Activist Toolkit

1. What motivates you to seek this office? What skills, experiences, and perspectives would you bring, and why would those contributions be valuable in the office you are seeking?

I am a mother of four and strongly believe in structured programs for the kids. Broadview has always had excellent little league programs for the youth, however, the past 3 years has left a lot to be desired. Given my experience as a little league Mom, I would see to it that these programs are revitalized in our community by imploring proper recruiting and leadership. I also see the need for increased Health, Wellness and Awareness programs. Being a holistic registered Nurse, I have the experience to bring insight and programming to our community via the Broadview Park district. 

2. When in the past have you had to balance competing interests? What process did you use? What did you learn?  

I love food and I had to make the hard choice of continuing to indulge in foods that were not good for me or to start eating healthy to enhance longevity. I am deep into my journey of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle which includes daily exercise. I have learned the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet and plan to bring this initiative the Village of Broadview via the Park District. 

3. What does transparency in government mean to you?  How would you put it into practice? 

What Transparency in my government means is being visible, honest, and having an open line of communication to answer any questions the community may have. My contact information will be available to the community, 

4. As more of our local discourse happens in social media, what is your view on how local elected officials should communicate with and respond to constituents? How will you engage with the breadth of the community, and not only those on social media?

Social media for me is a great way to share information with the community. Constituents should be communicated to with respect just as if we were speaking in person. 

5. What barriers do you see for community members who wish to engage with the Park District? How would you work to reduce or eliminate those barriers?  

I don't see a no open door policy currently. Residents are unable to get answers to their questions from Board members or from the Director of the Park District. I would first establish an open door policy. I would host regular public forums where constituents could speak freely and express ideas as well as concerns that they have regarding the Park District. 

6. What do you feel are the three biggest issues facing the Park District, and how do you intend to address them? 

1. Non-existent long term capital improvement plan.

2. Lack of transparency

3. Lack of health and wellness programs

To correct this, I would first perform an overall needs assessment. Having an open line of communication with the community which includes but not limited to a public forum where residents can engage, ask questions and make suggestions. I would take these ideas, along with the results of the needs assessment and discuss with my fellow board members steps to lay out a long term plan for the Park District which would include Capital projects. I would solicit vendors that can bring resources to the park such as Zumba classes and healthy eating seminars and we would provide literature both in print and online links for residents to stay informed. 

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

It is important to be fair and impartial. As a public servant I will serve all constituents and treat them with equal importance. 

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

In my public forum mentioned earlier, I plan on listening to resident's input and discussing the ideas received with my fellow board members. Input from the community is so important and long overdue. The current administration doesn't seem to have a clue what the community needs or wants. 

9. Name an influential local community member. How did this person’s influence change Broadview? As an elected official, what do you imagine your influence will be on the community?

Mayor Katrina Thompson has been a great influence, not only in the community but, in my personal life. I have watched her evolve throughout the years. She is a true leader and I am honored to be under her leadership. Mayor Thompson holds people accountable for their actions and is fair to all. 

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 of free and fee-based facilities and programming for financial sustainability and equity? What do you see as the tradeoffs?

As an incoming Commissioner, my job is to assess the current budget and determine if the income and fees meet the requirements to cover the expenses. Further assessments include programming, staffing and overall up - keep of the facilities and various properties throughout town. Most of our Park properties are very under-utilized. What recent activities have you seen at playdale, playhaven or Beverly park? Which private businesses are still being run out of Pioneer park? Are tax paying residents aware of these things? 

11. Pass-through funding from the State of Illinois has been much less plentiful in recent years due to fiscal issues at the State level. What plans do you have for continuing to fund programing and facilities improvement?

Working with local elected officials and developing relationships with state level officials to ensure that all tax dollars due to us is received. Working with a lobbyist to capture any funding that is available from other sources. Hiring an experienced grant writer to properly go after these available funds to assist with our long term capital needs. 

12. The Park District Board is responsible for oversight of the Executive Director. What criteria would you use to evaluate performance? Do you feel the Executive Director is doing a good job?

1. Meeting annual goals set at the employee review. The Directors ability to stay within budget. 

2. The ability to develop and execute the programs approved by the Board of Commissioners.

3. Finally, responsible staff oversite and management.

None of these are happening under the current director and changes are needed immediately.

13. Do you see opportunities for the Broadview Park District to collaborate productively with other local taxing bodies? What could hinder those efforts?

Most definitely, my current relationships with members of other taxing bodies will play a major role in moving the park district forward. It will be a new day in the Village of Broadview and I am looking forward to positive change!

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[The above answers were supplied on 2/24/21.]