Below are candidate-submitted answers to a survey Forest Park Review sent out to all candidates running in this year’s elections.
Age: 68
Profession: Retired
Years lived in Forest Park: 54
Spouse, if applicable/children and ages:
- Sandra Byrnes 68
- Tom Pingel 49
- Heather Byrnes 34
Have you ever run for or served in a local political office before? If so, when and which office?
- Forest Park Park District Commissioner 2001-2007
If you are not currently on the village board, how many village board meetings have you attended in the last year?
- In the past 3 years I have missed approximately 10 meetings
Why are you running for this office?
- To make a difference and improve the quality of living in Forest Park.
What do you think are the three biggest challenges facing the village in the next four years?
- Infrastructure
- Improving Business areas
- Continued support from the State and other support for funding.
What skills/talents do you have that would enable you to deal with those challenges?
- Over 40 years in management in government and private industry.
- 6 years as Park District commissioner, during that time we made a 5 year play that rebuilt the soccer field, added a spray park, and renovated baseball fields all within budget. I have excellent people skills and through knowledge of Forest Park.
If elected, what are three goals that you have for the next four years?
- Economic Growth
- Updating building and zoning codes
- Fiscally Sound and Balanced Budgets
If you are running as part of a slate of candidates, why? If not, why not?
I am running with Progress for Forest Park. As an independent candidate I chose to run with these other candidates because they share the commitment and passion for the residents of Forest Park. I believe that while we all have different opinions and backgrounds, we as a group can work together to benefit Forest Park.
