Mary Anne Cummings: 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: AuroraWebsite: http://maryannecummings.com/FVPD.htmlTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Mary Anne CummingsOffice sought: Fox Valley Park board District 2 Age: 58Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: PhysicistEducation: U of Michigan, B.S.U of Michigan, Ph. D.Civic involvement: SciTech Club for Girls, science mentorAurora Township DemocratsVarious political campaigns: Obama (Senate, 04), John Laesch (Congress, 06, 08), Delegate to the Democratic National Convention 2016 (Sanders)I have lived in my neighborhood for over 20 years, have participated in neighborhood watches and in historic restoration (2009 Mayor's restoration award). I am committed to this area, and my neighbors, and doing what I can to make this a community better.Elected offices held: Precinct committee personQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?I was asked if I would consider running. Area 2 contains some of the poorest areas in the city, which means families most in need of safe play areas, recreational programs and clean, beautiful public spaces. I would like to see more neighborhood activity, such as community gardens.How do you assess the state of the district's finances? What, if any, changes do you propose to alter the district's financial picture, whether through cost reduction or revenue increases? Please be as specific as possible on where you would propose cutting or how you would propose increasing revenue.Looking over recent budgets, I see they are fairly balanced, that there are considerable assets and a broad program - I have no problem with that. Since the holdings are large and the tax revenue substantial, I would want to look at the programs and the buildings for under-utilized capacity - if we would need to promote or expand programs, or if something isn't offered that would have community support. I would also like for all buildings and outdoor lighting to be as energy efficient as possible (directional, led, solar, etc.) Indoor climate control can save energy when heat and air conditioning use can moderated. If summer cooling bills could be reduced by judicious use of trees or other plants. I would like to know that employees are treated fairly and with respect.What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?"Paying for themselves" is a statement that needs examination. If children are able to participate in activities that their parents couldn't afford in the private sector, the resulting good and productive citizens they helped form would be payment enough. But, as in every other endeavor, I would like to make sure programs and buildings aren't under-utilized, that we make sure that economically stressed families are able to make full use of the programs. I'd like to see that participation in any given recreational activity isn't dependent on family income, particularly for young people.Are there any unmet recreational needs? If yes, what are they and how would you propose paying for them?I would personally like to see the bike path continued from downtown Aurora to Montgomery without have to veer onto busy and semi-busy streets for over a half mile. I would like to see more community gardens, and an emphasis on environmental good living starting in the homes and neighborhoods. I realize that there are many overlapping local government bodies, and I would like to study more closely if programs in other districts (forest preserve, school districts, citiy government, etc.) could be better coordinated.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.As I mentioned above, I was asked to consider running for Park District. That made me curious about what the Fox Valley Park District was, and what it offered. I was surprised and impressed. It showed me that there is a great deal of community interest and dedication to the welfare of the citizens in this city, as well as a sense of civic pride and responsibility. Recent political trends have downplayed the role of government in our lives, but, if we are a democracy, "we the people" should be having a say, and a stake, in our immediate surroundings as well as the larger domains of state and country. I want to help preserve what has been built over decades against predations of privateers, and I want to expand the programs in areas that could reach more people, particularly people economically disadvantaged. The more people feel part of the community, the more they want to protect our public spaces, our "commons" - and the less prone to crime, vandalism and indifference.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The idea of community for me is a strong one, and one that is the whole purpose of government at any level. I have been distressed at the erosion of public spaces, the privatization of public services and environmental degradation that comes from anti-government political positions. Substitute "democracy" for "government" to get another perspective on "anti-government". We live in homes, neighborhoods, cities, states and a country, and on every level, we should feel that we have ownership and a stake in the assets and spaces that surround us. I want to strengthen that resolve against any political tides that try to diminish the public commons for private profit. For a long time, I've always put the health of the environment, local and planetary, as one of the highest priorities - it is an integral part of what we leave to those who come after us. And it starts at home.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bernie Sanders. He is changing the whole political landscape and unites the economic justice with social justice concerns of everyone.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Showing up is most important.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Having more real problems and less imaginary ones...What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Art. It helped me think, problem solve and create. I'm a scientist because I took art in school.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be kind. It will save your soul, and your sanity.