2013 Election: Mario Carlasare

Name: Mario Carlasare

Position Sought: Frankfort Township Supervisor

Campaign Contact Information: voteformarioc@gmail.com, 815-546-4131, , www.victory2013.com

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My single most important priority will be to safeguard taxpayer dollars. Township government is an important body of government, but the incumbents have used the office as their own private bank out. Township Supervisor should be a service to the community. There is no reason why we should be spending over $50,000 a year on the Supervisor's salary. I pledge to cut my own pay and work to cut the pay of other township officials.

Home Address: 104 Evergreen Dr. Frankfort IL 60423

Family Members: Heather Casparie, Wife

Education: 

CHICAGO-KENT COLLEGE OF LAW, Chicago, IL
Juris Doctor, May 2012

INDIANA UNIVERSITY JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC, Bloomington, Indiana
Masters in Music with Honors (Piano), December 2006
Bachelor of Music in Piano with Honors, December 2004
Masters Degree in Piano Performance

Current Occupation and Employer:

Attorney with Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Why are you seeking office?

My education, practical approach to fiscal responsibility, and strong desire to reach out and collaborate with residents make me extremely well-suited to serve Frankfort Township. As Supervisor, I will establish regular precinct information meetings so that all residents are well-informed regarding the activities and services of Frankfort Township, and usher in a new era of transparent government that is sorely absent in Illinois. I will fight to make sure that every dollar of voters' hard earned money is spent in a way that is both fiscally and morally responsible, so that Frankfort Township continues to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family for the next generation.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I'm a fresh voice who is not discouraged by what we can do at the local level. I believe that my passion and work ethic can make Frankfort Township a better place. Fixing things around here will take a lot of energy, and I have no shortage of that.

In your opinion, what are the primary challenges facing the township?

Citizens of Frankfort Township are hurting economically. Property values continue to be depressed and assessments have grown out of control. I will do whatever I can as Supervisor to be a voice for the taxpayer.

How will you address those challenges?

I want to hold regular meetings in every subdivision in the township to better inform residents. It should be the job of the Supervisor to reach out to residents, not the other way around. By letting citizens know why their assessments are so high, they will be better empowered to make the tough decisions required to lower them. I also want to publish a website with all salary and budget information about the township. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. In this information age, the incumbents have no excuse for not already publishing this information.

If elected, what will be your philosophy as a member of the township board? 

My philosophy toward the township board is a realistic one. I do not believe the township can or should not try to solve every problem. I believe we should save every possible taxpayer dollar, while performing the essential duties that the township must provide. I am doing this as a public service, not to become a politician. I pledge that with every decision I make, I will ask myself, "Is this the best use of taxpayer dollars?"

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

Mario has over 15 years of experience as a Music Educator in Will County. He is currently a Music Instructor at the Music Connection in Frankfort. For the past four years, he served as the Director of Marketing and Education for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, the largest nonprofit performing arts organization in Chicago’s Southland.