Valerie Karg: 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: BensenvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Bensenville parksAge: 56Family: Married - PaulTwo Children - Kristen RyanOccupation: Retail MerchandiserEducation: Triton CollegeCivic involvement: Treasurer - Garden Club of BensenvilleElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 With the economic downturn , slow recovery and approved TIF, the financial future of the district is sure to be compromised. I support a plan to be financially responsible and prepare for the short and long term challenges of the district. This includes a review of all funds and debt service. Expanding enterprise funds and new revenue generating sources. To be completely accountable to the taxpayers for every dollar spent.Key Issue 2 Controversial Breiter-Palm Park. I support a focus group for community involvement for the future of the park. Improvements can be done to make the park more appealing and used by the community.Key Issue 3 Rounds played at White Pines have significantly declined for years. The district needs to set some goals and create a marketing plan for the golf course and banquet facility.Questions Answers What programs aren#146;t paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?Programs run with a minimum to cover cost. I would direct staff to review the ones that are cancelled to determine why. Then see if anything could be changed or improved before eliminating a program.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.Residents of Bensenville lost a park due to the O'Hare Modernization Program. It would be beneficial to the area to have the park replaced within the district boundaries. However, Bensenville is currently landlocked and I would not support any condemnation of property.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?I support a district wide survey on programming and services. With the changing demographics, the district needs to adapt to the changing needs. Any new programs should be self sufficient.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 Park District already shares cost with the village wide newsletter. I would look at sharing maintenance and technology services.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've resided in Bensenville for 30 years. My children and I have enjoyed and participated in park district programs.I have been involved in the community for several years and feel I have something to offer the residents of the Park District.