Bio

Long-time Resident Serves Neighbors On

 Arlington Heights Board of Trustees

An environmental consultant, Baldino describes himself as open-minded, even-keeled and analytical. As an small business owner/independent consultant, Baldino frequently works with federal government contracts and has years of experience with the proposal and bidding process. He has worked with commercial clients and state and local governments as well.

In the past three and 1/2 years on the board, Rich has listened to the community before making decisions.  He has worked to keep taxes down while improving critical Village infrastructure. He works to explore sustainability options and support local businesses.

During a second term, Rich will push for new ways to embrace diversity and include everyone within the Village.  During his term, he has been a supporter of affordable housing initiatives, including a recent ordinance that moves beyond guidelines for developers.

Born in DeKalb, Rich lived in North Aurora and Batavia before his family settled in Naperville. He attended Naperville Central High School, then received a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry with a minor in computer science from North Central College, where he met his wife. He went on to receive a master’s degree in water chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He worked in Madison and Milwaukee, where his son was born, before transferring to Chicago to be closer to family. Meanwhile, Mary Kay landed a job in the northwest suburbs, so the pair rented an apartment in Arlington Heights to try out the community. They never left.

When they first moved to Arlington Heights, says Mary Kay, the downtown was under construction, but they could see its potential. They also were attracted to the strong schools and park system. They saw how many generations had strong ties to the community and thought it would be a great place to raise a family. They now have a son, 22, who lives in Naperville and a daughter, 18, who is a senior at Prospect High School.

As an Arlington Heights trustee, Rich aims to make sure the town continues to have a vibrant business community and to be a place where all people feel welcome and heard—just like the town welcomed his young family some 20 years ago.