| 1. The DuPage Forest Preserve has made significant strides
as a leader in environmental best practices by restoring wetlands, using
hybrid vehicles and protecting the county from invasive species such as
zebra mussels. What do you believe the next step should be to continue
the Forest Preserve’s stewardship efforts?
The DuPage Forest Preserve District has taken some steps
in environmental best practices, but can be doing much more to take the
leadership role in our county and state. Here are some of the ways I believe
this can be accomplished:
a. All future parking lot replacement or creation should
include the use of permeable surfaces. The FPD in cooperation with the
DuPage Environmental Commission and DuPage County Board Environment
Committee should encourage businesses, municipalities, park districts
and school districts to do the same by becoming the clearinghouse for
information on cost/benefit analysis, grants and tax incentives to install
green technology.
b. The FPD should pass an ordinance stating that LEED certification
of all new construction and renovations should be required in future
FPD projects. All FPD projects are for the long term benefit of the
public and LEED building techniques and materials, although initially
more costly, save money over time on energy costs and maintenance.
c. Commissioners should become actively involved within their districts
as environmental leaders by attending municipal environmental commission
meetings and being in regular contact with school boards, park districts,
chambers of commerce, garden clubs, and homeowners associations, to
provide information and help coordinate activities that impact the local
environment.
d. The FPD should appoint a Commissioner to liaison with DuPage County
Board Environmental Committee and DuPage Environmental Commission and
regularly report at FPD meetings. In addition the FPD should coordinate
with SCARCE and continue to work closely with The Conservation Foundation
and other local environmental groups to share ideas and combine efforts.
e. Special attention should be given to working with neighboring counties
to cooperate and connect greenways, A Commissioner should be appointed
to investigate and regularly report upon successes and failures in neighboring
counties and counties of similar size and demographic to DuPage.
f. The FPD Executive Director and President should have a visible presence
in Springfield and take the lead on stormwater issues, water quality,
soil and air quality. The FPD should become the clearinghouse on these
issues to coordinate federal, state, county and municipal agencies to
benefit citizens.
2. What are the issues facing the Forest Preserve District
in order of priority from your point of view?
Focus upon Mission:Members of the Forest Preserve District Board are first and foremost charged with being good stewards of the DuPage County Forest Preserves. The DuPage Forest Preserve District needs to refocus upon its mission of preservation of the land, plants and animals held in the public trust. I am very concerned about the current FPD Commissioner's lack of due diligence in determining the environmental impact of the Blackwell Forest fleet services building and the intergovernmental agreement with Lisle to facilitate the relocation of Navistar. Recent comments at board meetings suggest the current FPD board awaits public outcry and then does its job. This backward approach is not evidence of environmental stewardship or good government. I will bring my knowledge, experience and deep commitment to the environment to the Forest Preserve District Board to make informed and environmentally sound decisions.
Honesty and Accountability: The
FPD Commissioners must deal honestly with the community by communicating
FPD activities clearly and being accessible to the public. One of the
reasons I am running for this position is that I believe you deserve a
public servant who listens and communicates regularly with constituents.
When approximately 2.2% of our property taxes are being used for Forest
Preserve District services, it is a basic government function to provide
information about how those funds are being spent, and therefore be accountable
to constituents. I will communicate regularly to all of the citizens of
District 2 about the plans and activities of the Forest Preserve District
through electronic and print media. Input will be invited and I will respond
quickly to questions and concerns. I will also participate in meetings
in District 2 communities so constituents will feel comfortable talking
to me about issues and see me as a resource for information and assistance.
In addition, I support making weekly board meetings available by real
time web-cast and on local television, scheduling regular evening meetings
and posting accurate and complete minutes of meetings within a reasonable
amount of time, not three months after the meeting occurs as is the current
practice.
Responsible Fiscal Policies: The FPD must not only be
good stewards of the forest preserves and their ecosystems, but also the
tax payer’s money received through property taxes and fees. When
considering programs, development and improvements, the Mission of the
FPD should guide how money is spent and what fees are needed to support
FPD activities. Preservation, restoration, recreation and education are
the touchstones for each budget decision, as well as cooperation with
park districts and other local not for profits, such as the Morton Arboretum
and Cantigny in providing comprehensive programing. As outlined more fully
below in response to question #5, I would support a number of measures
to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
3. The Oak Meadows clubhouse (formerly Elmhurst County
Club and one of the closest Forest Preserve Facilities to Elmhurst) burned
over a year ago. The shell remains and community members are curious as
to what is the plan for the Oak Meadows clubhouse? Do you favor rebuilding
or renovation as an opportunity to apply best green practices including
a LEED certification? Please explain.
First, the FPD should explain to the public why it took
so long to receive the settlement funds from the insurers after the fire
and how much the FPD paid in attorney fees to obtain the appropriate payment.
A review of insurance coverage, insurance carriers and broker may be needed
to avoid similar delays with claims settlement in the future. In addition,
there are rumors within the community about the cause of the fire that
should be officially addressed. The handling of this serious property
damage shows a lack of connection to community concerns by the FPD which
needs to change.
With regard to rebuilding, any new structure built at Oak Meadows should
meet LEED certification and be an example of responsible eco-building.
Oak Meadows lost money while it was operating, therefore public and private
partnerships should be formed with the goal of breaking even each year.
In addition, the FPD should work with community groups seeking solutions
for flooding in adjacent neighborhoods. When elected as Commissioner in
District 2, I will be actively involved to foster the re-opening of golf
operations as soon as possible in a economically and environmentally sound
manner.
4. What skills and innovative ideas will you bring to your
elected office? How will you turn ideas into action?
I will bring a fresh approach to governing, be inclusive
and seek out new ideas. Business will be done professionally at the Board
level and the focus will not be upon me, but upon the citizens I will
serve. In response to your first question, I outlined a number of innovative
ideas that will help the DuPage Forest Preserve District take the leadership
role in environmental stewardship. These approached come from a lifelong
passion for the environment and providing community support for worthwhile
causes.
An attorney for 18 years, I currently work as a litigator for the Burr
Ridge and Chicago law firm of Grasso, Bass & Williams, LLC. Prior
to this position, I was Vice President of Associated Claims Enterprises,
Inc. where I managed complex real estate, employment practices liability,
legal malpractice and general liability claims. A certified collaborative
mediator, I resolved hundreds of disputes in jurisdictions throughout
the country. I will apply my dispute resolution, risk management, and
insurance coverage experience as well as general knowledge of the law
as Commissioner of the Dupage Forest Preserve.
I have chaired professional and community services committees and been
on numerous volunteer boards. Currently, I am a member of the Board of
Directors for Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Joliet, a social service
agency providing assistance in seven counties, include DuPage. I have
lead in the creation of a Junior Board in DuPage County and participate
in the Executive Search, Governance and Development Committees. My experience
working with diverse populations and leadership on a number of issues
will translate well to public service on the FPD board where I will be
particularly sensitive to the needs of children, low income families,
seniors and the disabled. The connections I have forged in the community
through this work will be invaluable when looking for resources and input.
Organic gardening is a passion and has brought the issues of pesticide
and fertilizer run-off, native planting and locally grown food home to
me, my family and my local community. I founded and continue to coordinate
the St. Mary of Gostyn Children’s Educational Garden, engaging hundreds
of volunteers and garnering financial support from individuals and companies.
For over six years, I have researched and shared with my local community
the benefits of slowing down to observe, enjoy and learn from nature.
In 2009, I chaired a successful Winter Farmers Market held in my parish
hall which educated the community about the environmental and economic
benefits of buying locally grown food. My experiences and knowledge will
directly benefit the DuPage Forest Preserve District and the public who
are looking for ways to go green within their own community.
5. Tax revenues are down in Elmhurst and the county. What
course of action do you favor to manage the Forest Preserve budget effectively?
It is inevitable with property values dropping that revenues
coming from property taxes will drop as well in the coming years. In addition,
competition for grants will continue to be stiff and it is likely the
availability of these funds will be reduced as well. Budget decisions
should be made with prudence and sensitivity to public and staff needs,
and a primary function of the fiscal manager and the Board is to reduce
waste in the budget each fiscal cycle. In addition, a Finance Committee
should meet regularly and report monthly at FPD meetings regarding the
status of the budget, projections and plans for adjustment as needed.
I favor a rigorous review of all costs, the elimination of no bid contracts,
the use of staff for FPD needs rather than outside vendors when at all
possible and review of how raises are given to make sure they are based
upon performance. A needs assessment based upon census information and
citizen surveys will help guide the Board to make budget choices based
upon long term community needs. The FPD website provides fiscal information
from 2005 through 2008 and it shows a trend in increased funding for "General
Government" and "Business Type Activities" from 25% of
the budget to 26.5%. I will examine these increases to reverse the trend
and aline expenses with the FPD Mission. If tough decisions about job
cuts or salary freezes have to be made, I favor review of the salaries
and benefits of Forest Preserve Commissioners and President, since, as
public servants we should tighten our belts if we expect the same from
our staff and constituents.
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