2011 Election Issues: Carole Griffin Ruzich, Orland Park Village Board Candidate

Nine candidates are competing for three seats in this year's race. In Patch's issue-specific questionnaire, candidate says why she supports the Main Street Triangle project and why it was necessary to raise certain village fees this year.

Does the current board engage in enough debate and discussion before voting?

I believe most of the debate and discussion occurs at the committee level. In my practice, I have (been) before other village boards, and I can say that our Board has the reputation of behaving in the most professional manner. There can be disagreement, but there is always respect.

You had an opportunity in the last questionnaire to name the biggest problem facing Orland Park. Are there any others? How do you plan to solve them?

I believe we will continue to experience the effects of the sluggish economy for some time and therefore maintaining a balanced budget will continue to be a challenging priority. We need to continue to find ways to foster a vibrant business economy to keep our taxes low. 

Trustees and staff plugged a $1.8 million budget gap this fall by increasing certain fees and fines, including vehicle stickers, without cutting staff. Is there anything you would have done differently?

I believe you may be confusing the budget request with the actual budget approved. The Board refused many of those staff expenditures. They took a balanced approach in reducing expenditures, which included personnel costs, and raising some fees that had not been raised in many years.

The phrases “fiscally conservative” and “efficient use of taxpayer money” comes up regularly on the campaign trail. How do you propose keeping a tighter budget that doesn’t burden taxpayers, while keeping Orland Park accessible, competitive and desirable?

First, I think we have to be vigilant about watching out for and eliminating any wasteful spending. We also need to encourage and promote a healthy business environment, which will continue to attract and maintain local businesses. In order to do this, we need to invest in our infrastructure and encourage revitalization of certain areas.

The Main Street Triangle project—and eminent domain lawsuit—has divided many residents. Is it a worthwhile use of taxpayers’ money? How can the village help these businesses get started that? 

I believe this project will significantly enhance and revitalize our downtown area, and therefore, I support it. I have family members who moved to Orland Park from downtown Chicago with their newborn child to live close to this area because of the amenities it offers,  i.e. shopping and restaurants within walking distance, bike paths, access to Metra. We need to continue to make our community a desirable destination for families. The Village does need to make sure that the tenants, as well as the owners, are treated fairly when it comes to compensation. 

What are your thoughts on the village’s use of TIF districts? Has the village used them effectively? Why or why not? Would you do anything differently with TIF?

If used in the right circumstances, a TIF district can be very beneficial. For example, I believe the Orland Park Place TIF was extremely successful in that it produced millions of dollar in tax benefits for all of the taxing bodies and was paid off early.

The board unanimously approved a resolution this fall that gives the board the power to award village contracts to local vendors, even if they haven’t offered the lowest bid (within limits). Is this a good policy? Why or why not?

This is a good policy as it promotes and encourages local businesses.

The board on March 7 voted to add reasons for which police can impound the car of an alleged offender. These include, but are not limited to: motor vehicle accidents involving damage to the vehicle and public indecency. It costs the alleged offender $500 to retrieve their impounded car. Do you support expanding the reasons for impoundment?

This policy was well supported by our Police Department and therefore, yes, I support expanding the reasons for impoundment.

When the village sold “open space” land to the Orland Fire Protection District last summer some residents worried that it would set a precedent that would result in loss of open space land. Do you agree with those residents?

I believe that the Village is deeply committed to its Open Lands program, and I am not concerned that any variance from that policy will occur.

Would you support a referendum to bring the Orland Fire Protection District back under the control of the village? Why?

That would be a major undertaking by the Village. Unfortunately, I do not know enough about the Orland Fire Protection District or its financial affairs at this time to answer that question.

Would you support term limits for trustees and village president? Why?

If the majority of our residents supported it, I would also. I believe it is always good to have an influx of new ideas coupled with the wisdom that comes from experience.

Do you have any past arrests and/or convictions?

No.