Meet Your Candidates: Victor Guarino, Park District of Oak Park Commissioner

Editor's note: OPRF Patch hasn't heard back from candidates Diane Dunn and Julie Grossman MacCarthy. We'll post their completed questionnaires if and when they return them. 

Victor Guarino, 45, is aiming for a spot on the  Board of Commissioners, a five-member group which establishes policies for the entire district.

For much more on the role of the Park District commissioner, please see the PDF attachments accompanying this story. 

Commissioners serve four-year terms. This year, three seats are up for election and six candidates —  Guarino, , , Diane Dunn,  and Julie Grossman MacCarthy  — will appear on the ballot.

It's important to note that MacCarthy attempted to opt out of the race but will remain on the ballot as part of the slate. 

Guarino, a project manager at Argonne National Laboratory, has long been involved in Oak Park civic life. He currently serves on the village's plan commission. 

Patch: How would you assess the state of the park district’s budget?

Victor Guarino: The budget is in good shape with money in reserve and adequate funds for planned park improvements

If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut? Please be specific.

Identifying areas to cut is part of the budgeting process.  Areas of savings can be found in working with other government bodies to consolidate tasks and services.

If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Please be specific.

This depends on if additional revenue is needed for operating expenses or capital improvements.  I believe that the Park District though can live within its means and it will not be needed to increase revenues through referendum. 

What’s on your wish list for new facilities?

Ridgeland Commons has to be addressed in the near future and we have to find a way to expand the gymnastics Center.

The $1.14 million renovation of Lindberg Park was approved late last year. The district is hoping to secure some grant money to help pay for the project, but what would you do to help prevent cost overruns?

This is a matter of board oversight, expected regular reports and monitoring expenses and progress on the project. 

Does the district get adequate feedback from Oak Parkers on how well it is serving, or not serving, them? If not, how specifically would you increase the flow of communication?

I think the Park District does a good job in getting feedback.  It just completed an extensive survey and every project at the parks has had extensive public forums to obtain input into the planning process. 

What is your favorite Park District facility? Why?

Rehm is my favorite facility followed closely by Field Center.  I live down the block from Rehm and have great memories of my kids playing throughout the park, on the train set and of course, at the pool.  I grew up a block from Field Center and have great memories of pre-school at Field Center, and participating in many activities at the park

How would you rate the district’s commitment to environmental issues? Please be specific.

I think the PD is very committed to being good stewards of our environment.  For example, the PD has planted 158 trees last year alone and regularly plants many more trees than are taken down due to illness or weather damage.  The PD also, has established a Greening Advisory Committee to look at environmental issues and maintain the health of our parks.  Finally, the PD has implemented many initiatives such as the Carry-in and Carry-Out program to reduce waste and increase recycling and has focused on installing new windows at facilities and high efficiency furnaces. 

What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues, point of view or qualifications?

 I am a life long resident of Oak Park. My family and I have experienced all aspects of the Park District of Oak Park from kindergarten at Field and Anderson Centers; to summer art, music and dance programs; as a teenage summer employee; as a parent and coach; and a dog owner. I have a BS and MS in Mechanical and Civil Engineering and a PhD in Public Policy and Administration and have worked as a project manager at Argonne National Laboratory for over 20 years. I am  running for Park District Board to bring my many years of professional management and leadership experience to the District.

Volunteer Experience:

• Member, Oak Park Plan Commission
• Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) volunteer
• Ascension Parish Council
• Former Board Member & Treasurer, OPYB/S
• Former Board Member, Girl Scout – Illinois Crossroads Council
• Illinois High School Association Track Official
• Irving School PTO Co- President
• Irving School Leadership Team
• D97 Global Village Scientist
• OPYB/S, Coach
• AYSO, Assistant Coach