3 finalists emerge for Naperville park board

The three finalists for a Naperville Park District board vacancy say they are open-minded about recreation issues.

Kirsten Young, Gerry Heide and Mike Reilly are all in the running for the seat that opened in June when Commissioner Charlie Brown resigned. They were chosen by the remaining park board members from a field of 10 candidates.

Young, 42, is a corporate attorney who says she wants to help the district continue its "rich 40-year history of doing well for the community."

She's the daughter-in-law of Bill Young, who served the park district for decades, including stints on the board and as interim director. She said she knows the new commissioner will be joining the board during difficult times.

"But it also seems like a time when they need some new people," she said.

As an attorney, she said she negotiates complex business transactions, deals with human relations issues and has experience in "corporate efficiency teamwork processes." All of those skills would serve her well on the park board, she said.

She says the district has been a frequent topic of conversation around her family's dinner table, but she promises to be her own person if selected for the board.

"I don't have an agenda or a single issue," she said. "My goal is much broader than that: to help get the park district going in the right direction."

Heide, 44, ran unsuccessfully for the board last year and feels he can make a contribution to the district. He has lived in Naperville since 1971.

"I think that gives me a unique perspective as to what longtime residents are looking for," he said. "I'm also acutely aware of what new families are moving to Naperville for and what they expect from the community."

He is a new father himself, having just adopted a baby from China with his wife.

Heide has a graduate degree in business, works in sales and marketing and owns several businesses.

When it comes to park district issues, he feels he can look at them objectively.

"I currently have no burning issues relative to the park district other than to see it run successfully and force some team-building among board members," he said.

Reilly, 60, is a director of the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation and president of the White Eagle Homeowners Association.

An employee of MetLife insurance company with a business background, he says he is interested in maintaining open space and offering traditional and nontraditional recreation programs for residents of all ages.

The three candidates will be interviewed in public at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.

The board may vote that night to select a commissioner who will serve until the April 2009 election.