Palatine Park District Board Candidate: Jeffrey Service

Name: Jeffery Service

Biographical Information (optional) family, profession, background, etc.  

I am married to my bride Kitty,who is employed at Heng Wing,for 16 years. Two daughters: Jasmine,14, and a freshman Palatine High school & Josalyn,11, in 5th grade.  I am employed at Mt.Prospect Park District since '06 in the grounds main. dept. IL licensed pesticide applicator, safety committee member, training for certified playground inspector. I was educated at Palatine  district 15, Fremd High school, and Bradley University.

How long have you been a Palatine resident? I purchased a home in 1996, but was raised in the Palatine area my entire life.

Why are you running for the board?

I firmly believe community service is important at any level. This is a good point in my life to offer my time to service my community in an area I have a great understanding in being a park district employee. I know first hand what the realistic needs and wants of are in such an organization. Asked this by many people, since I am not a politician nor proper to be such, I do not have any affliction ties nor biases. I do not have a self interest agenda; I am not seeking office for park privileges or promoting business associations.

What are the issues important to residents of the park district?

The biggest issue will be the 2014 health care for employees due to obamacare. Costs and fines for the district may lead to drastic reorganization of the districts labor force and the way the district conducts business. Other issues include park renovations for the entire publics benefit. Palatine Stables are a money pit that is under utilized. Costs of affiliates programming needs to be addressed. Alternative revenue avenues must be continually explored. Cable airing of board meeting should be done to keep the residents informed. Staff motivation, accountability, and empowerment can be improved. 

What, if any, improvements would you like to see in a way the park district is run?

This park district is a well rounded park district that has the potential to become a great park district. I would like to see improved communications of what is offered and  encouraging residents to become more involved(not just when it affects them or their immediate neighborhood). I also would like to see term limitations in order to bring fresh ideas and approaches to the board.