Meet OLCHS Dist. 229 School Board Candidate Robert 'Rob' Cruz

OAK LAWN, IL —Robert "Rob" Cruz is running for the Oak Lawn Community High School Dist. 229 school board in the upcoming April 6 consolidated election. Cruz, 42, is a long-time Oak Lawn resident. He is a business owner and works in construction and development. Cruz is one of five candidates, including three incumbents and two newcomers, vying for four seats on Dist. 229 Board of Education. The top four vote getters will win the election. Early voting starts March 22.

Your name: Robert "Rob" Cruz

Campaign contact email: info@cruz4district229.com

Age (as of election day): 42

Town/city of residence: Oak Lawn

School district: 229

Family: Sandra Cruz (Guerrero) and daughter Lola Cruz

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for: No

Education: Studied Business Administration @ University of Dubuque IA

Occupation (please include years of experience): Small Business owner, 16 years (Construction and Development)

Campaign website: cruz4district229.com

Previous or current elected or appointed office: No.

The single most pressing issue facing Dist. 229 and this is what I intend to do about it.

Getting parents, students and staff comfortable coming back to school for full-time, in-person learning safely. I plan to create more communication within the respective groups regarding how we will monitor the safety protocols. Additionally, I will suggest a portion of the $3,000,000 awarded to the district be used to ensure our school is sanitized and cleaned in a fashion that suits the students, staff and parents of OLCHS.

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

I have always differentiated myself through my work ethic. I have worked tirelessly in my youth at being a starting quarterback on a 2 time state championship team. I have worked tirelessly in my professional career as a small business owner. I choose to be the hardest worker in the room

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?

Recently had a property tax hike in Oak Lawn and the communication could have been better.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1. Safety in our schools as we open up full-time in-person learning
2. Keeping the property taxes at an affordable rate as COVID-19 has disrupted our economy
3. Communication with taxpayers on how the funds collected are being used.

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

As a small business owner for 16 years I have handled adversity as market conditions in real estate have been erratic. During this time, I was diagnosed with Leukemia and withstood chemo treatment while operating my business. I have faced adversity before and can handle the ups and downs that come with this job.

Why should voters trust you?

Because I will put the needs of the children FIRST!

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

Getting our students and staff back to school safely while keeping the property taxes at current or lower levels while we recover from COVID-19.

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

Policy is to only take what we need to achieve our goals while putting savings in the hard working people of Oak Lawn's hands.

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?

Protests are protected under the first amendment and I support those efforts. Riots and destructive gatherings are not and should be condemned.

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

I think the board has positioned itself to serve ALL students. However, while the board has been gender diverse they have not been ethnically diverse. I'm hoping to change that this year.

What are your thoughts on the district’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Are you in favor of remote learning, in-person learning or a hybrid of the two? Do you support a mask mandate for students and school staff, or mandatory coronavirus testing for both students and staff?

The district's handling of the virus was done well. In the beginning of the pandemic shutting down was warranted as we knew very little about COVID-19. I agreed with the questionnaire that was sent out to parents giving them a choice in a survey on how they wanted to proceed. I believe Hybrid is the best option at the current moment with a goal of full-time in-person learning in the fall. I believe students and staff should be required to wear masks while on school property.

When the vaccine is available to them, do you support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff?

I do not believe the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandatory. I believe this decision should be left in the hands of the people and not a government mandate.

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 ____________

A winner never quits and a quitter never wins.

CLARIFICATION: Five candidates are running for four open seats on the D229 board; two are newcomers, three are incumbents. Also, Patch misstated that Mr. Cruz was a graduate of OLCHS. We apologize for the error.

Are you a candidate running for local office? Email lorraine.swanson@patch.com, and we'll send you a questionnaire and feature you on Patch.