Matthew Shadel: 2023 candidate for Schaumburg park board
Bio
Town: Schaumburg
Age on Election Day: 28
Occupation: School Counselor
Employer: District 300
Previous offices held: None
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: Community is important to me and I want to be someone who our community can count on to create change and develop their facilities and parks that represents them, their family's, and their needs as best as possible.
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: After speaking with the executive director of the park district it was clear they are on the path of getting back to where they were prior to the pandemic. Many levels of the park district were left vulnerable due to the lack of funding from government programs and program revenue. This was a time where thorough analysis of the park district was necessary in order to navigate what was and was not working. Through this time, I believe it has put our community in a position where we may carefully address the wants and needs of community members and implement them in ways that will not leave us in the position we were left in when COVID first hit.
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: Without being able to directly analyze the current status of the park district's budgeting and finances it is difficult as an outsider to come to an accurate conclusion and plan. However, as an active community member and understanding where most of the funding for park districts comes from, it is to my knowledge that there are areas of improvement and work to be done to get back to prior levels (pre-COVID) and even exceed those. For example, the fitness facilities are not at the capacity of what they used to be and it should be our mission as commissioners to do what it takes to get these numbers up not only for the health and well-being of our community members but by also providing job security to those employed within the park district.
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: Having a collaborative spirit and being open-minded to all parties with a clear objective in mind at all times is what I have seen work. As a school counselor this is something I am experienced with as it is a main duty of mine in the school system. We must carefully analyze community, school, and student data in a strategic way to create evidence-based programming to drive results. This will be effective for the board of commissioners as it allows a space where all individuals' ideas are welcomed and respected and implemented in a strategic way.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My strong interpersonal skills, background in community outreach, and community engagement are a few characteristics I believe stand out on the ballot. I also believe in the power of being completely honest and transparent with the public especially when it comes to their tax dollars and community. I can guarantee working within our community members' best interest will be a top priority of the board and park district. Their input and concerns will be in the driver's seat at all times. Lastly, I envision the Schaumburg Park District to be a place where all community members feel welcome and accepted.