2013 Election: John J. Reilly

Name: John J. Reilly

Position Sought: Frankfort Park District Commissioner

Campaign Contact Information: 

None

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Continuing to work with the local commmunity youth sports groups so the children involved in these activities have the best Frankfort can offer. We have thousands of children utilizing Park district facilities, and these activities encourage sportsmanship, leadership, and helps to keep them active.

Home Address: 

10547 Williamsburg Trail
Frankfort, IL 60423

Family Members:

Diane Reilly: Wife
Erin Reilly: Daughter, Full Time Student, 24yo
Michael Reilly: Son, Full time Student, 21yo
Mary Reilly: Daughter, Full Time Student, 19yo

None are involved in my election, nor hold public office.

Education: 

Loyola University of Chicago, Bachelor of Science in Biology: May 1979
University of Illinois College of Dentistry: June 1983

Current Occupation and Employer:

John J. Reilly, D.D.S. self employed. I have been a licensed Dentist for almost 30 years. I opened my Frankfort Dental Office in May of 1996. I am a General Dentist in Private Practice.

Political Party Affiliation: I am not affiliated with any party.

Why are you seeking office?

I have always been active in the Frankfort Community. I was President of Frankfort Girls Softball for two years in the late 90's, a past President of the Frankfort Lions Club, and I am the current Secretary. My children are all in college and I felt the time was right for me to become more involved in helping to make our community a better place.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have been in leadership positions as mentioned above. In the past, I managed or coached my children in Frankfort Girls Softball and Frankfort Boys Baseball. I have been a resident of the Park District for over 20 years, and a member of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce since 1996. My Children grew up utilizing many of the Park Disrtict Programs including the pre-school and Daddy-Daughter Dances. I know how vital the Frankfort Park District is to our community, and I hope I can continue to work with the other members of the Board, as well as our Executive Director Tom Carstens to make our Park District a great place to have Fun!

If elected, what changes would you work toward within the park district?

I would like to see an improved relationship with the Village of Frankfort. Being a twenty year resident of our village, there were times in the past that the Park District did not have a great relationship with the Village. Recently the Village has given the Park District Bingham Park. In my mind this shows me the current leadership is working together to improve both the Village and our Parks. There have been several other projects that have been worked on together such as Main Park and Jackson Creek, and these collaborative efforts have truly benefited all of the residents.

What are the strengths of this park district?

I think the strength of the Park District is in their Staff. They have a wonderful staff who are dedicated to providing the best they can with the resources that they have available. We have amazing parks with great facilities that are improved upon every year. Since the Frankfort park district has one of the lowest tax rates of any park district in Will County, the park district must plan the park improvements carefully. In time, aging equipment is updated, and new parks are brought on board. Resident surveys indicate the community is supportive of the park district, and wants to see it continue to improve and grow.

What areas of the district are most in need of improvement?

We need to continue to market ourselves to the community. Many residents, (Including myself!) are not fully aware of all that the Park district does or doesn't do. The Sports Groups such as Girls Softball, Boys Baseball, Falcons Football are independent, self supporting organizations. They have leadership that the Park District works with to make sure the grass is cut, and the fields are in good shape. The Local School Districts allow the Park District to use their tax payer supported facilities. From the basketball courts, gyms or pools, the residents should be fully informed of all that the Park District has to offer. We are only limited by the hours determined by other taxing bodies. If we had a facility that was owned by the Park District, and supported by the revenues generated within, utilization would not be limited to early morning or late evening hours, and programming could be expanded.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

I have raised three children utilizing the parks and facilities within the Frankfort Park District. Collaborative efforts with the Village of Frankfort and the local School Districts have enabled me to have access to facilities I have supported with my taxes.
Youth Sports Groups continue to be the biggest group of participants within the Park district. Continuing to work with them will make their programs better, and create a new generation of people who value their parks.