Kathy Cornell: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Kathy Cornell

City: Glen Ellyn

Office sought: Park District Commissioner

Age: 71

Family: Two daughters who grew up in Glen Ellyn Park District activities

Occupation: Fundraiser

Education: Cornell University - B.S. Human Ecology (major: Human Development / Early Childhood Education; Northern Illinois University - Master's in Education; University of Chicago - PhD studies in Educational Psychology

Civic involvement: Glen Ellyn Park District commissioner since 2011; board member of Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation; church board member

Previous elected offices held: Elected to the Glen Ellyn Park District Board

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? 2011

Website: Not yet

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Issue questions

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

Being responsible stewards of the community's tax dollars: I have been fiscally conservative on some spending opportunities but proactive on others, keeping the big picture in mind. I will seriously consider the well-researched recommendations of our community finance committee. With their input plus guidance of the board and staff we have recently decreased taxes. Excellent stewardship of our facilities and programs: I support maintaining and improving our facilities - indoor and outdoor - within realistic budgetary constraints. Transparency through availability at board meetings and via communications shared with the community: I support the multi-media approach to accessibility. Seeking community input and being responsive to ideas and concerns: I will keep in mind the wide range of our constituents as we plan for the future.

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.

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

Our community-wide activities such as the Pumpkin Flotilla, the Lunar Eclipse event, Movies in the Parks, and Jazz in the Parks are open to all at no cost. Our tax dollars are used through these activities to benefit residents who are not participating in teams, or programs at Ackerman. Since they are available to everybody regardless of age, ability, family or financial situation, I encourage the staff to continue these and add opportunities. Educational and entertainment programming benefits the entire community. Most programs meet financial requirements, some do not. A possible example would be programming for seniors. As stewards of the well-being of the Park District, some opportunities don't have financial restrictions. All are part of a balanced Park District with this mission: we are driven to foster diverse, community-based leisure opportunities, through a harmonious blend of quality recreation programs, facilities and open space which will enhance the quality of life into the future.

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

We have recently purchased open space from the Y - one acre that is contiguous to an existing park. This action enhanced and preserved an open space and recreational corridor in the Lincoln neighborhood. Because of our careful financial planning we incurred no debt in order to make this purchase.

I would like to see one or two more playgrounds in neighborhoods south of the tracks, if large enough areas become available. I have been and will continue to be enthusiastic about maintaining open land / green space for the well-being of the entire community. At present I am not aware of new opportunities.

Demonstrating best practices in environmental stewardship is important to me: Emphasizing open space, natural areas, conservation practices and passive recreational opportunities.

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

We have enhanced Lake Ellyn Park, have replaced playgrounds including at Lake Ellyn and at Main Street Rec Center, and we are in the process of implementing the Ackerman Park long-range plan. We have carefully planned and budgeted for these, and have successfully sought grant money to help pay for them.

I am looking forward to adding more trails for walking and jogging, including those planned for Ackerman Park. Disciplined budgeting and long-range planning, plus creative grant applications, will continue to pay for these needs.

Overall I think we are doing a fine job, thanks to staff and volunteers, and I will keep my eyes open for new opportunities but will maintain the balance between these and the financial challenges that have earned us budgetary success.