Glenview Park District Board of Commissioners Candidate: Charles Kuhn

Glenview Patch submitted a list of questions to all of the s to allow each contender to have their say on the issues. Some answers may have been edited for clarity and length.

Charles Kuhn will be competing against Phil Collins, Daniel Peterson and David May for a seat on the board in the April 5 election. Read Kuhn's responses below.

1) How would you assess the state of the park district’s budget?
I believe the Park District's budget is both healthy and balanced with revenues and expenses tracking well within expectations. The budget reflects a careful and proactive approach to ensuring the District spends within its means without cutting services or compromising safety.

2) If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut? Be specific.
The Park District can utilize additional co-op purchasing power with the library, the village - even the school districts - which will, in turn, trim expenses for the District as well as the village. Co-op buying can include everything from electricity to office supplies. Additionally, federal grants and incentives can be obtained to convert gasoline powered vehicles to natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel, which will result in significant fuel cost savings.

3) If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Be specific.
Rather than raise fees, I would like to see the Park District sell more services and create more programs utilizing existing facilities, which would result in increased revenue. I believe the Park District can set an attainable benchmark of a 6 to 8 percent annual increase in golf rounds and pool passes without straining the current Park District resources. The planned building addition will ease crowding of the very popular health & wellness facilities and will likely result in additional revenues.

4) What’s on your wish list for new facilities?
I would like to see more outdoor ice skating at the community parks such as Roosevelt and, after speaking with many residents of the District, have seen tremendous interest in this initiative. Frisbee (or disk) golf is an affordable activity that could be introduced to Glenview and is very popular among 20-35 year olds. The addition of paddle tennis courts would enable the Glenview Park District to proudly display its innovation and offer this sport, generally available only at private country clubs, to the entire community.

5) In what ways can the district save money and/or offer increased value to users?
The Park District can save money by employing the same budget stretching methods that homeowners do on a daily basis. A few examples of how to save money would include replacing incandescent bulbs with energy efficient CFL lighting, dialing the thermostat up a couple of degrees in the summer and down a couple of degrees in the winter, using natural light whenever possible, turning gas or diesel engines off rather than allowing the engines to idle. Additionally, certain outdoor decorative lighting can be turned off or alternated using timers.

6) Does the district offer adequate programming to different demographic groups--seniors, children, ethnic groups? If not, how can it do a better job?
The Park District has done an outstanding job of providing enriching, educational and recreational programs for all ages and from all walks of life. Times and tastes change and this broad mix of programs must be dynamic and be constantly fine-tuned to reflect the current wants and wishes of the community. The Seniors, in particular, who have paid into the system for so many years, deserve the very best services and programs available. Please the customer and they will return.

7) Does the district get adequate feedback from constituents on how well it is serving, or not serving, them? If not, how specifically would you increase the flow of communication?
The number one responsibility of a Board Member is to represent the residents of the District. The residents are the shareholders and stakeholders, and it is their tax dollars that pay for the Park District facilities and equipment. As a Board member, I will listen to the residents and communicate their concerns to the Executive Director and the Board as a whole. As a participant and user of Park District programs and facilities, I am in a position to be able to communicate directly with other residents and participants and convey their thoughts and concerns to the Board.

8) Does the district need to reduce its use of lawn chemicals, adopt water-saving methods (for lawns, indoor facilities, etc.), or otherwise reduce its footprint on the environment? Be specific.
It is every citizen's desire - and responsibility - to minimize one's footprint on the environment. I believe we all want to leave this place little better than we found it. The Glenview Park District not only encourages recycling but has also implemented recycling programs that are evident at every park and facility within the District. I believe the Golf Course Superintendents should keep "an eye on the sky" and take advantage of mother nature's own water supply when possible as well as investigate the use of water-wise sprinkler-heads. As a Board member, I will work to ensure the Park District is using environmentally safe fertilizers that leave little or no impact on the environment while ensuring nutritionally healthy soil.

9) What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues, point of view or qualifications?
There are opportunities within our Community that have yet to be explored. Interest in youth volleyball and basketball is at unprecedented levels and practice facilities are long on demand and short on supply. I am interested in researching the feasibility where the Park District can collaborate and share resources with our Glenview partners such as The New Church, St. Catherine Laboure, Canaan Community Church and OLPH. Communication with the residents of the Park District is essential and I believe the use of strategic surveys is an inexpensive yet effective way to glean feedback from the community. And finally, what matters most, is that the interests of the community are first and foremost and the residents have proper representation. I am ready, willing and able to represent the community as a Glenview Park District Board member.