advertisement

Full field for York Center park board

Five candidates are seeking two full terms on the York Center Park District board in the April 9 election.

The field features incumbent Ann DeGroot and challengers Brett Gouveia, Kenneth Kovarik, Michael Lynch and Theresann Purkart.

One candidate, Robert Fritz, is running to fill an unexpired four-year term.

The Daily Herald recently asked the candidates in the contested race about their vision for the district. Some of their answers are provided here; for a look at all of them, visit dailyherald.com.

Q. What is your Number 1 campaign issue?

DeGroot: To keep the park district fiscally responsible.

Gouveia: I have a background in Green Energy technologies. I would like to incorporate some of those, such as solar or wind, into the parks if economically feasible.

Kovarik: To make sure the educational programs continue and are beneficial for the students in the classes.

Lynch: I have 25 years running successful business ventures. I will ensure a business approach to how the park district is run. The district 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.

Purkart: Did not reply.

Q. 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?

DeGroot: There are always new and interesting ideas to pursue; the timing depends on when they are appropriate and affordable.

Gouveia: I would wait until the economy improves unless they is already money available in a fund or though grants.

Kovarik: Not sure at this time.

Lynch: 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 p.m. to pick up at 7 p.m. 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 district can provide at a reasonable rate.

I believe new programs teaching energy efficiency and green lifestyle to be important today.

Purkart: Did not reply.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.