Nag Jaiswal: 2021 candidate for Naperville Park District board

Bio

City: Naperville

Age: 51

Occupation: Senior program architect, Salesforce

Civic involvement: I raise awareness, funding and volunteer for several social causes that include No Kid Hungry, Akshaya Patra Foundation, Equal Justice Initiative, Save-A-Mother Foundation, Salesforce.org and Hesed House.

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 to join the Naperville Park District Board to offer representation that is reflective of the Naperville community I love. As a candidate for Naperville Park District Commissioner my priorities are: Park security, fiscal responsibility, program quality & quantity, and sustainable development

As an active community liaison, advocate and conduit, my track record, skills, and expertise engaging children, teens, adults and elders will positively contribute to the improvement and satisfaction of recreation and park services.

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: Park district opened its facilities in late May last year. There was tremendous response to golf and park facilities. Parks being open air, encouraged residents to come out, exercise and meet others in safe manner.

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: Follow CDC and other health organization guidelines.

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: Park has innovated itself by offering classes online. We can take this one step further by assessing type of classes that can be offered online, what classes can be partnered with organizations that excel in remote learning, and finally come up with hybrid solutions of remote and on-premise classes.

Q: How has the pandemic affected the park district's revenue? How has that been addressed on the expense side?

A: The revenue was affected slightly but has been offset by increased revenue from two golf courses and hiring freeze.