Robert Kaplan: 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: Hoffman EstatesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hoffman Estates Park Board Age: 54Family: I have been married to my wife, Shannon, for 26 years. I have a 25 year old son who is making a career in the parks and recreation field and a 22 year old daughter who is attending the University of Illinois. My family and I have resided in Hoffman Estates for 24 years. We have enjoyed the Hoffman Estates Park District's preschool program, art classes, boys and girls sports teams and finally adult fitness. Via our son, we have enjoyed the Triphahn Center Ice Arena and are proud to have this facility in our community.Occupation: Attorney-Law Offices of Robert M. Kaplan, PCEducation: Bachelors Degree Building Construction from the University of Florida. Doctorate of Law from the University of Florida. Master of Business Administration from Roosevelt UniversityCivic involvement: Immediate Past President of Beth Tikvah Congregation, Hoffman Estates, IL. Hoffman Estates Park District-Football/Baseball/Softball/Basketball/Soccer coach while my children were participating in those programs, approx. 1996 - 2005. Hockey Team Manager for Barrington Redwings Midget Major Hockey Team, 2007 and 2008. Community Representative at Hoffman Estates Park District for 10+ years.Elected offices held: I have served on all committees at the park district, finance and administration, recreation, buildings and grounds. I was part of the Forward Planning Committee that worked on the 2014-2019 Comprehensive Master Plan. Beth Tikvah Congregation Board of Directors 10+ years, and immediate Past-President.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?The Park District is responsible for providing a wide variety of recreational programming and facilities for the residents of Hoffman Estates. While some of them perform better financially than others, that does not lesson the value of the others to our residents. Often, it is through the revenues created by the better performers, along with the Park District's creative ability to obtain non-programming sources of revenue, that we are able to subsidize the lesser performers. Historically, the Park District staff has done an excellent job of managing this issue, and we must strive to continue to do so.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.I do not believe that the Park District has an immediate need to acquire additional open space. However, we must continue to monitor our residents needs and growth as it affects any new land requirements.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 Park District does a good job of providing the types of recreation that our community desires. I do not think that there can be a predetermination of how a new program will be paid for, but it should be evaluated just like any other program. An example of a new recreation need is "pickleball" which residents can participate in at Prairie Stone and at High Point Park.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, I think anytime we can participate in a shared use of resources it is a positive situation for the Park District. I'm glad to say that the Park District has already been engaged in resource sharing with the village and other park districts.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 a community representative at the park district for 10+ years, and have been on all of the committees- recreation, administration finance, and buildings grounds- plus being on the forward planning committee that assisted with the 2014-2019 Comprehensive Master Plan. During my time as a community representative I was also extremely involved in the governance of my temple, the Beth Tikvah Congregation (in Hoffman Estates), and now that I am the immediate past president of the congregation I feel that I have the time required to devote to being a commissioner. I believe that my training as an attorney will provide a valuable perspective on issues being considered by the board of commissioners. In addition, I feel that I have an extensive relationship with the Park District as both of my children participated in sports at the park district throughout their childhood, and I was lucky to be able to coach them, in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and football (really HEAA); and my use of the old Blackhawk and new Triphahn center weight room. Finally, I believe that the make-up of the board of commissioners should change over time.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Candidate did not respond.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Candidate did not respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Candidate did not respond.