Julia Caporusso: 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: Mount ProsepctWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Mount Prospect Park Board (4-year Terms)Age: 53Family: Married to Daniel Caporusso, two children Michelle and NoreenOccupation: Supervisor and teacher of Preschool at the Prospect Height Park DistrictEducation: Bachelor of Education in Recreation from Michigan State University. 1982Civic involvement: Girl Scout PTA Lions Park and Fairview SchoolsElected offices held: Mount Prospect Park District Commissioner (4 Years)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The renovation of the golf course is the first priority on the capital improvement plan for Mount Prospect Park District. Four years ago I ran for the board because I did not support the proposed master plan that included moving the driving range to Melas Park and the redesign of a golf course that is considered to be a landmark. Recently, the park board has compromised on a new plan that addresses the irrigation and drainage needs, but keeps the driving range on-site and the golf course retains its' classic design.Key Issue 2 In these difficult economic times, it is necessary for the park board to balance revenues and expenditures in a fiscally sound manner. The strategic plan should be updated to include infrastructural projects that maintain the integrity of the budget.Key Issue 3 Currently, the Park Board is in the process of hiring a new Executive Director. The Park Board has the opportunity, after hiring the new director, to get input from the community to evaluate communications, programs and customer service in an effort to enhance a valued institution. My experience working in the field of recreation for the past 28 years as well as being a resident of the Mount Prospect Park District for 28 years gives me the unique ability to help develop a team for the future.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?Currently, our budget and expenditures do not require the elimination of any programs or services provided by the park district.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I support the acquisition of open space if opportunity presented itself within our budgetary constraints.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?The Mount Prospect Park District consists of 506 maintained acres with six facilities and over 800 recreational program opportunities. I always support the development of new programs as long as they are within our budgetary constraints.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 support the sharing/pooling of resources with other local governments as demonstrated by the recent joint agreement between the park district and District 214 School District to share the artificial turf field at Prospect High School.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.As the Golf Committee Chairman, I was instrumental in bringing alternate golf plans to the board for their review. This leadership has resulted in a new plan that keeps the driving range on site and retains the characteristics of a classic and beloved golf course design.