Timothy Powell: Grayslake Park District Board Candidate

Name: Timothy Powell

Age: 64

Family: Single

Education: Bachelor's in public administration, Associate's in liberal arts

Occupation: Retired policeman. Worked for 30 years with Lake County Sheriff's police.

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Served two terms on Avon Township Board, and served on the Avon/Fremont drainage district board. Also served as trustee on the Grayslake Library Board.

Other community involvement: I have always been involved. My involvement includes: director's board of the Grayslake Lion's Club; past director on Grayslake Exchange Club; member of Rising Sun Lodge in Grayslake; member of Scottish Rite, another Masonic order; member of Shriners; past president Lake County Sheriff's Police Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police; current member of Illinois Police Association; rose through ranks of police department from patrolman, to sergeant to detective to division supervisor; and member of Zion Moose Club.

Position sought: Grayslake Park District Commissioner

Campaign E-mail address: None

Campaign committee: None

Campaign Website: None

Campaign Facebook: None

Campaign Twitter: None

Why are you running?

I just want to be sure that it maintains a very safe, accessible and clean environment as far as community enjoyment of the park district. Clean, safe, easily accessible to whoever, whether they're physically impaired, etc. It's there for everybody's benefit. we have a very transparent form of government. I want to make sure that it's transparent and make sure it's on the up-and-up.

In what ways would the Grayslake Park District benefit from your service?

Through my involvement in other organizations, I've always been open-minded, always been willing to listen to other people's opinions. I have no axe to grind; I'm just there to participate, listen, learn and give my two cents.

What is the biggest challenge the district faces and what should be done to address it?

We have to hold the line on spending. I don't want to see taxes raised because of the park district. We just have to curtail large expenditures, and we have to recognize that these are very severe economic times right now. Personally, I don't think there are any major issues facing the park district, like projects that would raise any red flags. I would also like to look into pursuing any grants or endowments as far as any finding any additional funds for running the parks.

What do you think the district does well?

I have no major issues against the parks. I think we have a very fine organization here. I'm willing to listen and learn and try to understand the organization.

What should be some of the district's priorities over the next several years?

Grants. That would be my aspect, looking at the grants, finding extra funding. Also, to just maintain the level of operation and enjoyment they're expecting right now. If you look at the different things we have to offer, we're far ahead of other park districts in what they're offering. A lot of people come over and enjoy our park districts in terms of our functions.

What else would you like voters to know?

I'm interested in making sure that we maintain a great park district and hope that everybody comes out to enjoy it. We're there for different age groups and have a lot to offer.