David Perns: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: David V. Perns

City: Mount Prospect

Office sought: Park District Commissioner

Age: 50

Family: Married to Robin. Two daughters, Jessica & Ashley

Occupation: Chiropractic Physician

Education: National College of Chiropractic

Previous elected offices held: Director at Large for the Illinois Chiropractic Society

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your park district and how do you intend to address them?

The renovation of Big Surf is a very important issue facing the park district. When elected, I will examine the costs associated with the renovation as well as all the options available for that project. Another important issue to me will be to increase participation and registration of current park district sports, activities and programs. I look forward to working with park district staff that currently run our programs and research new ways to increase these numbers.

If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the park board?

I would like to give back to the community that has given me so much. I have been a lifelong resident of Mount Prospect and have participated in many sports and activities offered by the park district. Our daughters have learned to swim, play soccer, basketball and golf as well as participated in many arts and crafts programs.

Which programs aren't paying for themselves? Would you keep, eliminate or change them? How and Why?

Pools are vital parts of our park district that never pay for themselves. They are a public service and necessity to our park districts and therefore I would keep them. Increasing classes generate revenue via user fees, I would attempt to improve and brainstorm with staff to keep these classes strong and updated.

Is there any additional open space the park district needs to acquire? Please describe.

This is an area I am eager to look into when elected. I would like to study uses for unused park district property, as well as listen to Village Board and see what current development plans might already be in store.

Are there any unmet recreational needs? If yes, what are they and how would you propose paying for them?

At this point, not being on the board, I don't know if there are any unmet needs. I look forward to working with staff to look for new opportunities that will enhance and expand our current park district.