Cindy Kessler, 2 years: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Vernon Hills parks, 2-year termAge: 48Family: Married, Two childrenOccupation: Facilitator for outdoor experiential learningEducation: Bachelor of Science in Marketing, The University of Illinois at Chicago,1987Civic involvement: Current commissioner for Vernon Hills Park DistrictElected offices held: Appointed to Vernon Hills Park District in November of 2009Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Providing quality programming that will meet the needs of our community. Examples of quality programming are those that challenge the body and mind, foster a sense of community, awaken the joy of learning something new, cultivate an appreciation for the outdoors, and address the leisure needs for all our residents.Key Issue 2 Utilizing our resourses efficiently to maintain our parks and provide amenities that will be enjoyed is an ongoing process, taking into account safety, expanded facilities and the current economic climate.Key Issue 3 Continue building relationships with the Village, Schools, Library and other governmental agencies to create synergy, so the residents may benefit.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?A program that is #8220;losing money#8221; needs to be evaluated on an individual basis and as part of the whole. Taking into account needs being met, other benefits that may not have a direct financial impact, as well as long term development should be considered.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.The number of parks has grown over the years and our current maintenance building is becoming inefficient in servicing the community's needs. Acquiring a new space to house our maintenance needs is something that will need to be addressed.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?The park district continues to offer new programs every year to provide a variety of opportunities for our community. With our new neighbors, the Library and the future senior housing, I believe together we will offer some unique programming. Most programs have user fees to cover their cost.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?Yes, I believe the Village, School and the Park District can create opportunities for each other. When we utilize each other's strengths and share common resources, we can be more efficient and provide economy of scale.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.In my year in office, I consider listening to residents a big part of being a commissioner. I am proud to participate in the park chats and other community events for the sharing of questions, concerns and ideas, then using this information to initiate change. I participated in the design, layout and renovation of Century Park.