Activist Toolkit

1. What motivates you to seek this office? What skills, experiences, and perspectives would you bring to the Park District Board, and why would those contributions be valuable to the Park District?

I am motivated to run for the Park District board because I believe there is an opportunity to add an objective voice to the leadership of the parks. I believe in a life of service, and because of the current circumstances, I have the time to devote to improving the process by which we run our parks and affiliated programs. This is now an opportunity to act on my commitment to service and give back to this community.

2. What steps will you take to improve and expand community engagement with the Park District and the Board?  What is your view on how local elected officials should communicate with and respond to constituents?

 The Park District can be an asset to our village for all residents. We must find a way to connect  with each and every resident to find out what is important to them. Being an open-minded,  active listener who works to understand all perspectives before drawing any conclusions or making decisions is the key to succeeding at the local level. Throughout my two-decade long  career, I have achieved success by being objective, collaborative, and thinking about long-term  opportunities. Building authentic professional relationships that are more like friendships is  something that I am proud of and I believe that will directly translate to the vision and  compromise needed to achieve our goals at the local community level. 

3. Give an example of a time when you worked to understand a situation or view different from your own. What helped you to move through that process? What hindered you as you moved through the process?

Maintaining an objective outlook has helped me throughout my professional career when the  time came to balance differing or opposing agendas. My goal is always to understand the ‘Why’  behind every issue. And once you can get everyone involved to understand everyone else’s  ‘Why’ you can truly arrive at an acceptable outcome for all. This process is hindered when  involved parties feel defensive about their position. But there are always ways to set priorities  for both sides and find ways to meet in the middle fulfill long term objectives.  

4. Who or what is your role model for your approach to governing?

Common sense, fairness and objectivity. When there is a balance of those things then we can  ensure that all voices can be heard, not just the loudest voices. Everyone has a say.  

5. What do you feel are the three biggest issues facing the Park District, and how do you intend to address them? How will you prioritize among competing priorities? 

A lack of proactivity, long-term vision, and communication with the residents. There are also  singular issues that lead to a more reactive approach to the growth and development of our  facilities and programs. We need to establish a long-term vision and relay that along with the  associated budget back to the residents. Have a plan and share it with the constituents. I will also perform a SWOT analysis of the Park District and its affiliated programs. Identifying the  strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in all areas of the Park District’s operation. 

6. What do you believe has been the most significant action taken by the Park District in recent years, and why? Do you believe the Board acted appropriately?

Installing the turf field at Keystone Park was a big undertaking that involved many differing opinions ranging from environmental concerns, health and safety concerns, fiscal concerns, and differing needs and desires of the community. I do feel the board acted appropriately in identifying the most critical need and addressing the opinions of the community.

7. How do you define racial equity? Have recent events and discussions in the larger community informed or changed your thinking?

Equal Opportunity is where true equity exists. I grew up in a biracial environment and fortunately this was something I learned early on in life. I have chosen to teach my children this by example in how we relate to others in our community and respect others around the world. I think the ongoing conversation is important so that everyone feels heard.

8. How do you plan to solicit feedback from people who may be experiencing the community in a different way than you? What barriers do you believe may exist in this process?

Conversations on social media can often be barriers to a productive, inclusive process. Therefore, I encourage every resident to reach out to me directly by whichever medium they are most comfortable with. I enjoy these conversations and have already had the opportunity to address the concerns of some residents with meaningful and informed discussions.

9. How should the Park District balance the needs of all residents versus facilities and resource use by more organized groups such as sports leagues?

By establishing clear budgets and plans and sharing that vision with the community and soliciting feedback on that vision.

10. Park districts make use of many different sources of funding, including property tax revenues, fees, and grants. Do you feel the Park District maintains the right balance for financial sustainability and equity? What do you see as the tradeoffs?

The Park District has significant resources at its disposal. We are fortunate to live in this community and should act accordingly. We should also collaborate as a board and find the most efficient, effective and beneficial ways to achieve the agreed upon vision.

11. The Park District has many part-time employees. How will you balance the need for fiscal stewardship with the responsibility to pay employees a living wage?

Part of the overall budget and vision. Dedicated staff is the life-blood of any organization and cannot be taken for granted.

12. Do you have any ideas or plans for collaboration with neighboring communities? If so, what are they? 

A partnership with Maywood to convert Bushwood to a multi-use indoor facility. And with corporate support (such at the Chicago White Sox Game Changers program) would allow us to launch initiatives such as expanding and growing participation in sport from the Maywood community.

13. What are your ideas for creating/preserving green or natural space in River Forest? 

Park spaces are sacred spaces the sustainability of green space is a top priority. Public outdoor gathering spaces are critical to our sense of community and to our need for recreation as a species. I will Concentrate on sustainability opportunities to ensure that our parks provide an outlet for generations of River Forest residents to come. One of the things I love most about River Forest is being able to get out and be active in our outdoor spaces. This is important now more than ever. Whether it’s running and hiking through the forest preserve trails, playing co-ed softball with friends on Thursday nights at Keystone Park, or taking our dog on long walks around the Priory, I find that there is so much to offer for physical and mental wellness in our community. There is also room to expand those offerings and ensure that every RF resident is able to enjoy all we have to offer.

14. What are the opportunities and limitations of the Park District coordinating with the River Forest Community Center?

Tremendous opportunity for collaboration on a facility that is badly in need of rehabilitation. The limitation is land value and expense. Soliciting ideas for usage is a great first step.

15. What values and priorities would you bring to the budgeting process? Do you favor any changes in the process by which the Park District conducts its budgeting and fiscal planning?

A conservative budgeting approach is key for a local community. However, a decisive long-term plan and vision needs to be implemented. I believe in a shared vision that includes collaboration, common sense and 100% transparency at all levels. We are a public trust and therefore the trust of the public is a top priority.

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[The above answers were supplied on 2/17/21.]