Meet Homer Township Board Trustee Candidate: Mike Bonomo

HOMER GLEN, IL — Mike Bonomo is one of eight candidates running for four open positions for trustee on the Homer Township Board. Bonomo is a vice president of sales and marketing, and has previously served as a precinct commiteeman.

Bonomo recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be found below:

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

Name: Mike Bonomo

Age (as of Election Day):

55

Town/City of Residence:

Lockport

Office Sought:

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Republican

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

College of DuPage

Occupation:

VP Sales & Marketing -The Standard Companies, a family owned stocking distributor of Packaging, Janitorial, Paper, and Safety Products; servicing the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Homer Committeeman Precinct 12

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

The single most pressing issue facing our board is transparency and what I intend to about it is to be sure residents will receive a written/video update following every meeting covering key topics and actions of the Board using every form of communication possible.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

N/A

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

N/A

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

N/A

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

Local governments should be able to inform their residents through all communication channels necessary regarding the vaccine rollout. How to schedule and where to go.

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

I believe the Homer Township Republican Slate (HTRS) I am running with will provide more trust, teamwork and transparency.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Cooperation, not Competition - The HTRS pledges to communicate and cooperate with ALL local municipalities that comprise Homer Township, for the betterment of Homer Township

Fiscal Responsibility - The HTRS has no intention to dissolve or eliminate the Township.

Heritage Preservation - Strengthen the Township’s commitment to preserving open spaces and the natural beauty of the Township. However, we pledge to reduce unnecessary Township government spending

Transparency - The HTRS will bring transparent, open and fair governance to the residents of Homer Township. All meetings will be open and transparent in accordance with Illinois laws. Meetings will be video recorded and shared via social media and the township website.

Improve/Increase Services - There is a clear lack of services for the needs of seniors, children, and special needs constituents, which is one of the primary functions of Township government.

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

For over 25 years, I have been in sales and marketing for a multi-million dollar family owned business. Have personally worked with businesses ranging from multi-billion to small mom-and-pop operations. Working on bids would be one of the most challenging operations of the business. Obtaining the lowest price but being able to compete and make a profit is the reward from the hard work. As a Trustee our job is to get the best value and be able to provide quality products and services for the residents of Homer Township. With 25 years of experience, I am confident I can handle the job of watching out for our taxpayers money!

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

In the end of my term when I win, the biggest accomplishment that would make my term in office a success would be to know people trust me. To me that is the most important accomplishment you can ask for as a public servant.

Why should voters trust you?

Every decision I would make will have a direct impact on the Township as well as myself. In previous years, I coached a lot of youth in various sports and the parents put their trust in me to instill trust, skill and teamwork in their children. You do not gain trust overnight, you must earn it. I ask for a chance to prove I can be trusted and I am very confident I will earn it from Homer Township residents.

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

HTRS pledges to reduce unnecessary Township government spending to which we will
consolidate and/or eliminate budget line items as well as to investigate all cost-cutting opportunities to reduce operational overhead (provided it does not affect the level of services our constituents receive).

We will make sure that we properly (and routinely) maintain all Township buildings, properties, and assets to avoid unnecessary expenses due to improper maintenance and lack of repairs.

We will make sure All work or services more than $5,000 or more MUST be put out for bid. There will be no more automatic state-bid contracts under our leadership.

We will make sure all major Township projects exceeding $1,000,000 must be supported by a majority of Township residents via voter referendum.

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

If at any time, I feel I can't give 100 percent effort to the Homer Township citizens, that would be my only reason to step down as Trustee.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My father once told me he did not think he was good enough for my mother. Everyday he works hard to prove himself wrong and it shows. With that being said, I always try to prove my worth in anything I do.

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

There will be no regrets.