Election 2013 Candidate: Karen J. Boyd

Name: Karen J. Boyd

Position Sought: Commissioner, Community Park District of La Grange Park

Campaign Contact Information: kjboyd447lgp@gmail.com

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: Implementing the Master Plan and assisting in improving our parks to better serve the community.

Home Address: 447 N Stone Ave, LGP

Family Members:

Eric Boyd Husband 52 Chairman, LGP Zoning Commission
J Alex Boyd Son 25
Andy Boyd Son 22
Evan Boyd Son 18

Education:

Western Michigan University, 1976 BA with honors
Indiana University, 1978 MPA with a concentration in public finance cum laude
Indiana University 1985 JD cum laude

Current Occupation and Employer: self-employed

Political Party Affiliation: Since this is a non-partisan election, I would prefer not to so indicate. I was endorsed by the LGP Caucus.

Why are you seeking office?: I am completing my first term as a Commissioner. During my term, we have worked on various policy manuals for the CPD and are now working on implementing the Master Plan which was passed in 2012. This Master Plan is organic and I am interested in helping to see it implemented in accordance with the desires of the community. I have certain ideas to help the CPD reach out to our residents and would like to shepherd them into action.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?: I am eager to undertake additional work on behalf of the Board. I assisted President Lou Ritten and Director Roy Cripe in extensively editing the Master Plan. I attempt to bring new ideas to the Board so that we are able to better communicate with the public. I am interested in utilizing social media in this effort.

What are the other issues you plan to address in this position, and how?: The biggest issue facing any public body right now is determining how to do more with limited revenues. I will endeavor to ensure that the CPD continues to maintain an adequate reserve to continue to offer the many services presented by the CPD. Our bond rating has been upgraded in the past two years and I would continue to approve policies that maintain positive financial balances.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign:

I have lived in LGP for over 20 years and have been active in the community. I volunteered at the SFX Food Pantry for many years and helped to run special distributions throughout the year. I also taught religious education when my sons were still in elementary school. I was active in LGPLL both as a manager and Board Member, overseeing the t-ball program and the umpire programs. I recently helped the voter registration effort at LT's North Campus and ran the mock election there in the Fall.

See also:

Election 2013: Community Park District of La Grange Park Board