PARK BOARD ADDS 2 ADDITIONAL SEATS

The Mokena Park Board has voted to increase the number of board members to seven from five.

“We’re very excited . . . because it will open up communication and give better representation,” said board President Ken Echternach.

“The residents (of the Park District) have expressed an interest in greater communication . . . and this is one avenue.”

Mokena has experienced a surge of residential growth, and a larger park board will bring in ideas from the community, he said.

The decision also increases the number of park board seats available in the April 1 election to five.

The candidates are Echternach, fellow incumbents Debbie Chiszar and Lana Graser, and newcomers Tom Canna and Kevin Flight.