Politics & Government

Meet Your April 5 Candidates: Ray Czarnik, Niles Parks

Don't know who to vote for in the local election? Patch questions candidates so you can make an informed choice.

"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.

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We start with candidates for the Niles Park District board. 

Ray Czarnik

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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. Ray Czarnik has a phone number listed on whitepages.com. 

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

Our budget is discussed at every meeting so that there are no surprises at year end. The department heads work very hard to keep within budget. A big emphasis is put on cost cutting ideas and additional revenue. We hold our department heads accountable to their budget. If there is a shortfall we notice and have open discussions to get it back on target. The park district has an excellent A + financial rating and adequate fund balances to operate without tax increases.

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

Joe (LoVerde) and his staff really do a great job. We are proud of the fact that this past budget year we lowered our expenses and learned we can do more with less. We asked each department head to be flexible with their own schedules so they can fill in when needed most. Some worked 12-9 instead of a normal 9-5. They had to lock up at night or open facilities in the morning. We asked for extra bids when we needed to outsource any work.We looked at different ways to save money through grants for lighting and equipment. 


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

I'm thinking you mean for operations and not for facilities or improvements. For operations we always look for new ways to bring in revenue. Quality run programs is the best way. The right staff and quality run programs will bring new people to the district. We always thrive to offer the best programs for the cost. This is another reason why we have open discussions at all meetings involving the staff. We ask employees for their feedback. A sponsorship program and grants are being constantly looked at for additional revenue.    


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

Well the last building to get renovated will be the Ice facility at Iceland. Every one of our facilities and parks have been upgraded to state of the art facilities. The new outdoor ice rink will be our final renovation. We are very proud of the fact that we will have renovated all buildings and facilities with one of the lowest tax rates in the state.

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

We have kept our fees down due to the economy and have not increased any of them for the past two years. We are doing the same this year. We have new facilities and continue to upgrade equipment and outside play areas and this offers a big value to our residents. With the quality programs we offer at affordable pricing, the residents get great value.


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 strive to be able to offer quality programs for all ages. We have something for everyone and have an instructor/counselor at all of the programs offered. We are always looking for new programs and are open to any suggestions offered. We stay on top of programs offered elsewhere. Our staff  attend park district functions where we learn of new ideas that are talked about throughout the United States.   

 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?

Yes, We receive awards and commendations from many organizations. The Niles Baseball League, MNASR and State Representative John D'Amico always have great feedback about our programs and parks. The biggest contributor to our feedback is from our residents. They are not afraid to speak their thoughts.  

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? 

The park district created a capital plan that included installing automatic timed sprinkler systems throughout the district. This system has yielded not only cost savings but conserved water. Energy efficient lighting was installed in our most recent new facilities. We are currently working on a DECO grant to change outdated lighted with energy efficient systems.

All fertilizers used are organic and no chemical is used that would damage the environment.  

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

I am thrilled to be a part of the Park District. I am running for re election to be able to finish the capital improvement projects at Grennan Heights and the renovation of Iceland, which includes an additional ice surface outdoors and also interior renovation to bring it up to date. This will complete all of our upgrades, and we will have state of the art facilities throughout  our entire park district. Whats best about the parks is that we are part of a village that was voted as best place to raise a family in 2010. Has to tell you that we are doing something right doesn't it?

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?

My feeling is that the new Oasis Water Park on Milwaukee Ave is a tremendous location. If there any changes would benefit all the people of Niles and provide a safer environment I would be all for pursuing this. I will not entertain any proposal for any changes at any of our facilities if it had a negative impact on our citizens' properties.  


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