Finding good board members and keeping them is a challenge. When one board member is replaced, the chemistry of the board can change dramatically.
Today there is a growing number of single-issue candidates running for elected office.
These candidates campaign on popular issues, like anti-taxes, and many do not understand the nature of park districts and forest preserves as taxing bodies, nor the multifaceted work of these agencies. Good board candidates do not serve special interests, partisan politics nor seek the post with an axe to grind. Not by waiting until election time. Recruiting the best board candidates is an ongoing effort by current board members and staff. In his article on page 25 of this issue, Urbana Park District Director Robin Hall shares how advisory boards work as excellent feeder programs for future board members.