LuAnne Kelsey: 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: MontgomeryWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Fox Valley Park board District 2 Age: 58Family: My family consists of Patrick (husband), Brandon (son), and Megan (daughter). We have lived in Aurora/Montgomery for 30 years. Both my children attended the West Aurora Schools, graduating for West High. Brandon is a lawyer in California. Megan is an Army veteran and currently working on a Master's in Social Work. My husband Patrick has an office in Aurora.Occupation: Retired D129 AdministratorEducation: BS: Biology; Minor: Chemistry (NIU)Masters (2): Curriculum and Instruction (NIU) and General Administration (NIU)Civic involvement: FVPD Foundation Board (current)Pathways to Prosperity (P2P)leader in D129 (past)Communities in Schools secretary (past)Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader(past)Hill School PTA president (past)Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?As a recent retiree, I found myself thinking how I wished to utilize my time and skills within my community. One of the blessings of retirement has been the opportunity to become physically active again. I have always enjoyed the FVPD trail system and found myself walking to work during weather-conducive days. This allowed me to "see" other features of the park system from a ground level view. Now with additional time, I have been able to visit other sites within the Aurora/Montgomery area and appreciate the Park District team's efforts to provide a variety of recreational experiences to our region.The FVPD has expanded many of its recreational and environmental resources over the years. Capital projects are expensive, and in order to protect these investments, maintenance and repair budgets are essential parts of the fiscal budget. The FVPD is a tremendous resource for the communities it serves and we need to invest in the upkeep of these resources so they are available to future generations.How do you assess the state of the district's finances? What, if any, changes do you propose to alter the district's financial picture, whether through cost reduction or revenue increases? Please be as specific as possible on where you would propose cutting or how you would propose increasing revenue.A review of the most recent audit report for 2015-2016 will provide a quick review of the state of the budget. A close review of the revenues acquired and expenses incurred as compared to the budget submitted for the same time period will provide a picture of the financial management of the district. Revenues will include property taxes, grants, fees and other miscellaneous resources. Participation fees are a usage based source of revenue that targets programs with high expenses/maintenance costs. Without additional revenue for maintenance, the FVPD needs to find a way to support the programs it currently provides that otherwise can be cost prohibitive to continue to offer. Additional sources of revenue may come in the form of corporate sponsorships within the community and cultivation of greater contributions to the FVPD Foundation. Both provide opportunities to support the park district through support for targeted programs (restricted funds) or support for the FVPD recreation program as a whole (unrestricted funds). The final way to increase available dollars is to repurpose the existing dollars to support other programs, curtailing support of some programs. This should be considered but only after an analysis of the current cost/expense/usage of the programs in question has occurred.What programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and why?While I cannot speak to specific programs, I believe a review of all programs should occur on a scheduled basis. This should reflect a review of program costs, program participation/support and user satisfaction. Any program that has become cost prohibitive, has limited participation and has received poor reviews from the participants should be considered for elimination. This may be a program that is not meeting the needs of the community. A program that is cost prohibitive, has good participation and good ratings should be continued if additional revenue can be found to support it (or offsetting revenue from another source can counterbalance the costs), as the community is sending the message that it is valued. A program that is cost neutral, with poor participation and/or poor reviews should be considered for change or elimination. While the program is affordable, it is not meeting the needs of the community.Clearly, there are many scenarios that may play out. Costs should always be a consideration as we must learn to live within our means. However, the community members of the FVPD should continue to have a significant voice in program selection/retention.Are there any unmet recreational needs? If yes, what are they and how would you propose paying for them?Affordable access to recreational programs should be enhanced. We live in a community in which many families possess moderate to severe economic limitations. Park facilities and the programs provided should be available to all, yet some opportunities are beyond the reach of these families. Access to recreational activities enhances the health and well-being of its participants and is one of the three pillars of the NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association), social equity being a second. These two pillars should continue to be a focus of future park districts plans. Parks should be accessible to all community members who wish to participate, not only to the those who can afford it.That being said, the financial aspect comes into play. Alternative funding sources such as local grants, corporate sponsorships, etc. may provide additional revenue to offset the fees incurred to families in need (a type of grant system to which community members in need may apply). This may increase the participation/access level for community members who might not be able to afford it. Another option may be to have a sliding scale for fees to increase the affordability of some activities for families on limited resources. While not every recreational activity may be able to be supported, it may certainly increase the available options to families who might otherwise be unable to participate.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.The FVPD has a wonderful reputation in and out of this region. They provide a variety of recreational activities, to a wide audience. As a community member and parent of this region, I have had the chance to experience and appreciate many of these programs and facilities. I would like the opportunity to be a part of the future of the FVPD, in its decisions about funding, programs and maintenance of facilities.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Because of the size of the park district and the vast number of programs and facilities, I think serious thought needs to be given to how we will maintain these facilities for future community members. Facilities will age and there is a cost associated with this.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.While not current, Michelle Obama. "When they go low, we go high" says it all.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?There will always be someone less fortunate than me and that I should be compassionate and caring to all people, assisting whenever and wherever possible.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To be more physically active during my 30's and 40's. Health is a mental/physical dynamic and is the easiest to be tossed aside.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Science and math were my passions. Both are areas of analysis that has allowed me the ability to develop key awareness of details.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never sell yourself short. There is nothing you cannot accomplish with a little effort.