Jack Trudel: 2021 candidate for Schaumburg Park Commissioner
Three candidates for two four-year terms
Bio
Hometown: Schaumburg
Age on Election Day: 66
Occupation: National accounts sales manager
Employer: Tingley Rubber Corporation
Civic involvement: Trustee on the Schaumburg Park Foundation for over 8 years
Q&A
Q. Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?
A. My family have been residents of Schaumburg for over 30 years. I have been on the Park Foundation board for 8 plus years. Schaumburg has the top park district in the state. If fortunate enough to be elected to the park board, I will continue to strive for excellence and to keep all facilities and program affordable for all residents and families.
Q. Did your park district continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A. Schaumburg Park District followed all CDC and state mandates for keeping park facility participants safe. Fitness facilities were open with reservations, masks and limited attendees. Staff conducted full equipment sanitation after every workout time segment. Workouts were limited to one hour. With many time slots available per facility, anyone could work around their schedules and enjoy a workout. Outdoor classes were available for aerobic, yoga, etc. The district worked with a limited budget and found ways to keep interested parties involved.
Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?
A. Always find ways to work within the confines of safety protocol standards, but be creative. There are many programs, events, functions and facilities that with planning, can be open for recreation and community events, such as education and performing arts.
Q. How has the pandemic affected the park district's offerings and use of facilities. Are there other ways the park board can fulfill the mission of a park district during these time?
A. The park board and the park district worked closely hand in hand to keep as many programs, events and facilities open, with the safety limitations decreed by the state mandates. Sure, attendance was down in 2020, but many people did have access if they made reservations.
Q. How has the pandemic affected the park district's revenue? How has that been addressed on the expense side?
A. I will leave the financial aspects of the park district to the finance people, and Tony LaFrenere, executive director. Sure revenue was down, but many expenses were also cut and workarounds for maintenance, administrative and park staff, were repurposed to continue to offer a tremendous experience.
Q. What other issues need to be addressed?
A. Looking forward to more people getting vaccinated and back to full use of all programs and facilities.