Matthew Brueck: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Matthew Brueck
City: Wildwood
Office sought: Wildwood Park District Commissioner
Age: 45
Family: Wife, Jennifer; Son, Paul (14); Son, Zach (10)
Occupation: Regional Sales Engineering Manager for Honeywell Thermal Solutions
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (1997); Master of Business Administration from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Lake Forest (2004)
Civic involvement: 13 years on the Gage's Lake Conservation Committee; 8 years with the IL DNR Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
Previous elected offices held: None
Incumbent? No. If yes, when were you first elected?
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Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your park district and how do you intend to address them?
The most important issues facing the Wildwood Park District are Fiscal Responsibility, Park Security, and Self-Supporting Programs. As a 14 year resident, I have attended more Park District Meetings than most. Through this experience and FOIA requests, I have learned that the best way to really understand how our tax dollars are spent is to be on the Board as a Commissioner. As a Commissioner, I will better be able to gauge the level of Fiscal Responsibility and determine if our Programs are Self-Supporting. I have specific plans to improve Security at the Parks and the main Park District Building.
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 have been active in the community since I first arrived in 2004 with the Gage's Lake Conservation Committee and the IL DNR Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. I have a passion for our community and lakes and feel it is time to take the next step of involvement to help better Wildwood. I think the Board can use my experience in leadership and business to improve our Parks.
Which programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?
I am coming into this position with an open mind, common sense, and a calm resolve to make the Wildwood Park District the best it can be. I have no intention to cut any program at this time, and I am completely open to expanding programs where it makes sense and there is a community need.
Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.
I am not aware of any open space that the park district needs to acquire.
Are there any unmet recreational needs? If yes, what are they and how would you propose paying for them?
There is definitely a need for improved park security. I have talked to many in the community that are asking for it. A closer inspection of the budget will allow us to find this money in the budget without having to raise taxes.