A Message from Park Board Candidate Rob Ayres

I’m posting this at the request of Rob Ayres so he can share in his own words with voters his ideas of how and why he wants to serve the Plainfield Township Park District as a park commissioner. Mr. Ayres is currently serving on the PTPD board of commissioners as an appointee, running for one of two open 2-year term seats. The text below was prepared, though not used, for the recent PACC candidate summit:

Describe your philosophy of public service:

I take a basic approach to public service. I look at is as my opportunity to provide the very best service to the public that I can within my elected role; to have no personal agenda, other than to make sure that I do my best to represent residents’ interests within their park district in a thoughtful and responsible manner.
Identify the Top Three Concerns/Issues:

1. To regain public trust in the Plainfield Park District. From May of 2013 – January 2014 there was a lot of inner-conflict and bad decisions being made within the Plainfield Park District. I feel that the residents of Plainfield need to continue to see that since January 2014, their Park District has been put back on stable ground, and is looking to the future, with their involvement and input.

2. To move the park district forward, and do so in a positive manner. From May of 2013 – January 2014 there was no real move-forward plan. There were decisions made that were clearly not in the best interest of the park district. This caused there to be very little positive momentum in moving programs and offerings forward.

3. Promote all the Plainfield Park District has to offer, and continually work to get feedback from residents of the park district, participants in park district programs and monitor other best-practices that are happening in neighboring park districts for possible inclusion for future programming.

I have been an active member and board member of the Plainfield Soccer Association (PSA,) since 2003. While a part of PSA, I was part of various committees, held various board and executive board positions and have worked very hard to bring soccer to as many children that want to play as possible.

I was also part of the Plainfield Athletic Advisory Council (PAAC,) while it was an active group. This was an advisory council that worked in collaboration with the Plainfield Park District. I sat on this council from 2005 – approximately 2012/2013 when it was disbanded.

I want to see our Park District be successful and utilized by as many residents as possible. I believe this is achievable by working together and in the best interest of the residents.