Candidate Name: Susan Smentek Incumbent: No
Website: https://www.susanforelmhurst.com/
In Attendance at the LWV Elmhurst Candidate Forum on February 26, 2023: Yes
Answers to Questions Presented to Candidates in Advance of the Candidate Forum
1. Since 2015, Elmhurst Park District registration events have failed six times. What are your ideas for ongoing improvement in this area?
The District has announced that they will switch over to the ActiveNet registration system, the same system used by large park districts such as Chicago. This change will take place in late 2023 or early 2024.
However, beyond the registration system issue remains the fact that waitlists for popular programs, days and times will still exist. The current solution of staggered registration dates for different programs involves spending more time to register for programs and you’ll still be waitlisted.
Neighboring districts with excess capacity benefit from our waitlists, while our residents face the inconvenience and higher nonresident rates for programs and services that should be provided here.
We must address the problem of program offerings and capacity creatively - utilizing our existing spaces more fully, including more evening and weekend programs and services. Wagner center could be open more hours and Courts Plus could host more programs that are not specific to being a member, such as daycamps and afterschool care.
2. How should the Elmhurst Park District address the aging infrastructure of Courts Plus?
Courts Plus is the most used facility in the District and one of the only facilities that was built (and later expanded on) by the District to function for its specific programs and services. It is decades newer than the Wagner Community Center, which was built as an elementary school.
The infrastructure at Courts is being addressed through the Capital budget. In 2023, they accomplished multiple projects including multipurpose room flooring, tennis court resurfacing, two HVAC units, the roof over the café and the entire parking lot (the main roof was replaced in 2021).
The Capital schedule for this year calls for more work in the tennis area, HVAC in the multipurpose room and replacing the dry sauna entirely.
The District’s Vision 2020 Strategic Workplan for 2023 indicates that further updates to the indoor facility plans will be completed this year.
3. If elected, how would you work to ensure the Elmhurst Park District is utilizing the most current renewable energy sources and energy-efficiency solutions?
CONSERVATION is one of the three pillars of the National Recreation and Park Association. Elmhurst Park District has been honored multiple times with awards for its significant achievements in protecting the environment and helping to sustain the future. Courts Plus users might notice that some of the efforts there include LED lighting in the hallways, studios and tennis courts along with energy efficient light in the fitness floor area.
To ensure that Elmhurst Park District IS utilizing the most current renewable energy sources and energy-efficient solutions we, the residents, must continue to ask for an Environmental Sustainability plan as part of the Strategic Planning process. I would work to educate residents in the importance of giving their input during planning cycles. When written into plans, Goals such as “Get to ‘net-zero’” or, “install solar on the roof” are then prioritized.
We should look at the work that Dupage County Forest Preserve has done with renewable sources and seek opportunities to partner with the City and School District to create a cohesive plan for our region.
