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Richard Ruzich: 2022 candidate for Lake County Board District 13

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: Lake County Board District 13

City: Lake Bluff

Age: 53

Occupation: Patent attorney and small business owner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: The Lake County Board has lost its way and has devolved into an unworkable partisan body that puts politics over people and party over issues. As a former DOJ official and lieutenant commander in the USN, I know what it takes to lead. And as a small-business owner, I know firsthand what it takes to succeed. The issues that motivate me are runaway tax increases like the $10M gas tax, crushing inflation, poor infrastructure, including flooding and increased concerns of Lake County citizens for their physical safety. Further, I support term limits to prevent the corruption and abuse of power that often comes with professional politicians.

Q: 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?

A: I would be the only military veteran to serve on the county board, which our vets desperately need after my opponent's failed leadership with Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission this year. My experience as a leader and entrepreneur will help me advance my priorities, including: Creating an economic relief package for struggling citizens of Lake County, including repealing the $10.8M gas tax; practical solutions to the infrastructure plaguing Gurnee and Lake Bluff; and protecting the citizens against crime. Learn more at www.ruzichforlake.com.

Q: Given the recent history of flat tax levies, do you think the county/forest preserve have done good jobs of budgeting or do you see specific area that can be improved?

A: The Lake County Board is playing a bit of hiding the ball with its taxpayers. While it has maintained flat tax levies, it has also created new taxes like the gasoline tax passed last year.

This is a regressive approach to tax policy because gasoline and retail taxes disproportionally hurt lower income people and fixed-income retirees more than people with large disposable incomes. The board should focus on reigning in spending rather than playing hide-the-ball with new types of taxes targeting working people.

Q: Would you support putting a referendum on the ballot for voters to decide if they wish to issue new bonds to preserve open spaces, restore habitats, create more trails and upgrade forest preserves?

A: Direct democracy is a meaningful way to decide many types of 'yes or no' issues at the local level. This includes whether public monies should be spent on large local projects. With this in mind, I think a referendum is a proper approach for addressing these decisions.

Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?

A: The most critical issue is the physical safety of the citizens in Gurnee, Waukegan and Lake Bluff. I would lead to adequately fund first responders so they have what they need to do their jobs in protecting the public. I will also be a leading voice for the repeal of the Illinois SAFE-T Act, slated to begin on Jan. 1. This law strikes the wrong balance and could easily result in some very dangerous people being released into our communities next year.

Q: Lake County officials want public feedback on how to spend portions of some $135 million in leftover federal pandemic funding. What are your thoughts on how the money ought to be spent?

A: In an ideal world, the county board would return this money to the Lake County taxpayer with a check. Given out-of-control inflation, higher taxes and dire economic forecasts, this would be an excellent opportunity to help people who might be struggling. I suspect the Federal government would not allow a direct payout of these funds. If that is the case, then I would like to see the money used to: Fully fund the Lake County Veterans Commission for the next couple of years; fund the Lake County Sheriff and State's Attorney's office priorities that board denied in recent years; and fund the Transportation Infrastructure Fund coupled with a repeal of the new gasoline tax.

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