Naperville park member resigns post

Naperville Park District Commissioner Charlie Brown resigned his position on the board Thursday night.

Brown, who was elected in 2005, said he has always felt a 6-year term is too long and he also wants to spend more time traveling and with his family.

He made his announcement late Thursday night after a closed session meeting of commissioners and said he has enjoyed meeting people in the community. He had kind words for his fellow commissioners.

"There's not a person on this committee that doesn't want to make this a better town," he said.

He and his wife of 50 years, Elaine, are retired and have children and grandchildren out of state they plan to spend time visiting.

"I want to be able to move around and see them," said Brown, 72. "I don't know how long we get."

Just a year-and-a-half ago, Brown lost his son to a brain tumor and said he wishes he had spent more time with him instead of being tied up with board business.

He stressed his departure has nothing to do with new Director Daniel Betts or with tensions among park board commissioners.

"I would hate to work for an organization where everybody nods their heads and says yes to everything," he said.

During his three years on the board, Brown is proud of helping shorten the length of board terms to 4 years as well as working to change the way the board analyzes its expenses.

It is not yet clear how and when a commissioner will be chosen to replace him.

His advice to his replacement is to be open-minded.

"Listen and be open," he said. "Be receptive. Don't micromanage."