John Walz: 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: Elk Grove VillageWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Elk Grove Village Park Board (6-year Terms)Age: 47Family: Married, 2 childrenOccupation: Sales for Sunrise ElectricEducation: Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with Minor in Sociology, Illinois State University, 1989.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Appointed Park Board Commissioner on March 28, 2011. Ron Fosters seatHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Providing residents the best possible amenities and services.Key Issue 2 Fiscal Responsibility.Key Issue 3 Renovation of Community Athletic Fields and Lions Park. Looking for ways to expand our indoor gym space.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?We have a large Aquatics renovation that will start this spring. It will be hard to turn a profit but I think it is our responsibility as a Park District to offer our young residents a place to learn how to swim. With that, we need to offer the community the best possible product. When finished, our Pavilion Aquatics will offer programs for all ages. We will be able to meet the needs of the residents for the next 20 plus years.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I believe we should always be looking for new land. If we can be fiscally responsible, yet expand our footprint, it will benefit the entire community.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?We need more indoor recreation space. We have been looking at this during the two years I have been on the board and will continue to search for the best solution.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 Elk Grove Park District has always looked at being more efficient. The hard question to answer is what would be equitable for both parties involved.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.Recently completed a $2.2 million Fox Run Golf Course renovation. I was the 2nd chair on the Capital Committee overseeing the design and development stage of our Pavilion Aquatics project. Insisted on the warm water therapy portion of the project. 1st chair of the Athletic Associations, currently pushing to renovate our Community Athletic Fields and Lions Park.