Mix of old, new for Naperville Park District board

Eight candidates are vying for four 4-year seats on the Naperville Park District board.

Current board President Suzanne Hart shows strong leadership, helping the district to hire a new executive director with local ties. She looks to develop a strategic plan for the district, partner with neighboring entities and find a balance between passive and active use of open space. Incumbent Gerry Heide, appointed in August, looks toward a unified board vision, increasing nontax revenue and maintaining existing assets. He has a strong grasp of the issues before the board and viable ways to approach them.

Among the challengers, Richard Janor and Jim Ensign have experience in park district operations. Ensign worked for two decades with park districts, and has volunteered in various youth sports arenas. Janor, owner of two sports-themed businesses, completed a study of an indoor/outdoor sports complex in Naperville. Tim Belgio and John Polich have strong local ties and an honest desire to serve their community. In addition to a lengthy community service resume, challenger Mike Reilly has served as the park district liaison for his homeowners association and his vision includes setting a long-term strategy and reviewing district offerings for cost-effectiveness. Kirsten Young shows a strong ability to keep the board focused on common goals, with the community view in mind. She hopes to encourage transparent decision-making.

Incumbents Suzanne Hart and Gerry Heide, both solid choices with experience, and challengers Kirsten Young and Mike Reilly are endorsed.