Ronald Evans: 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: Hoffman EstatesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hoffman Estates Park Board (4-year Terms)Age: 60Family: Married, two children, one grandchildOccupation: SalesEducation: Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Minnesota State University, 1978Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Board member Links of Poplar Creek, Hoffman Estates Currently serving as Vice PresidentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Currently serving as Senior liaison, in which ideas are shared and flow from Board to Senior Programing. This program is already outstanding, membership continues to increase. The need for this program will continue to grow, I want to see it have every opportunity to do so.Key Issue 2 I think we all agree that our children, from early development through on, need our attention. We need them to put down the "Electronic Media/Video Games" more often, and learn again to be active. Our Park District offers programs to do that. We need to get the message out, and I believe we do that already, I just want us to push harder.Key Issue 3 Budgets - if only are community knew just how well the annual budget has been managed in the past years. They would be as proud and impressed as I as to how responsible this Park Districts' Directors and staff are. I believe in planning, spending when you can, when there is need, and continue to be responsible to the community.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?I don't believe there is a program that can be put in this category. Obviously there are programs that do better than others. Participation by residents is often a moving target due to demographic changes and trends. This Park District does such a great job at anticipating our communities needs. We Should not forget that this Park District is a National Gold Medal, Grand Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management winner and neighboring park districts, park districts throughout the state and even other states look to Hoffman Estates Park District for answers.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I am not aware of a need to acquire additional open space. I believe at this point we are some what "land locked," open space is not available. I do think we should continue to look at what we have, maintain and update as needed.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 want to continue to maintain and grow early childhood, youth, and senior programs. Fortunately park district management is attentive and diligent in working to ensure these programs sustainable.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 do and would absolutely support sharing and/or pooling of not only resources but ideas with other local municipal partners. Hoffman Estates Park District has already shown success in a joint effort between the villages of Elgin and Streamwood in the recent opening of Freedom Run Dog Park. I also see great benefit in continuing to share successes and new ideas in Green Initiative programs. We should continue to build on our relationship we enjoy with the Village.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 am an incumbent board member, currently Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and Treasurer of the Board. While a member of the Hoffman Estates Park District I was fortunate celebrate in the Park Districts' winning of the National Gold Medal of Excellence In Park and Recreation Management. Prior to being a Board Member I served on the Parks and Recreation Committee as a Community Representative, which I participated in the Bridges Of Poplar Creek enhancement project, it has been a great story and success. I have enjoyed and am proud to serve on the Hoffman Estates Park District Board.