New faces on Glen Ellyn park board a sure thing

Turnover on the Glen Ellyn Park District board is guaranteed, with seven people filing to fill three seats and two incumbents choosing not to seek re-election.

Incumbents Bill Dallman and Sandy Minogue will not return after April's election. Dallman said he chose not to run for a fourth term because it was time to move on.

He said anything he has helped accomplish during his tenure has happened because of the park district's hardworking staff.

“I have served 12 years, and they have been fantastic,” Dallman said. “It gives a chance for someone else to perform their civic duty.”

Board President Ed Hess will seek a fourth term and take on the field of six others, including Catherine Galvin, Don Stuffelbeam, Hugh Johnson, Richard Dunn, Gary Mayo and Kathy Cornell.

Park district elections have been active of late. In 2009, voters removed three incumbents, choosing three political newcomers who ran on platforms that included more open communication and greater fiscal responsibility.

In January, the park district opened the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center with a price tag that exceeded a voter-approved budget of $7.4 million by about 50 percent. Officials at the time said the cost increases resulted from residents' requests for more amenities.

As the race shapes up, Hess said the volume of candidates will make it a tough re-election campaign.

“It's always a struggle when it's a contested election,” Hess said. “I'll have to do everything I can to present myself to the public, and hopefully they will look at what I have been involved with in the 12 years and want me to come back.”

With Executive Director Cory Atwell leaving the district next month, the election could take on even more importance, with the next board having to establish a relationship with the new director.

Hess said his tenure on the board makes him a good choice to move the district forward. He remains a supporter of the recreation center, which he said continues to draw large crowds.

“It will be important to have someone on the board that has that history,” he said. “I have been happy with everything I have done and proud of what we have done. I am hoping the public sees it that way. I still want to be involved.”