A 20 year track record of working collaboratively within a variety of public and private organizations throughout St Charles. I take responsibility to research the issues, projects at hand and build consensus among stakeholders on best approaches. Pride of the Fox RiverFest Steering Committee-2 yrs,volunteer 6 yrs;STC Arts Council volunteer/all 5 pop-up galleries incl. created Charlie’s @ Charlestowne Mall 2012 Student Filmfest;Downtown STC Partnership Fine Arts Show 6 yrs, Holiday Lights parade 2 yrs, River Corridor Fdtn events volunteer; Co-founder of two neighborhood advocacy groups-2008 Near West, 2010 CCSS,Inc; 3rd Ward Aldermanic Candidate 2010; 2009 cofounder/Coordinator, Near West Neighborhood Watch; 2012 grad Citizen Police Academy;working currently w/ Kane Co. Office of Community Reinvestment as co-applicant/consultant for landmarking one of the last 2 remaining farms orig. owned by Col. Baker, Seven Oaks Farm on Red Gate Rd. My research ignited my interest in St Charles’ rich history of open space development, and the close working relationships between city and county. STC East HS P-ARTS Variety Show Chair 6 yrs; PostProm Decor. Chair 2yrs; Richmond Elem. PTA VPres & teacher aide; IL Arts Alliance Conference teacher; National Art Ed. Assn Convention Coord.-2 yrs; Illinois Youth Art Month Chair; freelance consulting, writing, design for commercial, non-profits, Fox Valley, Chicago,IL
1. Maximize the recreational opportunities for all residents-open space has a profound effect on the character and well-being of of a community, is what makes St Charles unique. I will advocate to preserve current open space, protect the integrity of remnant natural areas within new & existing developments,support new ideas, practises, to keep our “hometown community” feel.
2. With new developments come impacts and options. When under review by the City, my priority will be to encourage creative development of strategies to serve the community by preserving natural features,conserving open space, incorporating public recreational facilities & new cultural assets like sculpture or open air structures within site design. Serving our mature neighborhoods, I will stress improving upon current facilities to create more liveable gathering places, more recreation, exercise/healthy options for families.
3.I will keep the BIG PICTURE top-of-mind. Park Dist.,Kane Co.,Forest Preserve & NE IL Planning Commission “Open Lands Project” - greenway plans exist to create pedestrian,bike links among neighborhoods & Downtown. East & West Gateways need greenway enhancememts, for a sense of “arrival-St Charles!” It’s a tall order. We must use funds prudently,encourage public and private set asides of open space. Our newer developments are disconnect,older areas have challenges of traffic congestion.
Being a property owner and a tax payer yes for the 11% that the City controls. Of the 8 taxing bodies, the Park District gets just 8%. School District 64%,County 5%, Jr College 5%, Library 4%, Forest Preserve 3%, and Township 2%. Taking into account the whole picture and current state of finances in St Charles, we have to consider this option. Put it to a referendum. I would sooner support smart development & redevelopment, a more collaborative approach to solving our City’s fiscal “knot” of lagging revenues and outstanding TIF’s, by better, more open communication among all taxing bodies on decisions made by the City on future development and currently stalled projects. Examples: First Street, Charlestowne Mall, East Gateway,the former STC Mall property and West Gateway properties. We rely upon our City leadership to make the right decisions to foster business growth and prosperity, but we must be informed, ouselves, ready to weigh in, no matter where we sit, on which Board, Committee or Commisssion. We cherish and maintain aspirational ideas, at the same time we must ground our decisions in fiscal truths and be willing to remain flexible, make the tough decisions, keeping the best interests of all residents at heart. If it means possibly delaying or down-scaling implementation of some initiatives or tightening our belts by some other measures, it will only be for a time.
I cannot think of any decision made in recent years that was detrimental to the call of the Park Board.I would like to see more real-time implementation of the existing “Eagle Eye Neighborhood Park Watchers” program along with expansion of the Neighborhood Watch (only one active currently in St Charles is in my Near West area)throughout our community.This could mean a collaborative approach with a new task force populated by Police, Parks,residents, more... I support the concepts underlying both the “Defensible Spaces” theory of Urban Planning and liveability and the(possibly) more familiar “Broken Windows” theory of crime prevention- both address what residents, private and public stewards of the community(property owners,landlords,homeowners, people of all ages, community leadership, resident input) can do together, to protect and enhance neighborhood quality of life. We have 62 wonderful parks and amenities throughout St Charles, Campton & a bit of South Elgin. We will build more green sapces and conserve more naturaland historic features. As the options expand, so does the need for protection and maintenance of their condition and beauty. A community involved is a community aware, appreciative, undivided and invested in that call.
No doubt about it! Hands-down, the greatest accomplishment has been the community partnership that created “River Bend Community Park”. A collaboration between the Park District, Forest Preserve District,local,county and state officials and the St Charles River Bend Homeowners group reclaimed the unsightly old juvenile detention center land for the community and established our newest park. With help from state legislators the park district was able to buy the land for $4 million. The district utilized several grants to tear down the detention center buildings and landscape the new park.If you have not seen it, you should. It is located at Courier and Geneva Avenues, just off Route 25, includes a play area, basketball and tennis courts and covered picnic area. The park also offers soccer fields, biking trails and picnic groves, a skate park and tennis courts, fishing piers and a dog park is coming! My Springer Spaniel, Mattie will be taking a few trips there, once that is done!
I will do the work with enthusiasm and dilligence. My loyalty to our City is unflagging. My interest and research of Kane County historic, open land grows day by day as I continue to follow the landmarking process of Seven Oaks Farm on Red Gate Road.I have several original concepts to contribute involving community assets like Seven Oaks and public awareness of unique historical threads within the fabric of St Charles. My ability to work with others toward a common goal is public record and is ongoing. I do not sit back and let the ambiance and quality of life in St Charles just “happen”, and wait for the City to serve me. Instead, I have endeavored to serve St Charles for every year I have lived in our coummunity. I hope I can earn your trust and your vote.
As a 19-year resident of St. Charles with a family that heavily utilizes most or all of our wonderful facilities, I will bring to the park district board the perspective of a consumer of park district services combined with the clear focus of being a newcomer to the political scene.
These experiences and qualities will enable me to serve the citizens of the St. Charles park district without agenda.
Additionally, my background in managing human-capital, complex systems and financial resources in corporate settings over a two-decade period – along with extensive global travel experience – provides me with unique insights into how other cultures engage stakeholders at both a corporate level and at a community level.
I know how to motivate people to do more than they think themselves capable of doing. My profession as a technology advisor to many of the world’s leading corporations has taught me how to define and deliver on strategic planning. With these core skills, I feel confident that I will be able to tap the collective passion that we have as residents of the #1 Best Town for Families to maintain that status through the continued delivery of world-class park district services.
As a new park district board commissioner, I will have to undertake many tasks to acclimate myself with the ongoing operations to fully determine which variety is important versus those that are both urgent and important.
To that end, my first priority is to provide the same, excellent level of services to St. Charles park district residents while ensuring that budget priorities are met. Achieving balance between community stakeholders and the park district will contribute directly to meeting this priority item.
My second priority will be to audit the work of the park district board relative to other high-performing cities’ park district boards. Doing this will allow me to benchmark our performance in terms of fiscal responsibility and operations efficiency to validate whether St. Charles residents are receiving the best value for their tax dollars or whether further areas of improvement exist.
My third priority will be to engage rapidly with stakeholders, including residents, committee members and the board, to solicit their opinions on key issues.
It is imperative that the park district board scans for looming issues and plans for them today so that they can be addressed in the future programs we offer to residents.
Yes.
My position about the park district board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility is clear in my statements: we are fortunate to have at our disposal an educated, considerate and progressive board that voluntarily assumes the responsibility of managing the interests of St. Charles residents.
Consider that approximately six percent of a St. Charles resident’s tax bill goes to providing park district services. I believe it is in my purview as a park district board commissioner to solicit residents’ opinions as to whether this amount is sufficient. The response that I have received so far has been that the levy is high enough as-is.
In no way can we afford to mortgage the future of the excellent services provided by the park district for the benefit of any short-term gains brought on by ill-conceived tax increases. Tax increases carry with them a mandate to spend the proceeds. Rarely do the proceeds go to fund value-added services. Rather, they go to overhead.
For the small concessions that we make today and at no additional cost to taxpayers, we will be better off tomorrow with a continuing rich set of park district services that sets the standard for community excellence.
No single action by the Board stands out as disagreeable to me. The St. Charles park district board operates in full view of the public. It is clear to me that the board tries to fully consider and quickly respond to all community requests.
Unlike other park districts in Northern Illinois that have come under scrutiny for their operations and fiscal practices in recent years, our institution holds itself to a higher standard. This is reflected in the abundance of park district facilities and programs and the reputation garnered by our city for its preeminence as one of the best places to raise a family.
Despite the myriad considerations that the board must make concerning facility usage by clubs, the implementation of new technology and the general administration of the park district staff to name a few, I submit that many of these recommendations and decisions are operational or tactical in nature. Further, I believe that the duty of a board, at least in a corporate setting, should be its focus on strategic matters while tactical ones are left to operations staff.
Re-directing the focus of the board toward planning for longer-term activities will be my focus.
The biggest accomplishment made by the board during the past year was one that is not entirely visible to most casual observers: its ability to live well within its own budget.
From the General Fund to almost all other funds managed by the board, actual expenditures were consistently lower than original and final budgets. To see this consistent application of financial discipline applied across all facilities and spending categories is remarkable. St. Charles can be proud of the prudent and thoughtful management approach it receives through its park board.
In the past financial year, the park district was able to reduce its debt service by approximately $320,000 through paying down bonds issued in 2002. This action shows its commitment to sound financial management in restructuring debt. Clearly, the park district strives to manage its finances while keeping in mind the return on investment that it needs to deliver to St. Charles residents.
Other local park districts have come under fire for pension-fund inflation brought on by salary spikes or handouts. It is reassuring to know that our park district assiduously tends to its finances since those funds originate with us, the residents of St. Charles.
Two facets about my background will compel voters to elect me to the office of park district board commissioner: 1) my business background in dealing with complex systems and issues; and 2) my sincere commitment to serving the St. Charles community.
On a regular basis, I have to make decisions for my clients that affect their operations and the services which they offer to their end customers. The same analytical skills that I utilize in my business practice will be an asset for residents in the St. Charles park district as we deal with both recurring budgetary business brought before the board as well as the extraordinary challenges that seem to occur over time, such as capital-improvement projects and physical plant maintenance.
All of these priorities need to be balanced in order for St. Charles residents to feel that they are receiving the maximum value for the taxes that they pay.
In summary, I feel that my longstanding residence in St. Charles, my ability to quickly connect with people and intricate issues and my personal interest in seeing our park district deliver the best services and value to St. Charles residents will resonate with voters in April.
I am currently serving as a Park District Commissioner. I have been in the field of education for 28 years, the past 23 years living in St. Charles and working in District 303. The work I do as an educator requires collaboration with others to achieve goals and that skill transfers to being a good Board member. I have embraced the spirit of helping our students and can continue that passion through the Park District. Living and working in the community, taking advantage of Park District programs, and appreciating open space as an active adult are all experiences that I bring to the Board.
As a Commissioner, I want to continue to support the mission of the Park District to enrich the quality of life of Park District residents through excellence in programs, parks, facilities, and services, and use my influence as an educator to connect our children to our community through volunteering.
This would be a well informed decision that I would make in collaboration with other Board members.
The Park District is diligent in providing programs, parks, facilities, and services to the community. Any concerns brought forward to the Park District Board of Commissioners are addressed and a decision is made based on the best interest of the Park District residents. I’m supportive of this process and the decisions that have been made.
In cooperation with the River Corridor Foundation, work toward the completion of the Bob Leonard Walkway and the beautification of that area by the river.
I’m knowledgeable of our community and passionate about our children. I’m committed to working with the Board to continue its mission, which is to enrich the lives of Park District residents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My career in Mktg/Sales has enabled me to provide input into the PK District Social Media strategy. My experience as a Treasurer in other organizations plus the Financial training I have received in my career have enabled me to make positive contributions to the long-term financial health of the PK District & in my current role as Treasurer. Additionally my Family have been involved in PK District programs since pre-school. We continue to be very active customers of the PK District. This participation of PK District programs & facilities enables me to provide input to the excellent Team we have. I am very active in the Community which has enabled me to provide an active inter-face between user groups such as TRI-CITY Football,Girls Softball & Boys Baseball. Also as a BD Member of STC Storm & my past involvement at STCE, involvement with the City of STC I believe I have a unique perspective of our long-term recreation & green space needs & how we can best work cooperatively with the City & D303. My history has always been to get involved in the community. Then understand the problem or need and come up with a creative solution by bringing people together & have fun along the way!
1.Community Survey & participation to determine if Rec Ctr is #1 priority of Community & if YES--drive successful referendum with maximum voter participation.
2.Provide long-term finacial strategy that maintains quality of programs & facilities at best value to Tax Payers & Customers
3. Drive innovative programs & mktg that will raise customer satisfaction & drive attendance & membership while maintaining & enhancing the excellent reputation that the STC PK DIstrict currently has earned.
No. However I would continue to strive to minimize ANY Tax increase. In fact last year we reduced the tax burden & were recognized for doing so. In this weak housing market & with the national job market expected to remain weak STC needs to attract people to STC. This will drive housing prices higher. You attract people to STC by continuing to provide excellent services--the City does a great job of this. You provide an excellent school system--D303 is an excellent school system. Then you provide excellent Parks & recreational activities. The STC PK District is 2nd to nobody in the State of Ill! When people are surveyed about why they moved to STC the PK District is always at the top of the list. We need to redouble our efforts at marketing this great place we live in. We need to work collectively to drive the message that STC is a great place to live & raise a Family. This will raise home values. I believe the PK District-D303 & City of STC work well together but we can do more to promote STC! This will drive home prices higher. The Best Parks, Best Schools & Best City Srvices should be all of our Goals. Every decision we make should be made only after deciding \\\\\\\"does this make our City a better place to live in\\\\\\\". This will drive home prices higher.
It is not a decision it is more a philosophy. Specifically the use of the Fox River. I believe the Fox River in STC should be utilized more for sports & recreation(aka-Boating-Fishing & events). Currently our philosophy is to protect the shoreline along the Fox. It is an admirable Goal. We have all benefited by the fine stewardship of our natural resources by the PK District Boards past & current.
Provided the taxpayers with a small tax reduction. The KCC highlighted this in an editorial. This reduction is a sign of how the Board respects the taxpayers of STC & their money! We focused on driving revenue from increasing memberships & offering new programing while reducing some Programs that were less popular. This resulted in a very solid financial year for the Board & the residents! I would also like to mention the opening of RiverBend Community Pk. This was a direct result of work collaboratively with the State, County, Forest Preserve & the City. We turned an ugly brownfield into a beautiful green Park!
I will bring energy, passion & ideas to the Board as well as someone who is connected to the Community. An example of this was the PK District’s very successful collection of surplus fresh produce collected from our Gardeners. This was a direct result of a meeting I had with a few Gardeners (Gary and Sue Davis, and Edward Cabrielse) We then took the idea of donating fresh produce grown by our Gardeners in our Community Garden Plots to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Our great Staff(led by Pam Otto) took the idea and ran with it. How cool is that? Another example is the East Side Sports Complex. We worked with the STC Boys Baseball Organization(led By Paul Jones & his Board of Directors) to reach an agreement that will turf 3 fields. What this has done is now take an already excellent facility & make it a Top3 in the State! All at no cost to the tax payers of STC. This will help bring Tournaments to our STC. This will help our local economy & our taxpayers by bringing in OPM(other people’s money) to play in our facilities, eat in our restaurants’, stay in STC Hotels,etc… Our Families will benefit by playing local & our kids will benefit from playing at first class facilities! My background in Sales/ Marketing & IT enable me to provide input & direction into those areas for the PK District. Finally, I will make every decision based on what is in the best interest of the taxpayers of STC & every decision is based on what brings excellence to the STC PK District!
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