Charles T. Morrison Sr.: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Hanover ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hanover Park parksAge: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married for 20 years with four children the youngest of whom, Rylie, is 13 years old. He attends Spring Wood Middle School in Keeneyville School District 20.Occupation: Retired from the Department of DefenseEducation: Bachelor of Science in Management, Boston College, 1960Civic involvement: Knights of Columbus, St. Isidore Council 8522 (past Grand Knight) 2001 - PresentHanover Park Park Foundation, Member, 2010 - PresentElected offices held: Republican Committeeman, Bloomingdale TownshipHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Reach out into the community and provide recreational experiences that address cultural diversity and the changing interests of our customers.Key Issue 2 Develop a master plan focused on thoughtful renovation of our parks and facilities as they continue to age, keeping in mind the ever changing needs of our communityKey Issue 3 Ensure that all fee-based programs are cost effective for HPPD and its community to maximize participation.Questions Answers What programs aren#146;t paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?Two programs that do not cover cost are seniors and aquatics. Both programs are worthy of being underwritten by taxes as they contribute to the quality of life in Hanover Park. Both programs are open enrollment, meaning users can attend at their will. The Seniors program is relatively small, a one day a week social gathering for senior residents and non-residents alike. A lunch is provided as well as guest speakers talking on issues important to our senior population. In recent years our aquatic facility, Seafari Springs Family Aquatic Centre, has finished the swim season in the black, but out of season utility costs continue to push the finances into the red. The benefit to Hanover Park is immense. SSFAC is a place for our youth and families to use during summer, the swim lesson program and the swim team program are lifelong experiences for our youth. We target to operate our programs to achieve a 20%, above direct cost formula to cover the District#146;s indirect costs. In the case of these two programs, program sponsors would be very beneficial, possibly the Daily Herald would like to be a sponsoring partner in our Senior or Aquatic programming. Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.In the District#146;s long range plans there are areas of open space that the District would like to acquire. We maintain these to be confidential not wanting to affect real estate pricing. Are there any unmet recreational needs? If yes, what are they and how would you propose paying for them? Or, should they wait until the economy improves?In the area of youth drop in, and after school recreation the Park District continues to improve and expand this area of programming. Developing this programming is also an issue with the Hanover Park Park Foundation. As of now the HPPF finances scholarships. The HPPF has held two very successful Youth Benefit Balls and have contributed $20,000 to the Park District and the Foundations YBB partners; The Hanover Park Community Resource Center, The Hanover Park Lions Club, Hanover Park Little League (HPLL) and Hanover Park Boys Football Assocation (HPBFA) also known as The Hurricanes. The Park District is always looking for grants and partnerships to assist in carrying out our mission. Would you support sharing/pooling resources (i.e. printing, vehicles) with other local governments (school districts, village, etc.)? If so, what areas would you consider combining or merging to save money or improve efficiency?I would encourage the sharing of resources that would benefit the Park District. We currently are partnering with Keeneyville School District 20 for a grant to build a gymnasium for both of our Districts to operate and share. We partner with the Village of Hanover Park in purchasing fuel and road salt. We work closely with School Districts 54 and 20, providing facilities and opportunities for each other#146;s programs.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.I was instrumental in the implementation of a District web site (www.hpparks.org) to enhance communication between District Staff and the Hanover Park community.I coordinated with the HPPD Executive Director to enter into a contract with ESC (Executive Services Corporation) to aid in rewriting our Mission Statement as well as mandating a five year Strategic Plan. This is on-going with updates and revisions as needed. I am the driving force behind our five year rolling cash flow plan. This is also an ongoing project that is updated and revised as needed.I worked closely with District Staff to purchase, under budget, a 14 passenger bus that conforms to all ADA guidelines. The bus is now in circulation and is aiding with the transportation needs of our Seniors and After School Club programs.