Taylor Berube: 2023 candidate for St. Charles Park District board
Bio
Town: St. Charles
Age on Election Day: 28
Occupation: Behavior Analyst
Employer: Family Behavior Learning (Owner)
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: I am running for St. Charles Park District Board commissioner to better serve the community in which I live and participate. I want to run to give representation for young parents and other individuals that would like to have their voice heard.
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: The Park District seems to be rebounding well from the COVID-19 pandemic with programs across age ranges filling up every season. I think ongoing review of what is working and not working in our community would help ensure that we are doing the best we can.
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: Since I do not sit on the park district board, yet, I am not aware of the districts finances and everything that our taxes are used for.
While canvassing to get signatures I was notified by several residents that they feel like they get taxed too much. I would have to do a more thorough look in order to answer this question with accuracy.
When challenges arise, I would have to consider those decisions on a case-by-case basis. I would take into consideration how much the districts finances would be impacted and the need from the residents that the change would impact.
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 have worked in a group setting all my life, whether it was a group project at school, being a team captain of a collegiate sports team, or being a supervisor at various jobs. My approach to reach an agreement in all of those settings is to listen to each persons point of view, determine the facts and make a decision that benefits the majority and relies on the facts.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am the best candidate for the job because I am an active participant in the park district programs for myself and my kids. We should all be equally represented on the board and currently there is only one other female on a board of seven people.
Young parents and kids need to be represented on the board and I believe I am that person.