Donald Cook: 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: LisleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lisle Park Board Age: 63Family: Spouse: Tracey Cook 2 Adult Children Carla 29; DJ 26Occupation: Retired Chief Fire OfficerEducation: St. Joan of Arc Grade School Lisle Community High School College of DuPage Illinois Fire Service InstituteCivic involvement: Board of Trustee - Lisle Woodridge Firefighters Pension Fund; Lisle Heritage Society; International Association of Fire Chiefs; National Park and Recreation Association; Wind Fire Motorcycle Organization; Morton ArboretumElected offices held: Lisle Park District Commissioner 1998 - Current; Lisle Park District Board President 2001 - current; Board of Trustee Lisle Woodridge Firefighter Pension Fund 2004 - currentQuestions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?The park district is in the midst of a comprehensive cost recovery, resource allocation and revenue enhancement program. The intent of this program is to work with our residents to determine which park district services and programs they are comfortable operating at a loss and which ones need to fully pay for themselves.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.There are no open space that the park district needs to acquire at this time. Just within the past four years we have received .09 acres from a developer for the Arbor Trails Park; we acquired an additional 4 acres off of Leask Lane for a park to service that area; and received a donation of approximately 2 acres on River Road adjacent to River Road Park. If a new parcel becomes available, it would be reviewed at that time.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?Once the Cost Recovery Program is finished, this program will outline through our residents any recreational programs that might be needed as well as figuring out on how to pay for them.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?We do work with many local governments agencies. Such as, School Districts 202 203 (gymnasiums, Auditoriums, classrooms, etc for grounds maintenance sport fields usage); Lisle - Woodridge Fire District (training sites, classes); Village of Lisle and Woodridge, Naperville and Wheaton Park Districts (joint programs, pools, instructors). Also with SEASPAR; Lisle Baseball / Softball Organization; Partners For Parks. We also purchase at reduced prices is playground equipment through The National Joint Powers Alliance (playgrounds) and The State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program (Vehicles Equipment).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 participated on the Board for the following accomplishments in part: Maintained a balanced budget for over ten years; Continue to have a positive and productive relationships with the Village of Lisle, School District 202 and other local agencies. Helped form a lease agreement with SEASPAR for a semi-permanent use of space in the Recreation Center. Acquisition of land for the Leask Lane Park and worked on a lease agreement for use of our property within Community Park for use by a local honey bee keeper to help address colony collapse disorder amongst honey bees;. I continue to listen to the concerns as well as the needs of our residents and bring the forward to the other commissioners and staff.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I would like to see more residents utilize all the wonderful things the park district offers. To get out and enjoy the parks and outdoor places and events. We also provide a lot of programs for families and individuals. Checkout the new website or look through the Program Brochure.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.N/AWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My parents told me that whatever you do, always give 110%If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Exactly what I have now. My wife, children, family and friends. I love what I got.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?N/AIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always give 110% in whatever you do.