Elect Mike Reilly

Candidate Information

Name:  M. Michael "Mike" Reilly

Age: 61

Education: BS, Business Administration, New Haven College (CT) and Matriculant MBA Program - DePaul University

Family: Married to Lynda (40 Years), daughters Meg Smith (husband Kris) & grandchildren Alex & Julia of Naperville and Katie Heil Reilly (husband Kurt) and grandchildren Colin & Matthew of Oswego

Length of residence in Naperville: Since 1991

Political experience: First time running in office

Community involvement: See Community Resume

General Introduction

My candidacy for a Park District Commissioner position is really a logical extension of my community involvement. We moved to the Fields subdivision in 1991 and in 1993 I became president of that HOA. We moved to White Eagle in 1995 and I’ve served 5 terms as president of the White Eagle HOA. With both HOAs I served as a delegate to the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation and I’ve served as a Director of NAHC for the past 4 years. NAHC established liaison committees for the various governmental agencies a few years ago and I’ve served as Park District liaison since that committee was formed.

I’ve also served on the Centennial Beach Bathhouse Redesign Committee, several other committees and numerous volunteer stints. I believe that what I’ve done in the past prepares me well to serve as a Park District Commissioner and I ask for your vote to fill one of the 4 four-year terms on this year’s ballot.

What have you done to inform yourself about local and national issues in the field of parks and recreation?

I’ve really been preparing for this position for several years. I’m one of the very few candidates up here that submitted an application for Charlie Brown’s unexpired term when he resigned last year. I was one of three finalists for that appointment, which ultimately went to Jerry Heide, who is now up for re-election. As liaison for NAHC and the park district, we reviewed and provided written commentary on the draft of the Open Space and Recreation master Plan. Since I filed as a candidate I have taken it upon myself to meet with the department heads at the district to listen and learn. I’ve attended park district meetings in person and via cable and I’ve participated in several Riverwalk Commission meetings recently as well. 

How would you describe the role of the executive director and the relationship of that position to the board?

The Executive Director’s (ED) position is analogous to that of a president/CEO of a private company that reports to a board of directors. That is, the board sets long term strategy and priorities and directs the ED to not only carry that out but to communicate those long term goals throughout the organization for maximum effectiveness and consistency of purpose. The BOD should not micro-manage the park district staff. As I met with some department heads initially it appeared to me that there has been some of that in the recent past but that Ray McGury resolved that.

What one thing should the board do to improve its working relationship with each other?

• Check egos at the door
• Remember we’re there to serve the residents and not our own self interests
• Most of the decisions to be made are among differing good alternatives – the world won’t come to an end if another alternative is chosen over the one an individual commissioner favors
• Engage in spirited debate on issues, advocate for your ideas, vote on the motion, and then support the consensus without dragging along baggage or grudges. I know it sounds easier said than done but I’ve been doing it for many years on various boards and committees so I know it can be done
• Get out and listen to residents and park district program users – take what they say back for consideration and discussion.
• Take our work seriously but don’t take ourselves too seriously

What specific part of the Park District’s Master Plan do you most support and what specific part would you like to see changed in some way?

I very much like the fact that it was developed as a living document that will change and grow over time. That’s very different from a document that’s treated like a bible, one that can’t change. One of the focus areas in the plan was the lack of open space in the northern part of the district, particularly Planning Area 1 so I think that’s important. There was consistent reference to maintenance of existing properties and facilities but I think that should be given more attention and publicity. In the South, Planning Areas 7 & 8, there is a strong outcry form many parents I’ve spoken with that there is a shortage of Little League fields that needs to be addressed.

How do you think the current economic downturn will affect the district, and what will you do to address it?

I believe the current economic downturn will cause residents to look to providers such as the park district as a provider of lower cost yet high quality recreation, fitness, educational and entertainment offerings. We need to provide appropriate programs without increasing taxes. We also should focus on maintenance of existing facilities to preserve their value and utility.

Now that the district has purchased the land between the Ponds of Hobson West, how should the board react when residents ask it to purchase another specific parcel? In general, how should the district address the issue of open space?

Open space decisions are clearly important because once a parcel is passed up by the park district and put into commercial or residential development, it's gone forever. At the same time, acquiring land that doesn't support an unmet need may be wasteful of taxpayers dollars. The answer is having a solid long term plan and fitting parcels into that plan, rather than having the tail wag the dog. 

Should the district revisit the idea of an indoor recreation center? If yes, why? If no, why not?

The "Rec Center" issue of a few years back was the catalyst for my involvement in the Naperville Park District. I believe that project went too far down the road before meaningful resident input was actively sought. Further, I thought some of the planned features of the center were in direct competition with the YMCA and private businesses. These factors resulted in an expensive plan lacking broad community and private sector support. We need indoor programmable space but I favor two field houses - one North and one South.  

In Closing…

Through either early voting, which has started and ends April 2^nd, or on Election Day on April 7^th, you have the opportunity to reset the majority of the Naperville Park District board of commissioners as there are 4 four-year terms and 1 two-year term up for election on the ballot. I respectfully ask for one of your votes for a 4 year term. I believe that my record of productive community service and my ability to work with others in a cooperative, collaborative manner will serve the residents of the park district well. I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility and that will serve the taxpayers well.