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Brian Berg Jr.: 2023 candidate for Schaumburg park board

Bio

Town: Schaumburg

Age on Election Day: 59

Occupation: Professional Engineer

Employer: Berg Engineering Consultants, Ltd.

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?

A: I want to continue the tradition of excellence of the Schaumburg Park District.

Q: How well is your district rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic? What new measures should be taken to strengthen programming or better meet the needs of the community?

A: I have been attending board and committee meetings for almost two years now. I have been amazed at how well the Park District has been able to unpandemic and add back events and programs that had to be canceled. The biggest thing holding the Park District back is recruiting staff to run these programs. They have historically been very good at polling residents about desired programs and changes/additions to parks. I will strive to see that continue.

Q: How would you describe the state of the district's finances? What challenges do you see on the horizon, and how do you propose to meet them?

A: The Park District has been financially responsible. The challenge is making sure that finances continue to improve while bringing back programs and staff to levels they were at before the pandemic. Currently they are being very successful at that.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your park board.

A: I'm in my fifth year as a member of the Illinois State Board of Professional Engineers. I am currently Chairman. The rules for licensing were already in the process of being revised prior to my appointment to the Board. That work and work while I was on the Board was just approved by the State. There was not agreement on every change but there was agreement that the changes needed to be made. My style is to present my point of view and listen to others in order to come to an agreement. Sometimes people are saying the same thing but in a different way. If you don't listen to others you will never realize that.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I have lived in Schaumburg for 49 years. I am blessed that I was able to enjoy the Schaumburg Park Districts Parks, Trails, Facilities and Programs as a kid, young adult and as an adult with my children. I have done community service all of those years. First as a Boy Scout (Eagle Scout), my church, a founding member of the Rotary Club of Schaumburg AM, Park District Foundation, Rotary Club of Schaumburg Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg Community Development Commission, and Park District Joint Advisory committee. I am also a local business owner and have been President for 20 years. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to my community and ensure the Schaumburg Park District continues their tradition of excellence.

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