Candidates sought for vacant Glen Ellyn Park District seat
Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioner Gary Mayo is stepping down after five years on the board because he is moving to Florida in the next few months, officials said.
The remaining board members will pick a district resident to fill Mayo's seat until the April 2017 election. Candidates have until 8 p.m. Feb. 22 to apply.
Mayo, a retired former owner of a Dairy Queen franchise in Glen Ellyn, won a second term on the board last April. He was first elected in 2011, after running on a slate that at the time criticized district debt and increased costs to build the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center.
"He had approached some of us commissioners about helping to turn around the park district to be more fiscally responsible, to be more organized as an institution, to have stronger leadership that reflected the values of Glen Ellyn residents," said board President Julia Nephew, who endorsed the slate.
Once seated, Mayo helped create the district's citizens finance committee, a group of residents who have a background in business and help district staff members plan ahead for budgeting and capital projects, Nephew said.
She also recognized Mayo as "really a good choice to represent athletics," noting his involvement with starting the district's youth lacrosse program.
During his five years on the board, he's held the leadership positions of president, vice president and treasurer.
"He's been great for discussion," Nephew said. "He's been very engaged ... so we're really going to miss him."
His last day on the board hasn't been determined yet, Nephew said. Mayo was traveling Wednesday and unavailable for comment.
Candidates seeking his seat must complete an application available on the district's website, Gepark.org. The forms can be emailed to kdikker@gepark.org, mailed to district headquarters at Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Ave., or dropped off in-person. Selected applicants are expected to be interviewed March 1-11.
Mayo's successor will be sworn in April 12.