Monee Village Board Candidate: Chuck Rakis

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How can the Village of Monee improve the quality of service it offers? The village can best improve the quality of our service by continuing, and excelling, in our communication and response to our residents.

What would you like people to know about you? My legal name is Charles but I prefer people to call me Chuckie! I am an avid adventurer who likes to go out and explore new and exciting things and conquer the impossible. Some of these explorations include: driving a boat, riding a motorcycle, climbing a mountain, putting my feet back into the ocean, and competing against others in climbing to the top of the Sears (Willis) Tower. For those that know me, they would say that one of my strongest qualities is that when I put my heart into something, I hit the ground running and give it 110%. My drive is to help others and stand up for what is right, fair, and just.

Home address/year in Monee: I have been a Monee resident for over 15 years.

CommunityInvolvement: During the launch of Project Blue Eye (security camera system utilized by ourPolice Department to deter criminal acts before they happen), I worked alongside my mother, Elizabeth Rakis, and the administration at that time, to help secure funding allowing the project to get up and going. The Angel Sense Program (assistive technology with a built in GPS tracker for safety and independence of our loved ones) was a concept that my mother and I had talked about frequently. We were aware of the need for this device for our elderly community and I was honored to be able to step in and see the development through and for it to become a safety device that helps our wonderful community. I have also been an avid volunteer for The Monee Police Department in various scenario-based trainings as a civilian role—player to assist and facilitate training.

Organizations/Club Memberships: I am a proud member of the Association of advancement for Wound Care (AAWC) and the Illinois Trucking Association.

Awards and Honors: Honored to have helped assist with legislation in allocating $3.2 billion in funding for the advancement of wound care. I have also been honored to help develop a bed to help others in their healing process from various wounds and injuries.

Professional Background: My professional career has been handling the logistics of a family-owned andoperated transportation company. Holding this position has given me a unique perspective for small family-owned businesses, which has historically been the

heart of Monee.

Education: Entering into the family business has been my education. I have been doing this forover 20 years and continue to learn every day.

Family: My brother, sister, and I were raised by a single mother who dedicated her entire life to her children all the while starting and building, what is today, a successful transportation business. I have been married to my wife for almost six years, but

have known her for well over 18 years. We have a beautiful dog, who ironically shares the same birthday as me, and a few salt-water fish.

Office Sought: Village Trustee

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