2017 Election Questionnaire: Melissa McCloud, Bolingbrook Park District

Name: Melissa McCloud

Age: 42

Town of residence: Bolingbrook

Position sought: Bolingbrook Park District Commissioner

Family:

My husband Sean, 44; daughter Samantha, 8

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in public & environmental affairs and history, from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

Occupation: I am a sales representative for an academic publishing company. I have been in this position a little less than a year. This was my return to work after several years as a stay-at-home parent. Prior to that, my most recent work experience includes working for two different software and technology companies in Chicago for a little over 11 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: Bolingbrook Park District Commissioner

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Being able to continue to provide world class services and facilities to our customers and district while maintaining affordability and balancing that with our continued responsibility to the tax payers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I come to this election with 4 years of experience serving on the board, most of this time as its secretary. Every meeting, workshop and conversation with our other longstanding board members, or staff member, has been a valuable learning experience that I intend to use moving forward.

Personally, as the parent of a young child, I can relate to the interests and needs of children today, as well as their families. My family was a customer of the park district long before I was ever a board member.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

We must maintain fiscal responsibility in order for the park district to continue to be successful.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

I can't go into this thinking of the personal success of my term. There is so much teamwork involved in creating success at the district whether that be with other members of the board, staff, or even members of the community. Any way we can get more people involved in the district and participating in what it has to offer would be the greatest success.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

In the past I have at certain times in my career and family life over-committed myself. As someone who likes to be very involved in her family and professional life, community, and other activities, this can be difficult. What I have learned from this is that it just isn't possible to do everything. You need to set priorities, and then really focus on those in order to have true success.

Why should voters trust you?

My love for the park district is what first made me interested in running for this position four years ago and makes me want to continue. As I mentioned previously, we were customers of the district for several years before I ran for office. We continue to be customers. I have a vested interest in wanting the district to be successful.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success."

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

Questions about fiscal responsibility and efficiency, and how to balance that with continuing to offer world class service.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

Fiscal responsibility must be our main priority. Without it, everything else will suffer.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My previous professional experience is varied. I've worked as a newspaper reporter and as a PR representative writing stories about a variety of subjects requiring attention to detail. In another previous professional experience I was employed by a company that worked with local jurisdictions all over the United States with every aspect of planning and running their elections, including the technology used and the training of staff. This position required taking responsibility and making critical decisions. I learned so much in both of these fields and believe that experience shows I can handle this job.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My dad is always a good one for quotes and especially using sports analogies. My whole life it has been, "Keep your eye on the ball, Melissa." To me this means pay attention, try your hardest and do your best. I think it's great advice in all aspects of life.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

N/A

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