Jeanne Turf: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: WildwoodWebsite: Candidate did not respondOffice sought: Wildwood Park Board Age: 56Family: Married, 2 childrenOccupation: Dental ceramist, Warren High School TransportationEducation: Associates Degree Triton College, River Grove ILCivic involvement: Volunteer Board Member and Officer, Wildwood Park District since 2007Elected offices held: 3 years Treasurer, Vice President and 2 years PresidentQuestions AnswersWhat programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?The staff of Wildwood Park District, along with the board of commissioners, monitors our program usage and costs several times each year. Our policy is to generate a modest profit on each program or change the program.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.We have about 30 acres of park property that we maintain. We have scheduled tasks completed on a long-range plan to keep our parks in peak condition. Our district is landlocked as far as new acquisition, and as a community we realize what a treasure we have with our park district property.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?Wildwood Park District offers programming at all levels of interest to our residents. Current offerings change as interests change.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?We have worked with other agencies for many years. We have shared interests with Warren Special Recreation Association, the Warren Township Center and Grayslake Park District. 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 a commissioner for eight years I have served as treasurer, vice-president and president which gives me an in depth understanding of how the park district runs. I am extremely proud of our professional staff and the long term plans for our parks.#8226; During my two terms I have helped design and complete grant work for Shoreline improvement at Willow Point Park. #8226; I helped secure a donation of playground equipment from Gagewood Lions Club.#8226; Spearheaded private donations, design and construction of a memorial arch at the entrance to Rule Park in honor of a former commissioner.#8226; Presented information at the Upper Des Plaines Waterway meeting to local municipalities.#8226; Six-year member of Illinois Association of Park Districts.#8226; Worked with the board and staff in development of fiscally responsible budget on an annual basis, adding quality programs and services while keeping costs in mind.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I look forward to continuing to offer exciting programs, educational preschool opportunities, and beautiful, peaceful park experiences for all to enjoy in our own community while continuing to conduct our business in a fiscally responsible manner.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I have had the privilege to have been inspired by several people in my community that have served our park district. From the founding members of the first park district board and its executive to more recent board members and staff. The very purpose of the Wildwood Park District is to provide opportunities for our residents to experience our beautiful parks and utilize our programs. The trust that our residents put in our decisions, the respect that we show each other and the highest values that guide us in all our decisions relating to offering the most useful programming and use of our space is truly what is required to be a valuable board member. I am grateful to be able to reach out to longtime residents for input and inspiration. Our park district is truly something that we can all be immensely proud of. What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned to recognize the feelings of others and to be considerate and kind. I learned to be a giver and not a taker. If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I feel it is so important to spend time with family. Never stop learning, be it on a work level or a personal level!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I have had my own small business for over 20 years and the business classes that I took as well as continuing education over the years translate well to park district budgeting and finance.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard at something that you love, and be a kind, thoughtful and caring person.