Marc Dabaco, Frankfort Village Trustee Candidate

FRANKFORT, IL — Marc Dabaco is a candidate for Village of Frankfort trustee. There are five candidates running for three open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

You can find Dabaco's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your Name:

Marc Dabaco

Age (as of Election Day):

38

Town/City of Residence:

Frankfort

Office sought:

Village board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I do not have any family members that work politics or government.

Education

Morgan Park Academy - High school
Governors State University - College

Occupation

Vice President of Sales - JMI Sales Group, 15 years

Campaign Website or Facebook:

https://www.instagram.com/daba...
https://www.facebook.com/peopl...
https://www.tiktok.com/@thetra...
https://www.dabacoforfrankfort...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I have not been appointed or elected to public office.

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

There are a few issues I'm concerned with in our Village. One is our plans for redevelopment in the downtown area. I will ensure the Village does all it can to ensure we maintain the quality and charm of that part of town. Public safety is a growing concern due to the rise in incidents in the region. I will vote to support of police department by investing in new technology and personnel. Finally, maintaining our Village finances are also important. I did not support buying the Borg Warner property at a price tag of several million dollars. The failed park district referendum in November clearly showed the voters did not support it either. We need to be fiscally responsible with our taxpayer dollars.

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

There is a big difference between myself and two of the incumbents. I would work with the current mayor and administration to fairly evaluate policies that better our community. I would also vote for what is best for everyone in our village and not just what is best for my immediate neighborhood which seems to be a pattern for the two incumbents. I would also not use my position as trustee for my own political gain. I have no personal agenda for running. I just care about my community which is why I am running.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Or what changes would you like to see?

The two incumbents were pushing to give the park district a $7 million dollar deal with the Borg Warner property leaving Frankfort residents on the hook for the bill. I found that very troubling. I would like to see more cooperation between the incumbents and the mayor who was elected to lead our Village. I would like to see the current board be a bit more methodical in the way they approach large investments or projects in Frankfort. Although the downtown is what sets Frankfort apart from the surrounding towns, I feel that the attention it is given is taken advantage by some trustees that call downtown home.

Describe the other issues or ideas that define your campaign platform:

Transparency, economic growth and safety. Help create cohesiveness among the village's committees, be an example of community involvement for my kids and help keep the small town feel in Frankfort.

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

Taking over the 157c Education Foundation and coming up with new creative ways to collaborate with the administration to successfully raise money to fund the grants they request. Secured a full board made of all new volunteers and partnered with more local families and businesses

Why should voters trust you?

I have a proven track record of caring for the places I spend the most time. As VP of Prestwick Country Club and board liaison for Events and Associated Sports, the club asked for my help and appointed me in 2020. Two of my four children are in 157c and the board was going to dissolve so I stepped in to keep it running. I see a toxic board in our village and I cannot sit back any longer and watch it unfold.

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

I would like to build on the current administration, more community involvement, wiser decisions for large opportunities that present themselves. More police presence and growth for our businesses

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

I am very careful spending other people's money. From the young family that moves to Frankfort for the first time like my wife and I to the retirees that have watched their families grow in this town, I want to make sure their money is spent carefully and without risk

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

I do not support this ban. We all felt the pain of what happened in Highland Park. But we need sensible gun legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of criminals and those with mental illness.

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

The board is made up of elected individuals, currently there is a good mix of genders and ages. I support anyone that wants to run and is willing to donate their time to help Frankfort remain a viable community.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

I am not in support of this legislation as it currently stands. I don’t believe you can fix safety issues with a one size fits all proposal. I grew up with structure, rules and respect and I was taught you need to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

I think crime will find its way anywhere. I know our town is not perfect but the investment in law enforcement has been increased and I have noticed officers on patrol more and more the past couple years and this visibility to police is what helps keep crime low in our town.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

There is a 2040 comprehensive plan in place and our administration is following the outline. The beauty of our town is our biggest asset and this is what will attract successful businesses. We need to remember that any development needs to make sense on both sides and if we can agree to that.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

I would like to see investments made on some of the current infrastructures we have along our high traffic corridors. This will help attract businesses to Frankfort and improve aesthetics. The Pfeiffer road extension is critical to development on the north side of route 30. Again, there are over 20,000 voices in Frankfort with many of their own ideas but we need to pay attention to the traffic and tax revenues that will be brought in if we do not pay attention to our long term goals.

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

No, I fully expect to serve my full term if elected.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My Grandfather and mentor told me from an early age that "the long road is the short road" and that has always stuck with me. I never rush into anything and always do more work than what is required so my goals are reached.

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

I only want them to know I care, I am open and I don’t have all the answers but I am always willing and able to understand someone's position. If anyone has questions they can reach out to me by phone at 708-420-3854.