3 Vying For Elmhurst Park Board

ELMHURST, IL – Three candidates are running for the Elmhurst Park District board in the April 4 election.

They are incumbent Tim Sheehan and newcomers Susan Smentek and Bob Dunn. Mary Kies, whose seat is up for election, decided against seeking another term.

Park board terms are for six years. The board consists of seven members.

Tim Sheehan is the board's vice president, serving under President Kevin Graf.

Last month, Dunn, who has served on the Elmhurst City Council for a dozen years, told Patch he wasn't running again. He explained why he was seeking a park board seat.

In 2021, Smentek ran unsuccessfully for Ward 1 on the City Council. She is a certified park and recreation executive and served as the cultural arts program supervisor for the local park district from 2013 to 2020.

On her campaign Facebook page, Smentek said she brings a "depth of knowledge and practical experience to the position of Park Board Commissioner."

In a statement to Patch, Smentek said, "I am running for park board because I love Elmhurst’s parks and recreation programs and my family has participated in everything from Sunbeams and Rainbows preschool to Middle School Nights at the pool. My children are currently in youth sports leagues that play on park fields and in dance programs at Wagner Community Center. I spend a lot of time at Elmhurst parks and facilities!"

Smentek said she would work to deliver a high standard for local parks and facilities, advocate for meaningful recreation opportunities, provide responsive customer service for residents and plan for the park district's future.

Patch left a message for comment with Sheehan through Facebook.