Meet Your April 5 Candidates: Elaine Heinen, Niles Parks

"All politics is local" and "The closer to home, the greater the impact on your pocketbook" are two truisms in politics.

The candidates in local elections affect how much you pay in taxes, and what you get for your money, more than candidates in state and national races. 

So who are these folks who will impact your life and your wallet? Find out in Patch's "Meet the Candidates" series, running now through the end of March. Then make an informed choice when you vote in the April 5 election.

We start with candidates for the Niles Park District board. 

Elaine Heinen

Candidate for Niles Park District Board  

Accessibility: Citizens need to be able to contact their elected officials to voice their opinions, so Patch is noting how accessible they are. Elaine Heinen does have a listed phone number, but told Niles Patch she does not use email. She provided answers to the following questionnaire on paper. Other park commissioners have email addresses with the park district. 

1) How would you assess the state of the park district’s budget?

The park district budget is in very good shape. This is one thing the comissioners are very concerned about. If you don't have money in your budget the parks would not look as good as they do.

2) If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut? Be specific.

I would ask each department head to cut out one big expense. By doing this, all would help the cause.

3) If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Be specific.

Promote more birthdays and company outings. Visit area hotels and ask if we can put our literature in their display cases. Advertise in coupon packets that are sent to everyone's home and reach people that are not yet customers of Niles Park District.

4) What’s on your wish list for new facilities?

My wish list is very long, but I am sorry, there is no room for any more facilities.

5) In what ways can the district save money and/or offer increased value to users?

Make a big push for holiday gift certificates, as well as for St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Day.  

6) Does the district offer adequate programming to different demographic groups--seniors, children, ethnic groups? If not, how can it do a better job?

 We do offer adequate programming. Take a tour of our parks and pools to see how many people we have in them.

7) Does the district get adequate feedback from constituents on how well it is serving, or not serving, them? If not, how specifically would you increase the flow of communication?

The district gets adequate feedback from the constituents by having a box at the front desk. They put a note in it to tell the staff what is right or wrong with the program. 

8) Does the district need to reduce its use of lawn chemicals, adopt water-saving methods (for lawns, indoor facilities, etc.), or otherwise reduce its footprint on the environment? Be specific.

No, we have a good staff that knows so much about chemicals, that is why our parks and golf courses look so beautiful. The chemicals they use will not hurt anyone.

9) What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues, point of view or qualifications?

I am a commissioner for 25 years and have worked for many new programs for young and old. I work for a law firm. I have won many awards. I also was voted Citizen of the Year twice. I will never forget the seniors because they have supported me for many years.

10) The park district decided not to pursue the arrangement with Jerry's Fruit and Garden market that would have moved Triangle Park back behind the Oasis Water Park. Are you satisfied with this decision or do you feel there is more to explore in this proposal?

I think there is a lot more to explore on the proposal. What you do now will be there a long time. 

11) How open are you to creating a skate park?

I would consider the idea, but I like our parks the way they are.