Steve Eckelberry: 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: BartlettWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Bartlett Park Board Age: 46Family: Wife Michelle, 3 kids, Andrew (18), Niok (14) and Josh (9),Occupation: Technology Manager, Western DuPage Special Recreation AssociationEducation: Columbia College ChicagoCivic involvement: Board of Directors (current secretary) National Recreation and Park Association, Co-chair IPRA/IAPD Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (committee member for 9 years) Member National Recreation and Park Association Nominating Board and Development Committee Past member IPRA/IAPD Conference Program Committee, Past Director IPRA Communications and Marketing Section, IPRA Membership Committee Director, Bartlett Area Umpires Association; Past Vice President and coach, Bartlett Raiders youth football; Past coach, Bartlett Little League, Assistant coach, Bartlett LacrosseElected offices held: President (4 years) Vice President TreasurerQuestions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?We have a few programs that we offer free such as our Movies in the Park that we offer to the Community. Although these programs do not make money, they are offered as a way to get the community together. As a board, we have set fee policies that govern where we set fees to cover the cost of most programs. It is our staff's job to make sure that they are setting the actual fees appropriately through the use of program budgeting. The board would then approve the overall budget.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.The District is currently in negotiations to acquire property from Elmhurst-Chicago Stone near the corner of West Bartlett and Naperville/Munger roads. This is a very unique property that Elmhurst-Chicago is looking to donate to the district. Although there is not much room for too much future growth, the park district still stands by the village land/cash donation ordinance and develops land with new development 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?Our most recent needs assessment, which was completed in the spring of 2014, showed three areas which needed more consideration. Outdoor artificial turf fields, more indoor gym space and possibly an indoor ice rink. The Park District is using grant money it just received to renovate the Schrade gymnasium to make it more user friendly. The idea of turf fields is something the district should look into and try and work into the capital budget sometime in the future, possibly with help from grants. As for an ice rink, that would require much more study into the need for such a facility and the willingness to pay for one. That being said, the same study also shows that 73% of residents are dissatisfied with local property taxes, much worse than the local average. They are, however, satisfied with their local parks and recreation 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 does a great job of sharing resources now with both the Village and U-46. We share facilities with the school district, and work together on maintaining various trails with the Village. Our partnership with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and the Illinois DNR for our Nature Center is a great example of governmental agencies working together. We continue to purchase items through joint purchasing agreements with the state and other cooperatives and are always looking at new ways to make things more efficient.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 been on the Park District Board since 1996. We have acquired the land and built the Community Center which has become the hub in our community. Most recently, the District purchased Villa Olivia and renovated both that property and the Bartlett Aquatic Center. That addition included the state's first zip line over water. Since I have been on the board, we have been the recipient of numerous OSLAD grants from the state of Illinois. Our personal relationships and work with our state legislators always helps with these grants. We have a great working relationship with other governmental bodies right now, especially the village of Bartlett. We have an open dialogue among elected officials which is important to the community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I think it is important for the Park District to continue to watch expenses as it has in previous years and continue to hold the line on taxes. We have challenged our staff to do this and they have done a great job. We continue to look for outside sources of revenue, such as grants and donations to complete projects. The Park District is one of only 49 accredited park and recreation agencies in the state, meaning the staff and board adhere to the standards of the top agencies in Illinois. We strive for excellence and I will continue to push our staff in this direction. As is evidenced by our recent survey, our residents are very satisfied with the park district in general and we need to keep moving forward. With our attitude and interests survey in hand, we will begin our Comprehensive Master Plan this month (Feb) and use that to guide future Strategic planning.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To be honest. I learned growing up that being honest with people helps earn respect.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have saved more money while living at home.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English. It has helped me because I like to communicate. It has helped me become a better communicator.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be honest and don't be afraid to speak up and speak your mind when it is appropriate.