Election 2013 Candidate: John M. Brom

Name: John M. Brom

Position Sought: Commissioner - Park District of La Grange

Campaign Contact Information: jmbesq@outlook.com / 312.296.2297

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: Transparency in PDLG matters and meetings, and fiscal responsibility.

Home Address: 821 Mason Drive, La Grange, Illinois 60525

Family Members:

Education:

Indiana University (Bloomington) BS 1988
DePaul University College of Law JD 1991

Current Occupation and Employer: Attorney, Querrey & Harrow, Ltd.

Political Party Affiliation:

Why are you seeking office?: I am seeking election as a park district commissioner to give back to my community. It is my goal to work with all residents and community organizations to provide the best facilities and programs.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?: As the PDLG moves forward with its $2,000,000.00+ in renovations to Gordon Park, I am confident that my experience in legal matters related to municipal, contract and construction law will be of great benefit to the board members and the voters. My prior board experience with financial budgets, including income and expense solutions, will ensure that the voters will not incur unnecessary increases in their taxes for park district operations.

What are the other issues you plan to address in this position, and how?: I plan to address the PDLG's general liabilities of $11,000,000.00+ (an amount equal to that of School District 106) and the underfunded $500,000.00+ in pension liability. The reduction of those liabilities will involve both income and expense solutions, including elimination of PDLG conduct that has resulted in needless and expensive litigation. Moreover, it may also include use of capital reserves, as opposed to the issuance of new debt, to improve park district facilities. New sources of income will also be investigated and pursued.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign: I am for open government: where voters have the most access to information and are included as much as possible in the decision-making process. I am cognizant of the fiscal pressures in the current economic climate and will work hard to bring the voters the best possible park district programs and facilities while holding the line on costs. I am also not a proponent of change for change's sake: there must be a significant justification for conduct that will increase voters' real estate taxes.

See also:

Election 2013: Park District of La Grange Board