William Wright: 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: StreamwoodWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Streamwood Park Board Age: 52Family: Marjorie Wright-Wife Will Wright-Son Ian Wright-SonOccupation: Director, The OvertureGroup LLCEducation: BS, Business Administration/Psychology Lindenwood University St. Charles, Mo.Civic involvement: U-46 Citizens Advisory Council(2001-2007) Youth Soccer Coach (2001-2014) Usher, St. John The Evangelist Catholic ChurchElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?With our traditional programs we have a system where we analyze projected program revenues and expenses and use that information to determine a minimum number of participants that would be required for the program to cover its cost. If those minimums are not met then we do not run the program. Occasionally, we will run new programs under the minimum number of participants in an effort to gain exposure for the program and build momentum to continue to ensure program sustainability. In addition, we budget to cover the cost of community events/programs through the successes of our regular programs as well as through sponsorships and donations. We have also used grants to offset program fees for programs like our afterschool program.Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.Streamwood is currently about 95% land locked so I don't feel there are any other properties we can look at. We do keep our eyes and ears opened for potential land opportunities. With that being said, I think we need to continue working with our residents in developing ideas to update parks programs,and facilities that meet needs and expectations of our residents.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?As Streamwood's demographics switch to a more elderly and diverse population, we are looking at ways to work with these segments in developing programs that they find attractive. We are working with a couple of groups wanting to have a cricket pitch in our area. The staff is working with these groups in looking at current parks where a cricket pitch can be placed. These groups are also willing to make contributions in developing and maintaining this cricket pitch as well.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 think we should always look at ways in partnering with the Village of Streamwood, Hanover Township, our Library Board, and U-46 in developing programs, acquiring capital equipment that can be shared, and applying for grants that can be a benefit to all the entities mentioned above while serving our constituents. This would also allow us to perhaps put money in other programs or facilities that need it.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.When I was first elected in 2007, I felt that Streamwood Park District had too many "silos" and that Parks and Recreation saw themselves as two different groups. With the help of the Executive Service Corps, we developed a comprehensive Five Year Strategic Plan with input from the Board,Staff, and the Community. It was implemented in the Spring of 2008. From this plan, we developed a 15 year Master Plan outlining what capital improvement needs that are essential for SPD. This plan enabled us to apply for more grants because we mapped out strategies for what was needed for capital improvements. Other successes from this effort led the Streamwood Park District to be awarded the Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency rating in 2013. These actions have led us to become more proactive with problem solving and far more strategic in addressing goals and objectives.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?In the next 4-5 years, we will be finished paying off the bonds for Park Place Recreational Facility and Hoosier Grove Barn. Because of this, we are developing a new Strategic Plan to help us address on what we need to do next. We have staff and board members that weren't involved in the first Strategic Plan that are participating in this endeavor. There is a lot of creativity and fresh perspectives from these folks that coupled with experience and wisdom from those of us that participated in the first plan make me excited for Streamwood Park District's future. This effort will involve residents as well as we work across our diverse population in helping us to develop programs, better our customer service, and to look at repairing or developing new facilities that our residents will be proud of because they will have a huge stake in how we move forward.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To judge an individual by one's character, not from where they came from.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I feel that mistakes I made in life made me stronger leader and a better human being.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?World History. As we move forward, it is always good to look back at lessons learned from other periods.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?To never let your mistakes or individuals slow down your dreams and aspirations. Believe in yourself and be happy.