Township Turmoil: Rubino Accused of Neglect and Misconduct.

In a comprehensive letter to the trustees of Orland Township, Supervisor Paul A. O'Grady raised serious concerns about the performance of Highway Commissioner Antonio Rubino. The letter, which details a series of grievances, paints a troubling picture of Rubino's tenure, highlighting issues of mismanagement, neglect, and questionable decision-making. This situation is further complicated by Rubino's political connections, including his father-in-law, State Representative Bob Rita, who has ties to the convicted former Speaker of the Illinois House, Mike Madigan.

Neglecting Core Responsibilities
Commissioner Rubino was elected to maintain and improve the roads, bridges, and rights-of-way for the residents of Orland Township. However, according to O'Grady, Rubino has spent an inordinate amount of time on self-promotional activities that have little to do with his official duties. This neglect is not just a matter of poor prioritization; it represents a fundamental failure to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him by the voters.

How can the residents of Orland Township trust a commissioner who appears more interested in advancing his political career than in serving the community?

Pet-Palooza Exclusion: A Policy Misunderstood
One of Rubino's complaints centers on his exclusion from the 2022 Pet-Palooza event, a community gathering aimed at supporting the township's Pet Pantry. O'Grady clarifies that the exclusion was a policy decision to keep the event non-political, limiting vendor participation to local businesses and animal-related organizations. This policy applied to all elected officials, not just Rubino, yet he has chosen to interpret it as a personal slight.

Is Rubino's reaction indicative of a broader tendency to prioritize personal and political interests over community welfare?

Misuse of Township Resources
Rubino's exclusion from the ORLAND TOWNSHIP FOCUS newsletter is another point of contention. The newsletter, funded by township tax revenues, is intended to support the township's core mission. An Interlocal Agreement allowed Rubino a page in the newsletter in exchange for the Road District's assistance with seasonal landscaping. However, Rubino's refusal to honor this agreement by cutting the grass at township properties forced the township to hire external services, thereby justifying the termination of his newsletter privileges. This incident underscores Rubino's disregard for cooperative agreements and responsible fiscal management.

How can the township ensure that its resources are being used effectively when agreements are not honored?

Vehicle Mismanagement
The letter also addresses the contentious issue of a 2013 RAM truck, which the township had loaned to the Road District under an agreement that included snow and ice removal and landscaping services. Rubino's decision to cease these services led to the township reclaiming the truck. Furthermore, the Highway Department's employees damaged the vehicle, necessitating costly repairs. O'Grady argues that better management of his employees could have prevented this damage, highlighting Rubino's lack of oversight and accountability.

What steps will Rubino take to improve the management and maintenance of township assets?

Delayed Payments and Procurement Issues
Rubino has accused the township of delaying payments to the Highway Department. O'Grady counters that payments have been made within 30 days of approval, except for two invoices for rock salt, which required legal review due to procurement concerns. Rubino's chronic lateness in approving bills, sometimes up to 60 days past due, has resulted in unnecessary late fees, further straining the township's finances. This pattern of delayed approvals and misplaced blame points to a deeper issue of administrative inefficiency within Rubino's office.

How can the township address these inefficiencies to ensure timely payments and avoid additional costs?

Infrastructure Neglect
Perhaps the most alarming accusations pertain to Rubino's failure to address critical infrastructure issues. State Highway 143rd Street, west of Wolf Road, has been chronically flooded, causing dangerous traffic rerouting through residential areas. Despite the obvious hazard, Rubino has done nothing to resolve the flooding, risking potential fatalities. Similarly, the entry/exit point to the Pinewood Subdivision remains unsafe due to obstructed views, and the subdivision's streets are in disrepair. These failures not only endanger residents but also reflect a gross dereliction of duty.

What plans does Rubino have to address these pressing infrastructure concerns?

Wasteful Spending
Rubino's financial decisions have also come under scrutiny. In July 2021, he purchased several old vehicles from the City of Blue Island, including a 1995 International truck and a 2002 Ford Ranger, for a total of $1,750. These "junk vehicles," as O'Grady describes them, offer no clear benefit to the Road District or the residents. This wasteful spending is emblematic of Rubino's broader mismanagement of departmental resources.

How does Rubino justify these purchases, and what measures will he take to ensure more prudent financial decisions in the future?

Political Connections and Influence
The situation is further complicated by Rubino's political connections. His father-in-law, State Representative Bob Rita, was a trusted lieutenant to the convicted former Speaker of the Illinois House, Mike Madigan. Rita has testified in the ComEd Four trial, admitting that he followed the lead of Madigan's confidant, Mike McClain, in supporting a bill at the heart of the corruption case. This connection raises questions about the influence of political alliances on Rubino's actions and decisions.

How much of Rubino's conduct is influenced by his political ties, and what impact does this have on his ability to serve the residents of Orland Township effectively?

Questioning Rubino's Aspirations
Given the numerous issues highlighted in O'Grady's letter, a critical question arises: How does Antonio Rubino believe he can succeed as Township Assessor when he has struggled to fulfill his current role as Highway Commissioner? The responsibilities of a Township Assessor are even more extensive and demanding. If Rubino has demonstrated a pattern of neglect and mismanagement in his current position, what assurances can he provide that he will not repeat these mistakes in a higher office? The residents of Orland Township deserve a leader who has proven their capability and commitment to the community's welfare.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
The letter from Supervisor O'Grady presents a series of concerns regarding Commissioner Rubino's performance, highlighting issues of mismanagement, neglect, and questionable decision-making. The trustees and residents of Orland Township are urged to consider these points carefully and ensure that their elected officials prioritize the community's needs and manage resources effectively. The future of the township's infrastructure and the safety of its residents depend on responsible and effective leadership.
In light of these revelations, it is clear that Commissioner Rubino's leadership is in dire need of reevaluation. The trustees and residents of Orland Township must demand accountability and ensure that their elected officials prioritize the community's needs over personal and political gain. The future of the township's infrastructure and the safety of its residents depend on it.

Questions for Commissioner Rubino:
1. How do your political connections, including your relationship with State Representative Bob Rita and his ties to Mike Madigan, influence your actions and decisions as Highway Commissioner?
2. What steps will you take to improve the management and maintenance of township assets, such as the 2013 RAM truck?
3. How do you justify the purchase of old vehicles that offer no clear benefit to the Road District or the residents?
4. What measures will you implement to ensure timely payments and avoid unnecessary late fees?
5. How do you plan to address the chronic flooding on State Highway 143rd Street and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas?
6. What plans do you have to address the pressing infrastructure concerns in the Pinewood Subdivision and other areas of the township?
7. How will you ensure that township resources are used effectively and that cooperative agreements are honored?
8. Given the issues raised about your current performance, how do you believe you can succeed as Township Assessor?

The people of Orland Township deserve answers to these questions and a commitment to responsible and effective leadership. It is time for Commissioner Rubino to prioritize the community's needs and demonstrate that he is capable of fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the voters.