By: Ashmar Mandou
Chicagoan R Cary Capparelli is an independent candidate running for the six-year term as commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), which governed by a nine-member board elected at-large with three commissioners elected every two years. During March 15 primary, some candidates will run for six-year terms, while others will run for terms that two years. MWRD treats water collected by sanitary and storm water sewers in most of Cook County. From 1997-1998, Capparelli served as a public member of Illinois Banking Committee and for close to ten years served as a board member of Illinois International Port. Capparelli recently spoke to Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper about his campaign. If you would like to learn more, visit www.rcarycapparelli.com.
Please share with our readers what compelled you to jump on the ballot?
While the Board at the MWRDGC would like the public to believe everything is good at the District that is simply not the case. The Board has been dominated by party insiders for over forty years causing mismanagement including budget overruns and project delays. Here in Cicero Township, residents can attest about the strong foul odor that sometimes is released from the MWRDGC plant. Fact is there are some unqualified Commissioners not doing the job they were elected for. Now we have some unqualified candidates that are nothing more than pawns for continuation of the same party insiders. As a concerned citizen and tax payer, I am the alternative qualified candidate committed to safe water management and fiscal responsibility.
What experiences have you garnered over the years that will help you if elected?
My father was a Member of the Illinois House of Representatives for 32 years and part of its leadership so I have a sound understanding of the political atmosphere. Later I myself ran for other offices that furthered that understanding. Now I feel better prepared. My commitment to this campaign is underscored by the fact I am largely funding it with my own money.
What would you like to tell our readers about why you are qualified for the position?
My education and professional experience qualifies me as the most qualified candidate for the position. I hold a BAJ from Drake University, a MSJ from Northwestern University, a MA from Northeastern Illinois University and a PhD candidate from the University of London in the discipline of Geography and Environmental Studies. Geography in particular is a subject most closely related to water as a natural resource. Professionally, I am self employed by my own marketing company. My firm was instrumental in the Districts successful Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day program. I also sat on the board at the Illinois International Port from 2000-2009; where I chaired the Homeland Security, Legislative and Marketing committees.
