Karrsten Goettel

On the Record

What experiences do you have that make you a good candidate for office?

My experiences that make me a good candidate are twofold: As a Park District Board Member for the past eight years, four of which was spent as Vice-President and as current sitting President of the Board, I have assisted in guiding the District through a tremendous period of growth and quality responsiveness to the needs of the residents. The district has maintained a very high community/constituent approval rating (in excess of 90%), while continually increasing its services, facilities, and open space. A finalist once again in 2007, 2008 and 2012 for the National Park and Recreation Association Gold Medal and playing a large role in the award St. Charles received in 2011 by Family Circle Magazine as the best place to raise a family, the district continues to be successful without foregoing the district’s budget responsibilities. Secondly, my professional experience as a local transactional attorney and partner in a larger Kane County law firm has allowed me to give insight and share knowledge on many fronts, including land acquisition and development, operation of a service business, budgeting and management of personnel. In addition, I am actively involved in the community in many forms, including volunteer positions with local non-profit soccer groups as well as a member of the St. Charles Housing Commission. The first-hand experience as an incumbent on the Board as well my career experience makes me a good candidate for the St. Charles Park District Board.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

First, to continue to engage the residents through my community activities or as a Board Member and use such input, to help the District continually meet the needs of all of the residents in their desire for active or passive recreation. Second, it is always a priority continue to operate the District in a fiscally sound and responsible manner. Overseeing and giving guidance and input on additional means by which the proverbial dollar can be stretched is an item all Board members should always be considering. Last, I would prioritize keeping ideas fresh and encourage staff and others within the District to keep up on trends, new ideas, including means to save or increase revenue. Encouraging the District as a whole to be creative with ideas is important to continually keep the District at the forefront of its industry.

Would you support freezing your taxing district’s levy until housing prices rebound? Why or why not?

The Park District has continually received the highest marks for diligence and management in the area of financial responsibility. If it is necessary and the constituents would like the tax levy to be frozen, I have the utmost confidence that the District would continue to be as responsive to the needs of the residents in bringing them the services, opportunities and facilities they desire. At the same time the District will continue to explore means by which to raise revenue other than via tax funding, including pursuit of partnership with other governmental entities or public/private partnerships with various user groups along with all available grants, donations and possible sponsorships where appropriate.

What one decision by the park district board do you most disagree with and why?

Unfortunately I cannot identify one decision made by the Board that I disagree with. The Board itself is a group of diversified individuals with strong backgrounds and longtime commitments to the District. The Board has always taken great care to continually identify the needs and priorities of the District and then build a consensus to work toward a solution in addressing the identified need.

What was the biggest accomplishment of the board in the past year?

In the past year, there are two accomplishments I am particularly proud of. The first is the continual recognition of the District as one of the financially healthiest budgets of all the local, state and even national taxing bodies. The District continues to receive high marks in regard to the operating budget as reflected in the receipt of its stellar municipal bond rating. Second, the opening of the park known as River Bend Community Park is an accomplishment that should be highlighted. This park serves as the perfect example of intergovernmental partnerships allowing groups to leverage dollars in order to bring more to the taxpayers. In this instance, the land was acquired by the Kane County Forest Preserve and leased to the Park District for programming purposes. The partnership allowed both taxing bodies to bring much needed open space to the area by sharing resources. In addition, the partnership strengthened the opportunity to receive grant funding and allowed the District to access state funds for assistance, creating even less of a financial burden on the local taxpayers. Both of these highlight items I am particularly proud of and provide examples of areas I will continue to pursue if elected for my next term.

Why should voters elect you to office?

As a lifelong resident of the area, I am committed to giving my assistance and experience to a District that has proven itself throughout my memory as second to none. I have for the past eight years had the privilege of serving on the District’s Board and am committed and look forward to contributing to its forward progress and success once again.