Why I'm Running for Park Commissioner

I recently volunteered and joined the Glen Ellyn Park District Board to finish the term of a commissioner who moved out of the district. I hope to continue serving because this Park District is well managed and provides great services, and I want to support them to continue!

Here’s a little about me: I value our parks because this is where I learned to swim, ice skate, and play softball during my childhood. Now as a senior citizen I use the parks for birdwatching, photographing native flowers, and playing with my grandson on swings and slides. Research shows that our physical and mental health is increased by spending time outdoors around trees and green spaces. Care for the environment is important to me, and the Glen Ellyn Park District has many "green" initiatives that promote environmental restoration and conservation. I want to support the Park District to keep moving forward!

After I graduated from Glenbard West and Wheaton College, I went to the American University in Washington DC and got my Master of Public Administration and worked in the budget office of the City of Rockville, Maryland which had a large Parks and Recreation Department. After that I spent over 30 years in missions and community development work in West Africa. Now that I have retired from a paid job, I am committed to volunteer my time in our community, and I am ready to use my experience in budgets, administration, and evaluating programs to serve our Glen Ellyn Park District. They have excellent financial transparency and provide a wide range of recreation opportunities at a tax rate significantly lower than other park districts in DuPage County. They do this through careful management, consistent efforts to gather community input, and robust Park Board oversight. I feel a lot of pride in what Glen Ellyn Park District does and am proud to be a part of it!

I've been asked whether the April election can really be non-partisan. I tell people YES! If there is anything in this country that is non-partisan, for sure the Park District is! Everyone walks their dog; all little kids need playgrounds; Democrats and Republicans and Independents can swim, fish, play soccer and watch fireworks side by side without arguing. How beautiful is that?