Peter Nolan, 6 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: LombardWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lombard Park District, 6-year termAge: 37Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Independent Insurance AgentEducation: B.S. Illinois State University in the area of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (1997).Civic involvement: I am a current Vice President of The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.I have been a Director for The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2009.Lombard Park District Lilac Mutt Strut 5k Committee volunteer since 2005.3 years as volunteer for The Lombard Town Centre Economic and Development Committee.Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 First and foremost in this economy, it is to ensure a balanced budget for the Lombard Park District and that the tax dollars of the residents of Lombard are being used wisely to provide the quality programs requested by the residents. In 2009 the Lombard Park District had won The National Gold Medal award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation which is a very distinguished award for this field. I want to work towards maintaining and even exceed that level of excellence this year and beyond while staying within our budgetary means.Key Issue 2 In continuing the level of excellence and maintaining quality programs and services, I would like to propose the expansion of a community fitness center. There have been preliminary discussions but no concrete plans for this project. My B.S. from Illinois State University in the area of Health Physical Education and Recreation provides me with the insight and knowledge on the impact a center like this can have on our community. Our #8220;baby boomer#8221; population makes up a large part of our community and I believe a facility like this will be beneficial by offering wellness and fitness programs to this population. As always, my goal is to research ways that this program can be cost neutral to the Village of Lombard.Key Issue 3 I have volunteered on the committee responsible for planning The Annual Lilac Mutt Strut 5k and 1-mile walk for four of the last five years. This is an event that I helped start 6 years ago intended to promote the downtown area and encourage participants to make healthy lifestyle decisions for themselves and their pets. Since the event's inception, we have gone from 96 participants our first year and we are anticipating a participation of close to 450 this year. After speaking with the participants at this event, the residents have continually expressed an interest in an off leash dog park in Lombard. Other neighboring communities are already providing this for residents. With the amount of park space available, I believe this may be possible. It has also been proposed by a board member of the Park District Board to enter into an agreement with a surrounding community to share their dog park. Again, my number one priority would be that this program be self sustaining while not adding additional taxes to the residents of Lombard.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?In reviewing the 2011 Goals and Objectives presented on January 25, 2011 for the Lombard Park District I did not discover any programs that are proving to be unsustainable. However, I look forward to doing additional research on how to expand and possibly improve existing programs if there is a need.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I am not aware of any land that is currently available which could be acquired by the Lombard Park District. Historically, our district has shown great foresight in acquiring property as it has become available.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 Lombard Park District has done an excellent job of meeting the recreational needs of the Lombard community. In talking with residents of Lombard I have received feedback from them regarding expanding the existing fitness center and to offer a wider variety of programs and services. I look forward to receiving additional feedback from residents so that we are able to continue to meet their needs.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?The merging with other bodies to the benefit of both is always desirable. To wit, the Lombard School District 44 co-ops with The Lombard Park District on a state-of-the-art maintenance facility on the west side of Lombard at the Sunset Knolls Park. I am aware of a few other athletic facilities that the Lombard Park District shares with the School District 44 that offers benefit to both bodies within Lombard. I have had some discussion with local senior groups in Lombard regarding what type of co-op opportunities would be available between the Park District and those groups. We should always explore these opportunities as they become available.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.As a resident and business owner in Lombard, I understand the importance for members of the community to contribute through public service. It has been my years of involvement with the Park District that has prompted my interest to run for this board. I have had nothing but a positive experience when I have volunteered or participated in Park District events and now have a desire to make a difference on a full-time basis. Also, my passion for fitness and business experience in the insurance industry will allow me to provide additional insight to the board and build on what has already been established.