Lawrence F. Widmer Jr.: 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: WheelingWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheeling parksAge: 52Family: Married to my wife Carole and we have two children (Jessica and Michael, and one grandchild (Joshua).Occupation: Deputy Director, Not-for-profit Council of GovernmentEducation: Master of Public Administration 1999 Roosevelt UniversityCertified Professional Public Buyer (C.P.P.B.) with the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC)Civic involvement: Chicago Executive Airport - Board of DirectorsMember of the Des Plaines Watershed TeamMember of the Upper Des Plaines Ecosystem PartenershipIllinois High School Association UmpireElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I am a strong believer in accesibility and public affordibility for all. I can provide a strong voice on the Board and advocate on behalf of Wheeling's constituency.Key Issue 2 I would advocate for sustainability in the design, construction and maintnence of park facilities.Key Issue 3 I am a strong believer in creating consensus and making sure that the Park District Board stay's true to its taxpayers.Questions Answers What programs aren#146;t paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?I need to gather information as a Board member of the Park District. Currently, I do not have this type of information.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I am always willing to look for open space. I need to learn the policies of the Park District in regards to aquiring open space.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?Again, I need to gather information as a Board member of the Park District. Currently, I do not have this type of information.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?If it works well for all entities involved I am for the sharing and pooling of resources.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 am deeply passionate about issues that affect our community. I am a life-long Wheeling resident, spent several years coaching youth football, baseball and basketball at the Wheeling Park District. I also strongly believe in preserving park land for future generations to enjoy.