James M. Schleker: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: WheelingWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheeling parksAge: 63Family: Married - 36 years two grown children two grandchildrenOccupation: Retired educator/administrator from Arlington Heights District 25Education: Bachelor of Arts, Stout State Univ 1970 Indust. Educ.Master of Arts, Roosevelt University 1985 Educ. Admin.Certificate of Advanced Studies, Roosevelt University 1989 SuperintendencyCivic involvement: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - various committeesP.A.D.S.Park District Coach many yearsTahoe Board of DirectorsArlington Teachers' Association treasurerElected offices held: Treasurer, Arlington Teachers' AssociationBoard Member, Tahoe Condo AssociationHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Get the public more involved with the Park District Board Meetings and all the decisions being made. There are a lot of great things happening.Key Issue 2 See the Heritage Park renovation through to it's completion and then utilize all the great amenities we will have at our disposal.Key Issue 3 Broadcast all of the fine programs and facilities we have so that they are used and known of by the whole community.Questions Answers What programs aren#146;t paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?We are at present running in the black. Some programs are making money, (Chevy Chase, Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool) while others are not. Those that are not making money fall under the 'service to community' umbrella and if they break even it is considered as a plus. That is how many park districts are operated.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I believe we have acquired as much as we need at the present time.Are there any unmet recreational needs? If yes, what are they and how would you propose paying for them? Or, should they wait until the economy improves?As a newcomer, I believe we are meeting many of our community needs as park districts go. We could possibly add to some of our existing programs with expanded offerings. i.e. Baggo, sports tournaments, exercise programs, musical groups...Would you support sharing/pooling resources (i.e. printing, vehicles) with other local governments (school districts, village, etc.)? If so, what areas would you consider combining or merging to save money or improve efficiency?We have worked and continue to do so with the schools and our village. Keeping those resources and working amicably with them is a key to our continued success.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the park board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.I have been a Wheeling resident for 34 years and have used the various programs for most of those years. I have watched the park district grow and now that I am retired, I want to give back to our community by using the knowledge and logic I have to make the Wheeling Park District a ""Great Good Place"" for all.