Letter To The Editor: Support For Candidate Carolyn Ubriaco

To the editor:

Dear Neighbors,

As a long-time Elmhurst resident, I can proudly say I grew up here. Yet I am even prouder to state that my husband and I chose this town for our own family. There are many reasons we made such a choice, but all of them share a common theme — they are our daily realities thanks to the drive and dedication of elected officials committed to bringing the best to our community. Carolyn Ubriaco is one such official, which is why I encourage you to vote for her as a write-in candidate for the Elmhurst park commissioners.

Carolyn is an incumbent, having served on the Elmhurst Park District Board since 2003. During this time, she has repeatedly demonstrated her talent and enthusiasm. Among other myriad accomplishments, Carolyn helped oversee the rebuilding of Butterfield Park as a Playground for Everyone in 2016. Speaking as the mother of a special-needs child, I cannot stress the significance of access to a fully-inclusive playground--which, in this case, holds the distinction of being among the first of its kind in DuPage County.

You may already be familiar with Carolyn's background in leadership, which encompasses serving as the president of organizations ranging from the York High School PTSA to the Elmhurst Garden Club. She also has proven her ability to meaningfully collaborate with lawmakers as part of the Illinois Association of Park Districts Joint Legislative Committee.

The aforementioned credentials are impressive and are mere highlights from a much longer list. Yet if I had to pick one quality that should compel you to write in Carolyn Ubriaco's name on April 6, it is that she is everything you would want in a neighbor. Though I have the benefit of speaking from personal experience, I have also witnessed Carolyn's willingness to be a neighbor to all residents as an Elmhurst park commissioner.

If you have a problem, she will listen and help you identify potential solutions. If you have an idea for how to further improve our parks and open spaces, she will brainstorm with you to determine the next best steps. She embodies both expertise that is critical at a moment when we require stability and vision that is pivotal to our progress and vibrancy.

Voting for Carolyn Ubriaco is far more than endorsing yet another elected official; it is the opportunity to create an even more outstanding community with a neighbor . . . the type of neighbor who makes families such as my own choose Elmhurst.

By writing in Carolyn Ubriaco as a candidate for park commissioner, you are choosing a guaranteed win for our parks, open spaces, and all Elmhurst residents.

Katie Marsico

Mother of six and 41-year Elmhurst resident