Campaign info

• Position sought: Will County Board District 12 representative
• Party: Republican
• Website: www.raytuminello.com
• E-mail address: ray@raytuminello.com
• Facebook: View page here.
• Address: 1011 Grand Mesa Ave., New Lenox, IL 60451

Personal info

• Age: 41
  
• Family: Married to wife Jennifer for 15 years. Has a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son.
• Education: Attended Morainne Valley Community College. High school diploma from Andrew High School in Tinley Park.
• Occupation: Business owner.
• Related experience: 

Candidate Questions

Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?

I believe it is an asset for an individual to have a strong business background to be successful as an elected official. My 19 years owning a successful small business will help in the everyday operations of running a county. Even in this down economy, I was able to not only sustain growth, but was also able to add to our workforce. Something I am very proud of. Additional experience would include my nearly 10 years on the Planning Commission and Village Board. We have consistently stayed within Budget and have had many Capital Improvements.

What would your priorities be if elected to this office?

First and foremost, we would need to uphold the fiscal budget process. Secondly, I would promote job growth in the county.
I would also fight to retain more dollars currently being sent to Springfield. We need to make sure the Will County gets their fair share. I would also make technology and infrastructure one of my main priorities.

We had one of the fastest growing counties in the last decade, however, our infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth.  Something that is costing taxpayers a tremendous amount of money. I would also work to allow the residents to have greater access to government offices.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I would have to say that my two terms as Village Trustee along with owning my own business is what would set me apart.  On a day to day basis with the village, We face many of the same issues as the county. Just on a different scale.

Having been chairman of Land Use in the most explosive growth period in New Lenox, along with being chairman of Streets and Drainage during the construction phase of Route 30 and other village road Improvements will certainly be an asset. My marketing skills along with budgetary skills obtained from owning a business will help set me apart as well.

What can the county do to promote job growth and draw new business to Will County?

I believe we can expand the enterprise zone for qualified businesses.  This is a great advantage for businesses coming to Will County. I would also work closer with municipalities to obtain businesses that want to relocate to Will County. 

Another way to promote Will County would be through the Economic Development Commission. As Village Trustee, I worked with our economic Development Director at  the Shopping Center Shows that yielded great success. As County Board Member, I will continue to do the same.

Do you believe Cook County is encroaching on Will, and how would you make sure there isn't a negative influence from the city?

On one hand, many of the Cook County residents are moving to Will County to get away from high taxes and too much government. They will essentially become our residents. On the other, many Cook County politicians think that Will County is like the Golden Ticket and want to strip away many of our county's sssets. We Absolutely cannot allow them to make an impact on our land and our infrastructure without coming to the table and paying their fair share.

Should it be Will County or a special commission in charge of a proposed airport? Why, and how would that work?

I believe that the best way to keep "politics" out of this would be to formulate a special commission that would be in charge of the third airport. This commission would be made up of solely Will County Residents. The four communities surrounding the airport could appoint a commissioner from each.

The Governor could appoint a couple and then the County Board would appoint a few as well. The airport needs to be represented from all aspects of Will County. We need to do everything in our power to make sure that Cook County does not intrude on this project or this process.

All candidates have lauded the current board for work balancing the budget; what more would you do to practice fiscal responsibility?

First and foremost, I have to applaud the county for their fiscal responsibility. Many surrounding counties are not in as good of fiscal shape as Will County is. However, there is still more work that can be done at the county level. There are a multitude of things that the county can do technologically, as well as with its infrastructure that would result in a net savings.

Besides Renewing Will County, would you propose any projects related to sustainability in the county?

In order for a county to be sustainable, it needs to produce places and amenities for its residents to be able to shop and stay in the county.  It also needs to ensure that there are jobs within the county.  If residents are able to stay in the county to work, shop, eat, enjoy amenities, etc., then the money that is in the county stays in the county and continues to recycle. I will work hard to make sure that we have a good balance of commercial to accommodate such needs.

What ideas do you have for improving the county's infrastructure and transportation?

Right now the county receives RTA funds and have done many road projects to date. There are many more projects that should be getting done with the RTA funds. I will work hard on obtaining the necessary land and right a ways for the county to proceed with a more aggressive plan. 

A more aggressive plan  does not always equate to more money. In the village, we have certainly taken on many road projects for minimal amounts of money that translated into big improvements. Streets and Drainage are one of my main focuses in the village and will become a main focus at the county level as well.

In what ways can the county operate more efficiently and improve technologically?

In my opinion, this is the biggest short coming that the county has.  Over time, the County has not maintained or upgraded their services.  Years ago the County should of invested money into a capital plan to upgrade its technology. 

As a result, it will most likely cost millions of dollars to get into the 21st Century. Just as an example, the County currently uses a system that was produced in the early '80s. It was the first of its kind. The hardware for this technology has not even been produced in the last 10 or 15 years. Very outdated.
Another example of being able to improve the efficiency is by being on one global server for its web services. 

Right now the County has over 30 different domain names, 30 different websites, etc. Lets consolidate. Not only will it save residents a vast amount of time going from site to site, it will also save the County a great deal in hosting, webmaster fees and design fees, thus saving money. This is just the tip of the iceberg and I look forward to bringing the county into the 21st Century and saving taxpayers a great deal of money.  This will also save time in efficiency for the residents whom are looking for county
services.