Experience counts in Glen Ellyn parks

Eight candidates are seeking four open seats on the Glen Ellyn Park District board. Candidates include four incumbents plus a slate of candidates born of last year's Ackerman Park controversy and an independent.

A grass-roots effort, led in large part by challenger Melissa Creech, resulted in more than 100 residents speaking out at a meeting against a plan to cut down trees at Ackerman Park. Two weeks later, the board abruptly reversed its position and voted - not unanimously - to save the trees.

Creech, who gets the credit for the Ackerman Park victory, has proved she can build consensus and focus on facts, not just emotions, of the issues. She is endorsed. She wants the board to operate more transparently, to be more responsive to the community, and to take a hard look at the budget.

Incumbents Keith Schoen, Bill Taylor and Ron Aubrey are endorsed. They demonstrate leadership and a clear knowledge of park district business and have goals that are balanced between user needs and environmental stewardship. Incumbent Jeff Jourdan, who voted against the board's Ackerman reversal, has a less developed vision for the district and is mostly focused on using land for organized sports.

Also running are Creech's slate mates Jay "Gordon" Kinzler and Julia Nephew and independent Jeff Dickson. All three have experience and passion that would serve the park district well and should consider a future run.