Park Board Candidate Penny Randel

Penny Randel

Age: 67
Family: 2 adult children 
Education: BA plus
Occupation: Retired teacher, current Northbrook Bank and Trust Director 
Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Park District Commissioner 20 years,District 30 School Board - 2years; Trustee for the National Recreation and Park Association 12 years (6 as officer); participant/chair several Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park and Recreation Association joint committees.
Other Community Involvement: Northbrook Civic Foundation, Northbrook Days, various volunteer activites when my children were in school.
Position Sought: Northbrook Park District Commissioner.
Campaign Email: prandel@nbparks.org 
Campaign committee:  Penny Randel, Michael Schyman, and Paul Zima 
Campaign Websites, Facebook or Twitter:  Facebook “Re-Elect Randel, Schyman, and Zima” 

Why are you running?

The mission and vision of the Northbrook Park District align perfectly with my personal philosophy and goals. I still have the time and energy to commit to this worthy activity. It is gratifying to be able to contribute in this way.

In what ways would the community benefit from your service?

I have many years of board experience and have been exposed to the park and recreation field at the local, state, regional and national level. That experience allows me to share what I have learned to benefit the residents when the District is making decisions about how to meet the wants and needs of the community.

What is the biggest challenge the Park Board faces and what should be done to address it?

While it is not what I would call a challenge, meeting the high expectations and standards of our community is an ongoing effort. The Board is always mindful of maintaining the sound financial footings of the District.

What do you think the Park Board does well?

The District serves a broad range of interests and age groups with a wide variety of activities and opportunities.

What should be some of the Park Board’s priorities be over the next four years?

The median age in Northbrook is getting older. It is and will continue to be, important to expand programming to meet the needs of that growing population.

What else would you like voters to know?

The current Board is a group of individuals who collaborate with thoughtfulness and open minds. While we do not all always agree, we are able to find common ground and build consensus to successfully accomplish the work of the Board. Our member’s ages reflect every decade from the 30’s through the 60’s. Our skill sets are as varied as our ages. Your current Northbrook Park District Board is transparent, approachable, fiscally accountable, and environmentally responsible.