A slate of three candidates and two challengers are seeking three seats on the Glen Ellyn Park District Board in an election they all say is about finances.
Incumbents Gary Mayo and Kathy Cornell are joined by Chris Wilson, an accountant and financial analyst, on the slate for the April 7 election. The other candidates are Al D’Ambrosio, 41, a project manager, and Walt Zlotow, 70, who worked in business logistics for more than 40 years. Commissioner Richard Dunn is not seeking re-election.
The slated trio say they want to continue to maintain the current financial direction, which includes securing a AA+ bond rating. That is expected to save the park district more than $100,000 in interest payments each year.
“We’re on a really good path, and I would like to be out there loud and clear to maintain that good path and continue improving our financial conditions,” said Cornell, a professional fundraiser.
Additionally Cornell, 67, touted the district for earning a Sunshine Award for transparency.
Mayo said he’s pleased with the state of finances and also cited securing synthetic turf at Newton Park.
“I’m really excited about what we’ve accomplished financially. It’s not sexy, but it’s important,” said Mayo, 66, who is board president.
Wilson lauded the work of the current board and said she’s excited to run with Cornell and Mayo.
“I have great respect for the current park district board and the way it’s run now. I’d be honored to serve with them,” she said,adding that her professional background will help.
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The trio also wants to continue to see to the restoration of Lake Ellyn and the venerable boat house, a federal Works Progress Administration Project from the 1930s.
D’Ambrosio said he appreciates the direction the district is headed with its finances, but says there are still some tendencies by the board to spend money on projects residents might not really want, such as the proposed swimming pool, which voters failed to approve. He said he wants to be a voice for the residents who might not speak up during meetings.
“I want to provide balance to the board,” he said, and help maintain core programs the park district provides.
Zlotow applauds the work of the current board, seeing himself as a good replacement for Dunn. . He said he wants to apply his 42 years of know-how in providing business services at the best cost to board decisions.
“The park board is doing an excellent job, and I want to join that board because I am the best qualified,” Zlotow said.
One issue facing the next board is the impending loss of more than $800,000 in grant funds slated to be used for renovations to Lake Ellyn and the parking lot at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center. The $400,000 that was to be used for upgrades to Lake Ellyn has been frozen by Gov. Bruce Rauner in an austerity measure.
The other $439,000 is still available, but vulnerable. It is to be used for permeable pavers in the parking lot to help with runoff during heavy rain..
If the grant monies are not freed up, the candidates said the board should reassess spending and priorities to either find funding or defer the projects until the money can be found through other grants or public-private partnerships. The candidates pointed out that the Ackerman lot may have to be paved with asphalt, which is in the current budget.