Joan Bende: 2021 candidate for Park Ridge Park Commissioner
Five candidates for four 4-year terms
Bio
Hometown: Park Ridge
Age: (Did not respond)
Occupation: (Did not respond)
Employer: (Did not respond)
Civic involvement: I have been a volunteer all my adult life for local organizations, schools and my church including presidents of: Park Ridge Newcomers Club, Park Ridge Women's Tennis Association, Council of Catholic Women and Maine South Scholarship Club.
Q&A
Q. Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?
A. I am running for park board commissioner because the local parks made a difference in my life growing up in Park Ridge. Learning to play tennis at South Park and riding my bike to the West Park pool (now Centennial Park) are some of my favorite childhood memories. Parks and recreation have come a long way since then and with my experienced leadership of being a Park Board commissioner from 2013-17, I want to help the Park District keep improving in this post pandemic world.
With my knowledge of our Park District's budgets, programs, facilities and staff, I would be able to step right up to the job. If elected, I would have the 2nd longest tenure on the board and it would be an honor to serve again.
Q. Did your park district continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A. I think the staff was very creative with new COVID programing and keeping facilities safe. I am on the email list for the Fitness Center and the Senior Center and appreciated the many updates I received. Not printing a quarterly brochure kept the program offerings and cancellations up to date for participants. This could lead to rethinking the expensive printing & mailing costs to a more streamlined, eco-friendly marketing campaign.
Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?
A. Be prepared for the next crisis - big or small. All departments should make a report on their successes, failures and recommendations to reference in case we have another long shutdown. Short term shutdowns or emergencies should also be planned for including setting aside extra funds. Have adequate cleaning supplies and protective gear for employees in storage.
Q. How has the pandemic affected the park district's offerings and use of facilities. Are there other ways the park board can fulfill the mission of a park district during these times?
A. To quote the Illinois Association of Park District's annual report: "Parks and recreation positively impact people's lives by building stronger families, improving the health & wellness of our community and providing parks and programs that help people create lifelong memories"
If the staff, board and the community work together creatively, we will improve lives and create a stronger community.
Q. How has the pandemic affected the park district's revenue? How has that been addressed on the expense side?
A. With programing revenue almost 50% of the budget, it was severely affected. The staff took a sharp pencil to the budget and personnel. Programing will have to be nimble and increase as fast as the participants demand it.
Q. What other issues need to be addressed?
A. I was on the Oakton Task force in 2020 to evaluate the renovation project. Given the state of the economy, and the poor repair Oakton ice rink is in, I hope the new board will consider a smaller renovation and bring that proposal to the voters for approval.
It is important to maintain the building and grounds we currently have.