Orland Township Together Candidate: Antonio Rubino

ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Meet Antonio Rubino, running for Orland Township Highway Commissioner with the Orland Township Together slate, in the April 2021 Consolidated Election. The election is April 6.

Rubino recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

Antonio Rubino

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Town/City of Residence

Tinley Park

Office Sought

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Orland Township Together

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Degree in Criminal Justice (Governors State University)

Occupation

Law Enforcement Officer, 18 years experience

Campaign website

www.ott2021.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently: Orland Township Trustee; Tinley Park - Commissioner for the Economic Commercial Commission Board (2015); Orland Township Collector (2011).

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

The most pressing issue at the highway department is ensuring fiscal accountability and efficiency. In my first month in office, I plan to initiate a thorough review (Financial Audit) of all spending and contracts to identify areas where we can save taxpayers money that can be used to strengthen the Township Road Fund. I believe the highway department should be more efficient, streamlined and less reliant on outside contractors.

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?

As an 18-year law enforcement veteran, I believe it is incumbent on all public leaders to have serious, sober, and respectful conversations about improving the relationship between the police and all communities. I do not support any law enforcement officer who abuses their power. I equally condemn any violent actor who uses public demonstrations as an excuse to attack front-line officers or commit acts of looting or petty vandalism. If we are going to find solutions to these difficult questions, we need to do so in a mutually respectful manner and seek to heal divisions, not inflame them. As a public servant, my office will always strive to ensure equal treatment for all.

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

There is a broad conversation about racial equality happening nationwide, and we should be part of that conversation. I think it is the responsibility of all Township officials to ensure that we are adhering to best practices both in hiring and in enforcing conduct in the work-place and that when and where possible, we strive for a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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?

The pandemic presented all levels of government with an unprecedented set of challenges, many of which had no good solutions. I believe it is the role of Township government to provide essential services that support our front line workers, residents and businesses as we all try to navigate towards a safe reopening. We have done so in Orland Township by distributing personal protective equipment, expanding the township food drive thru distribution and expanding the food pantry services. As vaccines become available, I believe Townships can play a big role in getting people vaccinated and putting this pandemic behind us.

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 think we are all eager to see an acceleration in vaccine distribution. Rather than criticize other levels of government, I try to look for ways where Orland Township can be prepared to help deliver vaccines to Orland Township residents when they become available.

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

To my knowledge, I am the only candidate who has successfully qualified for the ballot. One area where I believe I stand out is that I plan to reduce spending, consolidate services where needed-- while improving outcomes-- with the goal to utilize the savings to strengthen financial reserves.

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

The Highway Commissioner’s Office has lost its true purpose of constituent service and being accountable to the residents of Orland Township. This office can and should be more efficient with taxpayer dollars. I also believe every public servant must be held to a higher ethical and moral standard both in their public role and in their everyday life. I will always conduct myself in a manner that will make my family and constituents proud.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

In addition to fiscal responsibility, my goal is to improve services and communication and create a more accessible and efficient Highway Department.

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

As an Orland Township Trustee, I played a role in expanding needed services without increasing the costs to taxpayers. Some examples include expanding our food pantry services to better serve residents during an unprecedented pandemic and introducing a pet food pantry for residents on a fixed income who rely on their pets for companionship. We also worked to save specialized senior fitness programs at the Palos Health and Fitness Center and ensured Orland Township residents will continue to have a nearby Secretary of State service office.

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

Showing verifiable savings to the taxpayers by reducing spending and government waste and getting more effective and efficient service out of existing staff and resources is an achievable first-year goal in my opinion.

Why should voters trust you?

I am an 18-year veteran of law enforcement with a spotless performance record, a father of two (soon to be three!) children, and an active member of the Orland Township community. My family has owned and operated Rubino’s Italian Imports in Tinley Park for 26 years. I was raised to respect hard work and to conduct business in an honest fashion. Voters can trust me because I believe I have shown my character every day with my actions, and I will always be an ethical and honest public servant.

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

I believe the government bodies are responsible to taxpayers to show they are getting the most amount of services for their investment. In the Highway Department, I believe whenever possible, staff should handle services before we consider spending on outside contractors. In cases where contractors are needed, there should be a vigorous and transparent process to ensure we are using taxpayer dollars efficiently. Above all, I believe in zero-tolerance for any waste or abuse of taxpayer money.

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

I intend to serve my full term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My dad taught my brothers and I to never stop learning and growing as a person.

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

Above all else, I value family, hard work, and doing the right thing.