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Michael Lynch: Candidate Profile

York Center Park Board (6-year Terms) (Independent)

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: York Center Park Board (6-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: I am a single dad that has lived in York Center since 1984. My son is a Will County Deputy and my daughter is a Registered Nurse, BSNOccupation: I work at ATT as a U-Verse sales professional. Prior I was the owner of a floor covering company for 20 years.Education: Bachelor of Science Marketing, Northern Illinois University, 1976Civic involvement: For 11 years I have been a celebrity chef at 100 Men Who Cook, Rockford, IL The proceeds of this event fund the Literacy Council of Rockford, ILElected offices held: Board Of Directors, Hoverclub of America, 2004 to 2013, Events DirectorHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I have 25 years of running successful business ventures. I will insure a business approach to how the Park District is run. The YCPD needs to expand its base of business sponsors. I only count three in our most recent guide of events. I will spearhead that endeavor to enhance revenue for the Park District.Key Issue 2 I will work with other park districts ( Oak Brook Terrace, Villa Park and Lombard ) to reduce redundancy, expand new programs and reduce costs of current programs. Working together can help reduce our overall costs.Key Issue 3 I would like to see the Park District utilize green methods of energy and maintenance to reduce current cost factors. Changing to energy efficient LED lighting and utilizing solar power to sell excess capacity back to the grid will cut YCPD energy costs for years to come. Green plantings, parking and footpaths will further enhance the Park DistrictQuestions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?While I believe that the Park District is running in the green, a review of all programs is in order. Profitable programs can help offset the cost of programs that need time until their cost structure can be revised. Programs for the disabled and underprivileged should be supported as much as possible.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I do believe in the expansion of Park District lands if it is within YCPD budget and will enhance the Park Districts goals. I believe the property to the south and west of Lake Yelenich needs to be looked at.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 believe anything we can do to enhance the youth of our community should be of the utmost importance. I would like to see the after school program lengthened from pick up at 6 pm to pick up at 7 pm. I?m sure many more parents would be able to use it. While there have been fine programs for younger people, I believe adult programs need to be expanded. As our baby boomers age, they will relish new opportunities that the YCPD can provide at a reasonable rate. I believe new programs teaching energy efficiency, and green lifestyle to be important today.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?I think anything to reduce redundancy with any other body should be looked at. School pick up, merging of trips and joint activities being just some of them. Combined health care benefit coordination along with sharing of all facilities should be looked at.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 lived in YCPD since 1984. I raised my children here and used many of the fine programs offered by the YCPD. My children are now grown and very successful. It's time that I give back.