James Neel: 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: WildwoodWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wildwood Park Board (6-year Terms)Age: 65Family: Married, one son, three grandchildrenOccupation: retired TeacherEducation: Bachelor of Arts in English (minor Finance), University of Illinois, 1974 Masters of Education, National Louis University, 1993Civic involvement: Warren Township Democrats 10th Congressional Democrats Save-A-Pet Animal Shelter (volunteer and auction chair)Elected offices held: Wildwood Park District Commissioner (2011 to present) Warren Township Precinct Committeeman (2002 to present) Warren Township Democrats Chair (2004 to present)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Improving current facilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the residents of Wildwood. This includes what is needed for the lake (e.g. improving boat launches) as well as park facilities (e.g. new playground equipment).Key Issue 2 While there are numerous programs for younger children, I want to see an increase in programs for teens, as well as for seniors and people with disabilities.Key Issue 3 Finding additional sourcing of grants and outside funding for park district initiatives/programs.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?Since I've been on the Board,the Park District has changed the camp program to make it cost effective. That was one program that previously had not been paying for itself. If there are other courses or programs found not cost effective, they also should be changed or eliminated. A cost/benefit analysis should be performed on each one and options reviewed (change the program, eliminate or combine with another park district, for examples).Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.Yes, there is additional space contiguous to the park district that could be beneficial and could expand to include community gardens. This would provide a sustainable source of food and teach children about agriculture.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?There needs to be more programs for teens, seniors and persons with disabilities. These would be paid for by the participants (in the case of courses or programs)or we would look for grant funding for specific activities. Some programs also could be together with other communities.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?Yes and the Park District already does this.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.1. Obtained grant money to reduce shoreline erosion. This will also create better fishing facilities. 2. Met with constituents to ensure their voice was heard related to tax increases and expenditures. 3. Researched grant/funding sources for other projects. 4. Found alternate sources of equipment to reduce costs.