2017 Election: Bob Costello, New Trier Township Trustee

Name: Bob Costello

Age: 62

Town of residence: Wilmette

Position sought: New Trier Township Trustee

Family: Wife: Sue Costello (age is none of your business), Son: Cary Costello 36, Daughter: Sarah Costello 32, Son: Devin Costello 30, Grandson: Louie Costello 4 months. All three of my children are graduates of Loyola Academy.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?:

No.

Education: BA Economics George Washington University, MA Accounting Roosevelt University

Occupation: over 30 years in Investment Sales and Management

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: Current Boards: Wyoming Catholic College, U.S. Term Limits, Previous Boards: Evanston Police Pension, Acton Institute, Chairvalle Montessori School, St Athanasius Parish School, Americans for Limited Terms.

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

Overhead cost at New Trier Township are more than 35%, which is unacceptable. We want to deliver the same or better services at a lower cost. The Township provides social services very similar to a public charity. If it was a charity with overhead this high it would receive a grade of F.

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

We want to cut the administrative cost. Starting with ending compensation of all elected part-time positions. Review capital (building) and staffing needs of the Township.

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

We want better access and transparency for taxpayers. There have been times when meeting minutes and budgets have taken 9 to 12 months to be updated on the Township website.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I believe there are really four issues:
1. Deliver quality service to those in need in the Township.
2. Be good stewards of taxpayer funds by delivering same or better service at a lower cost.
3. Work to make the Township more accessible & transparent.
4. One of the strengthen of the Township are all the volunteers involved in the services of the Township, but we should encourage even more opportunities for volunteers.

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

1. Make sure the people in need receive the help they require.
2. Make a major reduction in the overhead of the Township which would allow us to reduce the Township property tax levy.
3. Make the Township services and activities more accessible and transparent. Have both Township checkbooks online, so every resident can know how every Township dollar is spent.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

If you make a mistake, correct it as soon as you know a mistake was made. Don't try to cover it up - it will only make it harder to make the correction later.

Why should voters trust you?

I can find common ground to work together with people who might have a different perspective than me. I am a straight shooter and I am good with financial issues. I don't miss lead people, I do what I say I am going to do. I am willing to listen to people I might disagree with, to understand their point of view.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"Mindful human beings require freedom and personal responsibility to live satisfying lives. Responsibility is not the 'price' of freedom but its reward. Responsibility is what keeps our lives from being trivial." Charles Murray

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

The Township finance director should be asked why total salaries increased by 20% from fiscal year 2016 to fiscal year 2017.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

The Township Trustees should be good stewards of the taxpayers funds. Make every dollar spent count, and do not waste taxpayer funds on frivolous expenditures.

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

I started and ran a very successful Chicago Capital Markets office, where I hired and managed over 30 people for a regional bank, that was headquartered over 500 miles away. I ran the office for six years, and left voluntarily. 15 years later over 50% of the people I hired are still with the organization. I work well with all different types of people.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Work to align the personal interest of your team members with goals of your organization. When you are dealing with the people higher up in your organization, work to represent the interest of your team. When you are dealing with your team, work to communicate the goals of the larger organization.

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

I think it is a good thing that we have a competitive race for the Township Trustee positions this year. There has not been a competitive race for these positions for over 100 years. When no one is paying attention to government organizations, they tend to get fat, happy and lazy. It is time for fresh eyes at the township. Our property taxes are too high - every unit of government needs to be run efficiently.

More via Kathy Bob and Stacey's campaign website

Photo submitted by Bob Costello