Richard Baldino: Candidate For Arlington Heights Trustee

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Arlington Heights Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Six candidates are vying for four four-year trustee seats on the Arlington Heights Village Board on Election Day. They include two incumbents (Richard Baldino and Jim Tinaglia) and four challengers (Jim Bertucci, Will Beiersdorf, Wendy Dunnington and Nicolle Grasse).

Mayor Thomas Hayes is running unopposed.

Arlington Heights Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Richard Baldino

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Town/City of Residence

Arlington Heights

Office sought
Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry from North Central College.
Master’s degree in Water Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Occupation

Environmental Chemist, 27 years

Campaign Website

baldinofortrustee.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Arlington Heights Village Board Trustee 2017-present

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most important issue in Arlington Heights is infrastructure because it has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of all residents and businesses. The longer it takes us to fix our infrastructure, the more expensive it will become. It’s central to the services that the Village provides. I intend to use a sustainability lens when approaching projects to ensure they are not band-aid solutions, but real fixes to our roads, water mains, and flood-mitigation efforts.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a professional background that makes me a unique elected official. As an environmental
consultant, I’m open-minded, even-keeled and analytical. As a small business owner/independent consultant, I frequently work with federal government contracts and have years of experience with the proposal and bidding process, making me well prepared for discussions about infrastructure projects and developments.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/a

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I’m running to follow through on some really important work started in my first term: infrastructure improvements, addressing affordable housing, renewable energy funds, restructuring Village events and commerce in response to the pandemic, and the DEI initiative.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I secured renewable energy contracts with $150,000 in civic contributions to the village, voted for
multiple municipal budgets without a property tax increase, supported Arlington Heights’ growing and diversifying business community, and helped make Arlington Alfresco possible to aid the downtown business district.

Why should voters trust you?
I didn’t get into this for a career in politics. I ran because the slate in 2017 was unopposed and I didn’t think that was right. While on the board I’ve shown myself to be considerate of different viewpoints and thoughtful with my decisions. As a result, I have the endorsements of 5 of my colleagues on the board despite the fact that those colleagues do not necessarily agree on every issue.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

We need to continue the progress on important infrastructure improvements, addressing affordable housing, increasing renewable energy funds, restructuring Village events and commerce in response to the pandemic, and the DEI initiative. If we have moved further in the right direction on all of those issues my next term will have been a success.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I voted for two budgets that funded critical services without increasing property taxes. The important task for us, especially during the pandemic, will be to maintain similar levels of critical services without overly burdening the residents with increased fees or property taxes. This is a difficult balance to strike, but we may be able to do so by postponing less essential infrastructure projects and filling certain staff vacancies.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I support Black Lives Matter. I’m respectful of others’ experiences and committed to listening to our minority community members in Arlington Heights. Few changes in our history happened without demonstrations - I appreciate that all of the local protests and almost all of those nationally were peaceful.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Arlington Heights can become a stronger community by providing a forum for the expression of ideas and experiences that allow us to become more equitable and inclusive to all people who live, work, and visit the Village of Arlington Heights. And while many of the policies of the Village are neutral on their face, they aren’t helping create the inclusive place that we all want to live.
I’m committed to being an ally and to pushing our Village Board to take action. We need a DEI
Commission to provide a forum for discussion and to recommend new policies and ideas to the Village as we move forward. I also believe we should look into setting disadvantaged business goals for the Village. We may already be meeting standard diversity metrics but don’t even know it without measuring via policy or accountability.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

My role isn’t to pick just one way of helping Arlington Heights through this pandemic. I lead by
listening to experts and following the science. I also listen to a lot of residents and business
owners who are suffering right now. And I’m willing to take an unpopular stand if it protects
the most people. Arlington Alfresco is a great example of supporting local businesses safely.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

I am hopeful about a strong coordinated federal vaccine rollout, as long as the supply can keep up.
State, county and local efforts are less meaningful if they are uneven or inequitable. Local governments can partner with state and county health officials to ensure that the vaccine is distributed to the most vulnerable populations because we know our communities best.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No, following through on commitments is a core value.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others as you want to be treated.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m practical, willing to work for progress not perfection. I am respectful and inclusive, seeking out diverse voices. Most importantly, I want to leave Arlington Heights in a strong, sustainable position well beyond my term.