Patrick J. McGinn: 2021 candidate for Hoffman Estates Park District board
Bio
City: Hoffman Estates
Age: 65
Occupation: Demand planner at Bluewave Products
Civic involvement: Park Board Service the last 10 years
Q&A
Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?
A. I am running for a third term (4 year terms). These are voluntary positions and I'm running to continue to contribute to my community by offering my previous Park District experiences, my work experiences, educational background, and 15 years of coaching experience at all levels of the Hoffman Estates Park District. I have always been a firm believer in health/fitness and the Park District is the perfect place to get started with many great programs to offer our residents at all levels.
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. 100% they continued to serve. They created virtual programs, modified programs continuously based on ever changing state guidelines, and held the tax levy due to financial hardships created by the pandemic for our residents. The staff performed remarkably under adverse circumstance the past year. They have been flexible and proactive with the constant challenges they have been faced with daily.
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. Hard lessons have been learned by all. Should we ever have to experience a future health crisis such as this we know to wear masks, keep social distancing, wash hands, take temperatures etc. to head off/minimize any exposure. Bigger picture we look at upgrading ventilation systems, spacing out workout equipment, limiting class sizes, and providing hand sanitizers throughout the facilities. If you feel sick do not come to the buildings. Everyone has a part to play in ensuring our collective safety/well-being.
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 times?
A. Early on the Board/Park District decided the best course of action was to follow the State guidelines. Every aspect of the Park District has been impacted. Memberships, rentals, recreational programming etc. Staff remained incredibly flexible adjusting programs on the fly as mitigations were constantly being modified. Virtual programs were created. As mitigations were eased one on one training was allowed. As mitigations were further eased small groups were allowed with social distancing and mask requirements. The Park District realizes the health and well-being of community is at stake and want to reopen but safety has to be our primary concern. The goal is to get back to normal as soon as possible for everyone's well-being.
Q. How has the pandemic affected the park district's revenue? How has that been addressed on the expense side?
A. Of course revenues have been severely impacted but it has been addressed on the expense side. This is my opinion has always been one of the strengths of the Park District even pre-Covid so that discipline was extremely valuable in guiding us through the pandemic. The challenges created to the Park District's revenue shortages were/will be offset by corresponding expense reductions to keep the Park District on sound financial footing. It's not all bad news. golf had a bounce back year and the extra revenue helped offset shortfalls in other areas!