Kathy Carson: 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: Oak BrookWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Oak Brook Park Board (6-year Terms)Age: 55Family: Married, one childOccupation: VolunteerEducation: Macomb County Community College, Warren, Michigan - 2yrs college Business Administration/Music Certified Master Gardener/University of IllinoisCivic involvement: Oak Brook Women's Club - Philanthropy Chair and former board member (Treasurer and Corresponding Sec.) Oak Brook Infant Welfare - Assistant Treasurer Theosophical Society MemberElected offices held: Park Commissioner, Oak BrookHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to protect the Park District's resources to provide the highest quality programs.Key Issue 2 Continue to manage operations in a fiscally responsible way.Key Issue 3 Continue to work cooperatively with the community and the other Commissioners to serve the best interests of the residents.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?Most programs do pay for themselves. The District constantly monitors and assesses which programs to keep, change or eliminate. Between our tax dollars, membership and user fees, and sponsorship dollars, we are able to maintain most programming. If a program becomes unpopular or too expensive, we may change or eliminate them.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.We currently have 150 acres and are not currently looking to expand.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?Our youth programs have always been strong. We have added programming and classes for active adults and our senior population. These programs are paid for by user fees. These include ceramics, ballroom dance, tai chi, co-ed softball, and competitive volleyball. We've enhanced our pioneer program to include daily and overnight excursions. We work with our residents and membership to meet their needs.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?I'm always in favor of saving money. We do work with our Village and share resources whenever possible.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.Currently Vice President, also served as President. Treasurer and Board Member. Received Community Services Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA)and Illinois Association of Park Districts(IAPD) - helped design, plant and maintain the interpretive gardens at the Dorothy and Sam Dean Nature Sanctuary. Successfully turned many programs from a financial deficit to a financially viable offering to the community. Spearheaded effort to resurface/replace outlying parks tennis/basketball courts. Improved fitness and tennis programming and created a unique monthly fitness pass. Implemented CPR certification for all employees. Received "Distinctive Board Member" level service recognition from the IAPD's Board Member Development Program.