Lise Valentine
BACKGROUND: Vice president and director of research for the Civic Federation, a nonpartisan government research organization that monitors local government finances in the Chicago area. Professional expertise includes property taxes, tax increment financing, public pensions, government budgeting, and financial transparency. A Ph.D. in communication studies, she has served on the Park District Citizens Committee since September 2005.
PRIORITIES: 1) Supports continued village-wide participation on neighborhood parks redevelopment, will utilize the park’s Capital Improvement Plan and individual park Site Master Plan processes as opportunities for public participation by residents and user groups. The Park District Citizens Committee should serve as a monitor to that process. Believes an ongoing challenge is to balance the needs of park neighbors with the needs of the whole Oak Park community.
2) Praises improved financial condition after years of weakness and intends to work to further strengthen that through fiscally responsible budgeting. Parks should continue partnerships with non-profit and commercial enterprises. Supports investment in capital improvements, and seeking state grants for park improvements.
3) Wants strong, cooperative cost-sharing relationships among user groups and the park district, while balancing the needs of casual users and not crowding out informal and passive enjoyment of the parks.
Jessica Bullock
BACKGROUND: President of Jessica A. Bullock and Associates, LLC, which provides proposal and grant-writing services to non-profit organizations and government entities. Previously worked in local government administration. She has been a member of the Park District Citizen Committee since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College and a Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University. As residents of Oak Park, Jessica and her family are active users of park district facilities and recreational activities.
PRIORITIES: 1) Supports the approved Capital Improvement Plan outlining future park renewal and facility improvements within the park district. Supports continued community input and feedback throughout the master planning and development process.
2) Strongly supports the development and review of a fiscally responsible budget for the Park District of Oak Park. Wants continual evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of park district expenditures. Supports a balance of funding methods, including user fees, grants, and taxes, to support the sustainability of programs.
3) Urges continued collaboration on facilities and programs with other government entities, including the Village of Oak Park, District 97, District 200, the Township of Oak Park, and the Oak Park Public Library. Advocates partnerships with the various user groups, including passive and organized park users.
Mark Gartland (Incumbent)
BACKGROUND: Park Commissioner Gartland is a 17-year resident of Oak Park. He helped organize the recent successful referendum campaign that has provided financial stability and independence. He serves as the treasurer on the park board and has been involved in all of the neighborhood park redevelopments. He was the superintendent of recreation at the Woodridge Park District for seven years and is currently a stay-at-home dad of three who is active in coaching youth sports.
PRIORITIES: 1) He wants to be part of a comprehensive reassessment and revamping of the park district that he was a part of starting. Wise use of tax dollars. Advocate government fiscal responsibility. Wants to see programs and special events become more self-supporting through user fees and sponsorships, allowing more tax dollars spent on capital improvements and general maintenance. Pursue state grants.
2) In second year of a five-year Capital Improvement Plan, he supports continuing neighborhood park redevelopment. Wants public, board and staff all involved in the process of completing individual park master plans over next four years.
3) Supports new programming and strong partnerships with various user groups. Believes shared responsibilities with these groups has been good for the taxpayers, and those relationships will help the baord and staff create new initiatives and better maintain current facilities.
