The Forest Park Review sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Review’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Political experience
1995-2007 – Elected member of the Village of Forest Park Council, 1999-2011 – Elected trustee for Proviso Township, 2021-present – Elected member of the Park District of Forest Park, currently serving as President
Community experience
2009-2021 – Served as Administrator for the Village of Forest Park. This role kept me involved in all aspects of the community, including the Chamber of Commerce, Arts Alliance, etc.
What do you want to see done with the Altenheim property, and what role do you think the park district should play, if any? What do you want to see done with the H&R Auto property?
From my time as the Village Administrator, I am aware that the Village would ultimately like to develop it with at least some housing. The Village is also in the beginning stages of an update to the existing comprehensive plan, and I’m sure the Altenheim will be a large part of those discussions. The Park District will attend when community outreach begins. I believe the site should encompass both development and green space. We have learned through research that the site is not conducive to retail and will need major infrastructure work to accommodate development. I believe the role of the Park is to advocate for some green space and assist the Village in grant applications for walking trails and other green space features.
How will you leverage more indoor space for the park district’s day camps?
The Park is currently reviewing proposals for engineering and architecture to potentially add on to the existing Roos building. In this way, we would expand up on the back of the existing structure so as not to change the foot print that currently exists. That appears to be our most financially viable option. By making the changes in this way, we do not subtract from the current green space.
How will you manage residents’ tax dollars when presented with proposals to rebuild park district facilities?
The Park District has proven over the last several years to be very adept at using dollars received from grants for major renovations at the Park. We purchased the entire block of real estate from Hannah to Thomas on Harrison with funds already on hand. Renovations for three parks were completed largely with grant dollars. The Park must continue to leverage grants for major renovations and maintain great relationships with state and federal legislative partners.
What actions will you take to make the park district greener and more sustainable in the face of climate change?
The entire world must face the reality of climate change. For the Park, that means when we build, we must consider sustainability in the decisions we make on design, materials and functionality. The professionals we choose as we develop new Park sites and building structures have sustainability in mind as they design future projects. The issues surrounding climate change can no longer be considered a small portion of any new design. Instead, it must rise to the forefront of any new concepts.
How do you foresee federal actions affecting our community, and how do you plan to address any implications in Forest Park?
Sadly, I do see federal actions playing a role all the way to the local level. If the last several weeks are a guide to future actions, it is very likely many grants the Park has counted on in the past will no longer be available. It is very clear that states with democratic governors will be hardest hit. Illinois has been called out specifically as a state that will have to fight hard for every federal dollar they receive. Current Illinois legislators will have to make some very difficult decisions over the next several years. I am very concerned that issues dealing with climate change, green space and recreation resources will be hardest hit.
Please add final thoughts not covered in this questionnaire. These responses may appear online.
The Park District of Forest Park has done well over the last several years. In the time I have been on the Board, we have taken over four parks previously managed by the Village. We have leveraged grant funding to completely rehab three of them, investing several million dollars in the process. We have purchased the entire block of property along Harrison Street, and it currently will be used as green space. Park Districts must continue to evolve in an effort to meet the changing needs of the community. Since Covid, park districts and the programs they offer have become much more important to the residents of our community. We have responded by adding programs and opportunities to meet that need. I also have been working with our Executive Director to add a social service Director to our staff. I see a need for a person who can help a resident seeking help and navigate the maze of programs that may be available. This is in the very early stages of thought, and I’m not sure exactly what form it will take, but I’m convinced the need exists and equally convinced we can help. I admit this is not normally a function of a park district, but it is a response to a need and the Parks to change with the needs of our community. I am very proud of the work completed by the Park over the years of my tenure, and I look forward to continuing to serve.