Patrick Kinnane: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: Hoffman EstatesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hoffman Estates Park Board Age: 58Family: Laura -wife Kevin - son (6 years of age) Kristin - daughter (5 years of age)Occupation: Stay at home dadEducation: Harper College - 2 years Northwestern University - 19 semester hoursCivic involvement: Hoffman Estates Park District Building and Grounds Committee. Hoffman Estates Park District Forward Planning CommitteeElected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?One of things I have learned serving as a Community Representative is that the park district and the programs seem to be going through a process of change and evolution. Many of the programs that were consider mainstays of park district programs are seeing reductions in participation. The youth of today are of the era where there has to be constant participation and involvement as part of the game. In many ways this has come of age as the result of the electronic generation. One of things that I have tried to do with my kids is what the NFL is promoting regarding "60 minutes of play everyday." Also, as people are getting older and living longer we need to ensure that the 50 Plus Club is a key part of the Park District. This program has been highly successful and gives older adults the opportunity to participate and be a part of a community that strives to be active. I often wonder sometimes about the youth in junior high school and high school. Do we do enough to meet the needs of this age group? As a park district we need to make sure that we develop and maintain programs that allow this group to be a part of participation. They should have a voice in the development of programs that interest them.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.The Park District has over 800 acres of open space at this time. Some of the open space has been developed into playgrounds and recreational areas. This amount of space is strategically located throughout the community and serves the people of Hoffman Estates. There is still undeveloped open space that is part of the Park District's inventory. One of these locations is Chino Park on Illinois Boulevard. With the exception of a baseball diamond there is nothing else located on this property. The possibility of upgrading and adding to this park has tremendous potential. The park district staff has done an excellent job of planning and developing the parks throughout the 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?What I have viewed over the last 3 years as a Community Representative is how impressive the financial side of the Park District has been maintained. The Finance Director of the Park District has ensured that there is stability and credibility on the accounting side. My experience has been that the Park District has always researched spending proposals and ensured the necessary funding is available before making a financial decision. A couple of things come to mind that would enhance the Park District tremendously. First, Field House/Indoor Soccer facility. Obviously a large long term expenditure that would have to be dependent on a bond referendum to complete. Second, incorporating a couple of splash pads in areas of the Community. There is currently no splash pads in the are north of I90 and west of Route 59. Although there is the Prairie Stone swimming pool west of Route 59 this requires membership or paying a fee to use. The Park District has done an exception job in ensuring the parks and facilities meet or exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I would be an advocate to guarantee that persons with disabilities have access to all facilities throughout the park system.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 Park District has undertaken a project of sharing with other communities with the development of the Freedom Dog Park. The Hoffman Estates, Elgin and Streamwood Park Districts contributed to the development of this park. It seems as if the area park districts have the same goals regarding sports, recreation, physical fitness and other amenities the public expects from the park district. In particular, park districts have invested in the development of capital projects. These include fitness centers, aquatic parks, skate parks and other similar facilities. Clearly funding for some large scale capital projects has become difficult in a day and age where residents have become discontent with paying additional taxes. Having two or more communities participate in joint funding of large scale projects may allow for expansion of facilities with burdening one community. Also, maybe adjoining communities could allow residents to have residential status when paying fees and memberships for programs. This would expand the number of programs available, give a multitude of locations to use and increase potential revenue for each of the park districts. Maybe Schaumburg residents could be given residential status at Hoffman facilities and vice versa. It's time that government agencies looked harder at joint funding and usage as opposed to everyone acting as an independent entity.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 served as a Community Representative on the Building and Grounds Committee for three (3) years. I served on the Forward Planning Committee (FPC) of the Park District developing the five (5) year master plan. I have two young children that are at an age to begin being involved in the various programs. Both of my kids attended the Early Learning Program. The Hoffman Estates Park District has set the bench mark in regards to how a park district should operate to serve the community. It is a leader and has set high standards. This is the direct result of the board, the committees and the staff working tirelessly for the people of Hoffman Estates. I have enjoyed my time as a Community Representative and want to have a greater role in the decision making process. People always want to be part of a winning team and success story. Hoffman Estates Park District is a winning team and I would consider it an honor to continue my service in the capacity of Park District Commissioner. I could only hope that what I offer to the Park District will meet the expectations of the community and the other board members and park district staff.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?There are several things that have been addressed by the Park District over the years to ensure facilities, programs and finances are all properly managed. The Village of Hoffman Estates is a diverse community. One of my goals would be to ensure that ALL members of the community are permitted the chance to be involved and participate as part of the many programs that are offered. As a commissioner it is important to reach out and listen to the community as to how they want to see their park district is developed. I have always been of the opinion is that this is not specifically my park district. I am but one of over 50,000 residents who are a component of the park district. It is my job to represent the needs and desires of all the residents regarding issues that concern the park district. I would avail myself to making my email available so that residents could communicate with me directly regarding items that specifically are of concern to them. I would then serve as the communications link to the board and staff regarding reviewing and addressing questions they communicate to my attention. I would ensure that all matters communicated to me get a response. We need transparency in government and elected officials need be accessible.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Reverend Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church. A man who is inspired me to lead a wonderful life.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?We didn't have lot growing up. Appreciate every little thing and opportunity given to you. Never take anything for granted.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?The time that I was in trouble with the law and committed a crime. Was the worst time of my life.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. Studying the past helps better to understand the present and the future.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Live every day of your life to the fullest. Never be afraid to take chances. Get the best education you can get.