Meet Lemont Township Board Trustee Candidate: Mario Mollo

LEMONT, IL — Mario Mollo is one of five candidates running for four open positions for trustee on the Lemont Township Board. Mollo works as a supervisor for a state law enforcement agency, and was appointed to the township board in November 2020.

Mollo 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: Mario Mollo

Age (as of Election Day):

48

Town/City of Residence:

Lemont

Office Sought:

Township board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I work in investigations for a state law enforcement agency

Education:

Master of Arts in Public Administration - University of Illinois
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Saint Mary's University, Minnesota

Occupation:

26 years - supervisor for a state law enforcement agency

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

In November 2020, Mollo was appointed to the Lemont Township Board to complete the term for then Lemont Township Trustee Michael Shackel.

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

I don't see any pressing issues; however, I would like to continue collaborating and communicating with the entities which are serviced by Lemont Township

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?

Lemont Township is currently working with local and private entities to obtain COVID-19 vaccines for Lemont Township citizens.

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

With over 25 years of government experience, as well as over 17 years of dedicated volunteer service within the Lemont community, the importance of collaborating, communicating, and cooperating with other entities cannot be overstated.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I understand the three main functions of the Township (road maintenance, senior citizen services, and assistance to the less fortunate), and I bring that knowledge to the board.

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

I have been fortunate to have long-lasting relationships with other government and private business leaders to ensure the best results for the citizens of Lemont Township.

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

As long as the Lemont Township community feels like I have listened to them and served their needs to the best of my abilities, I will consider it a success.

Why should voters trust you?

I believe in character, honesty, integrity, and transparency for all government officials.

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

I have a Master's Degree in Public Administration: the coursework included Budget & Finance, and Analytical Tools. In addition, I have accounting and auditing experience in my professional career. Finally, I served as Treasurer for Lemont Little League, and I was a member of the Finance Committee for Lemont School District 113A.

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

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I should do twice as much listening as I do speaking. There is a reason I have two ears and one mouth.

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

I am grateful for this opportunity. Thanks for taking the time to learn about the candidates.