Rick Gieser: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 6

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: DuPage Forest Preserve Commissioner District 6

City: Carol Stream

Age: 60

Occupation: Public relations director

Previous offices held: Carol Stream Village Trustee

Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

I am passionate about the DuPage County Forest Preserve. My wife and I spend many hours in the woods. We have even visited every DuPage Forest Preserve with trails and parking. We were featured in an article in the Daily Herald, an interview on WGN radio and featured on the DuPage Forest Preserve website. And I believe I offer unique skills for this position, including my nearly 20 years of experience in municipal government and my skills as a communications professional.

Some issues that motivate me are: I would like to see additional trails in the Preserves so residents can better experience nature. I would also like to see additional flush restrooms in the Forest Preserves. This would improve the experience for many residents. I want to see the Forest Preserve continue, and increase, their use of green initiatives to help combat the impacts of climate change. I also want to make sure the DuPage Forest Preserve District continues to be a leader in scientific research.

If you are an incumbent, describe your two biggest contributions to the board. If you are a non-incumbent, describe two ways you would contribute to the board.

I will contribute because of my professional and governmental experience. I have served as a Carol Stream Village Trustee for nearly 20 years. As a Trustee, I continually work to balance the requests of the residents with the finances available. I am experienced in keeping a balanced budget and prioritizing projects. I know how to work collaboratively and with different partnerships. As a communications professional with experience in broadcasting, promotion and media, I have unique skills to share the mission of the Forest Preserve with residents. I will use these skills to promote the Forest Preserve at community gatherings, governmental meetings and online. I will share the DuPage County Forest Preserve message throughout District 6 and the county.

What role should the forest preserve play in preserving historic buildings on its land?

One of the interesting aspects of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District is that it preserves the natural and the cultural history of the county. Many of the preserves have a powerful story to tell about the history of the county, from preserves created on the locations of old mills, historic homesteads, ancient burial sites and more. The Forest Preserve Commissioners have a responsibility to assess the historic significance of buildings on the property while balancing the cost for maintenance and renovations. Community partnerships, grants and collaboration will be needed to address the status of historic structures.

How would you rate the job the commission is doing to develop existing forest preserves and make them accessible to residents? How would you approach things differently?

I would like to see additional trails in the Forest Preserves. Everyone loves the trails. When I meet with residents, they all tell me about their love of the Forest Preserves and that they would like additional access to experience nature. But there is a cost to creating trails. The commissioners need to balance the financial and environmental costs. I have been meeting with residents to discuss Forest Preserve access and trails. I will continue to do this as Commissioner. If residents vote in favor of the referendum, the Forest Preserve District will be able to increase access and safety, improve recreational amenities like multi-use trails and campgrounds, provide additional nature education and more.

What is the most important issue facing the forest preserves in your district and how should it be addressed?

I believe the most important issue facing the Forest Preserve is the rising cost for maintenance, preservation and restoration. Visitation to the Forest Preserves has increased from 3 million visitors in 2006 to 5.5 million visitors currently, an 83% increase. Restoration costs have increased from $4,000 an acre in 2006 to $12,600 an acre today. The Forest Preserve referendum will provide funds to maintain, preserve and restore, as well as acquiring additional open space, increasing access and safety, providing nature education, planting trees and more.

Earlier this year, some suggested that the 1996 state law that established a separate forest preserve board in DuPage County should be undone and that the forest preserve should be returned to the control of the county board. Do you support that idea? Why or why not?

I do not think there needs to be a change. The Forest Preserve District’s mission is to preserve, protect and maintain the natural areas of the county. Having a governmental organization that is strictly concerned with preserving the county’s natural wonders is a benefit to residents and future generations in DuPage County.