Douglas D. Jones: 2023 candidate for Geneva Park District board
Bio
Town: Geneva
Age on Election Day: 55
Occupation: Regional Sales Manager
Employer: Molex
Previous offices held: No formal public office experience
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?
A: I have been a part of this incredible community for forty-four years. I am well established in my career, have two grown children. I now have a greater time and capacity to give back. In addition, I have lived in several different communities (job transfers to the San Francisco Bay area and the Indianapolis area). I have perspective on how other Park District's spend their time and resources, as well as which items they place importance. I would like to be a strong voice for the constituents of Geneva.
Q: How well is your district rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic? What new measures should be taken to strengthen programming or better meet the needs of the community?
A: CV-19 was an extremely complicated series of events. Decisions for the public good were made with the best possible information available at the time. However, the more we learned about the pandemic, the better information we had on methods to safeguard against the spread. Lessons I gathered were to be flexible, gather and understand facts based on the best scientific data, follow guidelines that were set by the CDC and communicate clearly to the public. Decisions made in a Pandemic are in place for the good of the whole. We as a Park Board need to ensure our facilities and parks are a safe environment for all users now and in the future based on lessons learned.
Q: How would you describe the state of the district's finances? What challenges do you see on the horizon, and how do you propose to meet them?
A: The state of the Park District finances are strong. The Park District has done a good job staying in front of the maintenance of the Parks, including updates to park equipment based on needs. Dryden Park upgrades (aka "Turtle Park") is a particularly good example of this. Additional Parks program offerings will be of importance, and to consider the needs and wants of all residents. A Parks survey was recently sent out- and this will be beneficial to gathering data and using these ideas to address areas to strengthen the Geneva Parks.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your park board.
A: I have a particularly good history in the private sector of collaborating with teams of people to get things done. I have worked for a Global organization for nearly 28 years. Different perspectives and viewpoints as well as gathering all available facts help make for the best decisions for the greater good. I have been in leadership positions not only in business, but with sports teams and in philanthropy. I will bring strong, sensible, and fiscally responsible guidance as a member of the Park Board. I am a long-time resident of the Community and understand the items that make Geneva a special place. Parks is one of those things.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: A resident of Geneva for 44 of my 55 years, I understand our community. I have strong decision making abilities, work well in teams and excel in leadership positions.