Boban 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: Martin Boban

Age (as of Election Day):

62

Town/City of Residence:

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Republican

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

High School. Junior College

Occupation:

43 years with Exelon as a Maintenance Electrician

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

20-year Township Trustee

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

We continue to provide the essential services our residents need, while at the same time we have been able to lower our Township tax rate. A challenge, but it can be accomplished with solid leadership.

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?

I believe that peaceful demonstrations are a part of our society and I fully support peaceful demonstrations by any group of Americans. I do not condone violence by any person or groups of persons regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or social status. I support local law enforcement and I believe that the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officials are doing the job to protect all citizens, and doing their job the way it is supposed to be done. I also realize that they are human and that no human is perfect.

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

Any New Lenox Township resident that walks through our doors is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or social status. As long as I am a member of this board, that policy will continue under no uncertain terms.

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?

Our Township staff has helped many residents get registered for the vaccine. Unfortunately, we have more residents who need the vaccine than the county has in supply. I believe that in the near future, supply will meet the demand. New Lenox Township is committed to doing whatever we can to help that process.

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?

I believe that right now supply is not able to keep up with demand. As I stated, I believe that supply will catch up to the demand in the near future, and New Lenox Township will do whatever we can to help this process.

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

I have over 20 years experience. During those 20 plus years, I have never missed a board meeting. I am a 42-year New Lenox resident and a dedicated family man. I am totally committed to the role I play with New Lenox Township. I have introduced several new programs that benefit our residents during my time on the board.

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

I am a 20-year incumbent. The residents have trusted me to do the right thing for New
Lenox Township and I feel that I have done that.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

We provide timely essential services, while at the same time we have held the line on our tax rate. I am committed to improving the services we provide as the needs in our Township change.

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

I have introduced the Township to the LWHS transition program. A program designed to provide an environment that students with special needs can learn job skills with the help of a job coach. The New Lenox Township food pantry is a training site for these students where they learn skills similar to those used in grocery stores. We have students who have graduated from the program who have since landed jobs in the community that they now perform independently. A program that I am proud to sponsor. This is just one of many programs that I have introduced to the Township.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I lost my dad 4 years ago. He always told me to never judge a person by what other people tell you about that person. Always judge a person by how they have treated you. I have always tried to follow those words.

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

I made a commitment to the residents of New Lenox over 20 years ago. I feel strongly that I have lived up to that commitment. They have trusted me to get the job done and get it done right. I am accessible to the residents and I welcome questions or concerns. I believe that if you ask someone who knows me, they will tell you that if Marty told you he will get a job done, it will get done and it will be done right.