates to protecting the water environment and the health and safety of the residents of Cook County. My top priorities include cost effective wastewater treatment, flood prevention, the regulation of waste disposal to protect our waterways including eliminating toxic chemicals in our personal care products cosmetics to prevent endocrine disruption. Proper disposal of pharmaceutical drug. Awareness of the abuse of antibiotics and steroids in livestock.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?Help pass The Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance. Green Infrastructure Project. I Chair the Engineering Committee and the Maintenance Operation Committed. We are in the process of removing recovering Phosphorus at Stickney Treatment Plant and will sell 10-14,000 tons of Phosphorus a year. Removing Nitrogen from the Centrate at the Egan Treatment Plant. The O'Brien Treatment Plant will implement disinfection of effluent by ultra violet light and the Calumet Treatment Plant will implement disinfection of effluent by chlorination. To become Energy neutral within the next decade and save the taxpayer 30 million dollarsHow do you view the role the district has played in controlling flooding in Cook County and what, if any, actions need to be taken to improve things?The MWRD passed the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance, which ensure that future development and redevelopment do not exacerbate flooding and to ensure that there are regulations for drainage, detention, floodplain management, wetland and riparian environment protection and soil erosion and sediment control. The Watershed Management Ordinance includes Green technologies because of the environmental and financial benefits--reducing run-off decreases the water flow coming into MWRD system and reduces our costs. This is a living ordinance and amendments to the ordinance will be made as we proceed throughout the years to fine tune and improve the Watershed Management Ordinance.Does the board have the right number of commissioners to adequately represent all parts of the district?YesHow do you rate the MWRD on transparency and the public's access to records? If you consider it adequate, please explain why. If you think improvements are needed, please describe them and why they are importantThe MWRD has provided transparency to constituents in the budget process and has received: The Government Finance Officers Association 2013 Annual Budget award for Distinguished Budget . The district has received this award for 29th consecutive year .Also provided accountability in financial reporting and received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The district has received this award for 38th consecutive year. The public can access our board meeting Video on the District Web site, The Freedom of Information Act Procedures along with various items related to the District.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Ensure Financial Stability; The pension crises in the State of Illinois; Control Health care cost; Environmentally Responsible; Intergovernmental relationship; Educate the public about the District; Educate the public on the use of pesticides, herbicides, sugar and sweetener in process food, toxic chemical in personal care products and cosmetics; Endocrine Disruption;Please name one current leader who most inspires you.My Mother Theresa Alvarado AvilaWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Never Give UpIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Learn how to be a good writer to communicate more effectively. The pen is mightier then the sword.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Music Math I appreciate Music from all Ethnic group. Received my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineer and Master 0f Science in FinanaceIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Follow the Ten Commandments