Park Board President Responds To Lozaro's Salary Claims

Last week, Park Board candidate Bob Lozaro released a campaign email that asked Northbrook residents, "Does a fiscally responsible board approve a 7.8% salary increase over the previous year without an increase in staffing?"

Followed by, "Does a fiscally responsible board approve an $87,471 Merit Pool and $47,712 Discretionary Pool on top of the 7.8% salary increase?"

Lozaro's mailer then encouraged residents to attend the Park Board meeting on Wednesday, March 20 and ask commissioners to justify their expenditures.

Park Board president Michael Ziering responded to Lozaro's questions in his opening remarks.

"The Park Board has not approved a 7.8 percent salary increase over the previous year without increasing staff," Ziering said. "This allegation is apparently based on a misinterpretation of the District’s 2012-13 budget, which shows 2013 budgeted salaries, and a 2012 year end estimate"

Regarding Lozaro's merit pool question, Ziering said, "This allegation is false. The board is scheduled to take action later this evening to approve a 2.77 percent merit pool and a 1.5 percent discretionary pool."

"While the board approves the two pools, there is no guarantee the money will actually be spent," Ziering added.

Patch followed-up with Ziering after Wednesday's board meeting, who said he usually tries to stay out of political discourse.

"But when people are saying things about how the board is being run, I think it's appropriate for me to respond to that," Ziering said.

After the meeting, Lozaro emailed Patch his rebuttal to Ziering's statements.

"Early voting begins March 25. It is time to let residents decide which candidates will best serve their interests on the Park Board. I have come out and said I am against a Community Center. I have stated I believe the Board can do a better job of managing their budget and communicating with the residents. I stand by these convictions," Lozaro wrote.

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