CAMPAIgn INFO:

Position sought: Trustee, 3rd District, Village of Oak Lawn (running as write-in candidate)

Campaign contact information:

• Website: www.dansodaro.com

• E-mail address: dansodaro@dansodaro.com

• Phone: 708-229-0665

• Hometown: Oak Lawn
  

personal info:

• Age: 36
• Family: Dawn (wife), Jacob (son) 13, Lucas (son) 8, Abbie (daughter) 7.

• Education: St. Gerald's School (1988); Oak Lawn Community High School (1992); Oak Lawn Community High School (1992); bachelor's Governor's State University (1998).
• Occupation: International Swaps and Derivative Association (ISDA) Negotiator.
• Political party affiliation, if any: Independent.
• Previous elected offices: Ridgeland Dist. 122 School Board Member, 2004-present; board president, 2006-present.
• Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I have successfully ledd Ridgeland Dist. 122 as president for the past four years through some turbulent times; from one of the fastest returns off the financial watch list in the state’s history to a potentially explosive community disagreement with national media attention. I have voted for cuts when necessary and restored and expanded services when fiscally able, including the return of art and music and expansion of technology services.  I successfully assisted in negotiating our current union contract which included adding additional minutes to the school day and fair compensation for the union employees. These accomplishments were made through civil debate and intellectual discussion.

candidate questions:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? It is time for the 3rd District to have new, responsive representation working to address their needs and concerns and to restore dignity to the office of village trustee.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Open diaglouge with the residents of the 3rd District to hear their concerns, input and ideas and bring those concerns and ideas back to the village booard of trustees.  In return, I will bring the 3rd District and village-wide issues back to the public in multiple forms of communication in which the residents can chose, including email, newsletters, District 3 meetings or website.

What sets you apart from the other candidate? I have a proven track record of dealing openly and honestly with the community on any issue it is facing.  I have officiated controversial meetings in a civil, professional manner. In recent years the school district has reached out to representative stakeholders in the community to develop 3- and 5-year plans addressing both fiscal and educational needs. 

How long have you lived in Oak Lawn? 36 years, lifelong third-generation resident. 

What's your favorite thing about Oak Lawn? The people. Oak Lawn has a small-town, community feel with a close proximity to the world class city of Chicago. I believe a village is a sum of its parts: parks and schools, fire and police, men and women of service, and residents all working together to make the community a better place to live.

What is the biggest problem in Oak Lawn?  One of the biggest problems facing Oak Lawn is a lack of focus on the current needs of the village and its residents, as well as a cohesive plan for the future.  This plan should include preventative maintenance of infrastructure, plans for future developments, and seek active community involvement.