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Age
75
Current occupation
Retired high school teacher and college instructor
Education
B.S. Health, Physical Education and Recreation with minors in dance and history, Wayne State University
Immediate family
Sons Michael (Emily) and David (Susan) and four grandkids Caleb, Aubrey, Samuel and Raegan
Civic involvement
Highlights: Elmhurst Park District Commissioner: past president and past vice-president, currently serving on finance and policy committees; Epiphany Lutheran Church Men in Mission Committee; Elmhurst Garden Club Board of Directors; Elmhurst Garden Walk & Faire Selection Committee Chairman; Lizzadro Museum Board of Directors; Elmhurst League of Women Voters Member.
Previous elected offices held
Elmhurst Park Commissioner
Why have you decided to run for this office?
I pursued a career in education and recreation because it is my passion. I want to ensure that people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to enjoy and benefit from open spaces, facilities, programs and events for years to come. I am running because I believe park districts are vital to our community and well-being. It would be my honor to continue making great things happen, with you and for you, through your Elmhurst Park District.
What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?
I have promoted environmental and financial sustainability personally and within the District with green practices and sound financial management. For five of the last 11 years, the Elmhurst Park District has been named one of the top three (population 30,001-75,000) as judged by the NRPA. As an educator, athlete, coach, mother and grandmother with a degree in health, education and recreation I want to continue working with you to keep Elmhurst Park District among the top-rated.
What project most needs to be completed in the Park District? How would you work to ensure the project is completed and done well?
Demand for indoor space has exploded with more residents of all ages and abilities participating in organized sports and fitness activities. Our award-winning dance and gymnastics programs continue to grow. Expanded facilities would better serve residents. A dog park would provide a place for dogs (and their owners) to play and make friends. You, the residents, must be included in design and planning of such projects. New projects must leverage partnerships and not place a burden on taxpayers. The district’s board, executive director and professional staff have a proven track record of completing large projects on time and on budget.
How do you balance meeting park needs with being sensitive to taxpayers?
As an engaged commissioner active in the community, I care about what matters to you. Residents and taxpayers are at the center of everything the park district does. Through continuous outreach and professional community-wide surveys, the District balances community needs and wants in a fiscally sound manner – for about what you pay for one of our valued partners, the Elmhurst Public Library. The district’s proven success with many public and private partnerships (City of Elmhurst, DuPage County, District 205 Schools, Elmhurst College, IC Parish, and local businesses, etc.) provide residents with expanded amenities and keep taxes low.
The current political climate across the United States seems more divided than ever. What will you do to foster cooperation and compromise on the board?
The Elmhurst Park District board is non-partisan and party politics do not play a role on the board. Positive open lines of communication among residents, fellow commissioners and park district staff are essential. I will continue to do what I have always done: remain open-minded, give my best and expect the best from my fellow commissioners and partner agencies in the community. Putting residents and taxpayers first and working together has been and will continue to be the key to our success as a community.