Gayle Cinke: 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: GrayslakeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Grayslake Park Board (4-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married, 1 childOccupation: Executive Administrative AssistantEducation: Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. Hold certification of CAP-OM (Certified Administrative Professional-Office Management).Civic involvement: Member, Illinois Association of Park Districts (also serving on the Board of Trustees for the state of Illinois); Member, Grayslake Lions Club; Member, Grayslake Zoning Commission; Member, Grayslake Plan Commission; Member, International Association of Administrative Professionals; Member, Grayslake Historical SocietyElected offices held: Commissioner, Grayslake Park District (1997-present)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To provide recreational activities for the communities we serve that are safe, enjoyable and in a cost-efficient manner.Key Issue 2 Continue to acquire open space and enhance programming capability.Key Issue 3 To continue to provide partnerships with other local units of government and businesses.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?Our Old Fashion Summer Picnic and some of our senior programs are experiencing a small shortfall. However, both of these provide recreational opportunities that the district feels are very important and covering any unmet costs outweigh the value these programs bring to the community.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.The district went to referendum in the Spring of 2009 to garner voter support in order to acquire 70 acres of open space at the NW corner of Washington and Lake Streets. Although unsuccessful at that time, many constituents have continually inquired if the district will again pursue that acquisition. Knowing that the district would need voter support, that specific question is currently being asked in a community needs assessment the district is administering at this time. In addition to this parcel, the district has negotiated to receive 30 more acres of open space as a donation to Alleghany Park in the coming years.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 district does a tremendous job in trying to meet the recreational needs of the community with internal staff, numerous partnerships and local youth sports affiliate relationships and coordination. In order to assist us in identifying other potential areas of need, the district is currently administering a community needs assessment that is intended to help us examine any unmet needs and how we can possibly meet these 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 district already shares resources with other local governments such as the school districts and the village. Facility usage, special event support and cost sharing of conservation and preservation practices are examples of these partnerships. The district also has established partnerships with local businesses including fitness and martial arts providers to share facilities and instructors.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.When I was elected in 1997, the district had 280 acres, now we have 420 acres, with 2 parks in Hainesville. Recreation courses offered were 47, now 250 per season. In 1999 passed first-ever referendum to provide fees for the Special Recreation Association of Lake County. Added 9-hole golf course in 2000. In 2004 passed $4 Mil referendum to purchase Allegheny Park (40 acres)and negotiated donation of additional 55 acres from land owner. Recreation Center purchased in 2006 - went from 4,000sf to over 18,000sf of program space. Enhanced Central Park in 2007, added restroom/concession building, splash pad, senior plaza, disk golf, playground, performance pavilion, accessible fishing pier and nature trail. District assets were $5 Mil in 1997 to $24 Mil today.Installed new playground at Jones Island 2010. Grants received from IDNR over $1.655 Mil. Total employees in 1997 were 7, current full time staff is 9 and maintenance department is 7.