Letter to the Editor: Michael Satlak Proposes 5-Year Budget Plan for Park District

I am Michael Satlak and am running for re-election to the Oswegoland Park District Board on April 5th.

Having lived in Oswego for nearly five years, our family has benefitted greatly from the vibrant Park District. After countless hours as a child in the community parks and pool in a small town in North Dakota, enabling my daughter and the other children of Oswego to similarly enjoy park services is a dream come true.

Serving on the Board since October 2010, I have enjoyed working for the community and continue to bring innovative ideas. If re-elected, I propose three initiatives for the Park District: a five-year budget plan to better manage taxes, a frequent user program and the continued greening of the parks by adding recycling options.

The continual decline in property values and eroding of our tax base has created the biggest challenge the Park District faces: managing the tax rate. To address this challenge, I propose that the District create a five-year budget plan. This plan will allow the Park District to make better decisions about the current year’s budget by anticipating future expenditures and needs.

My second proposal is to start a frequent user program, a reward for the people that make the most use of the Park District. The many great programs the Park District offers suit the diverse needs of our community. Making sure these events, Kid’s Connection, sports leagues and dance classes will continue, as affordable as possible, should be a primary goal of the Board.

The frequent user program will help accomplish this goal. Finally, the Park District has been a green movement leader for our community. I propose that the Park District further this effort by adding recycling cans to the parks and making all facilities as energy efficient as possible. [i.e. reduce waste and save money] Please feel free to email or call (773-909-0083) with any questions you may have, including any regarding my proposals.

I have been greatly fortunate in my life, and as a Notre Dame graduate and family man, serving on the Parks District Board is a great opportunity for me to give back to the community. The Oswegoland Park District staff and Board members of the past years have done a tremendous job of meeting the needs of our constituents, and I seek to continue that progress. By running for re-election to the Park District Board, I intend to serve the families of Oswegoland with innovation, capability, and efficacy. I am asking for your support and vote on April 5th.

Michael Satlak, Oswegoland Park District Commissioner