Jim O’Donnell has put his name forward as a candidate for Park Ridge Park District Board commissioner because he is looking for a way to give back.
“I have been a member of the Community Center since the day it opened," O'Donnell told the North Cook News via email. "Life has been good to me. Now that I am semi-retired, I have more time and I am looking for additional ways to give back. I have a passion for the parks, and Park District Commissioner is a good fit for me to do just that."
Part of his involvement has been coaching baseball and soccer when his sons were younger. He and his wife have also been very involved in Park Ridge soccer, he wrote.
One of the issues that O’Donnell said he has personally been touched by is the ever-increasing property taxes.
“We bought our current home in 1979. At that time, our property taxes were $1,300. They are now almost $10,000,” O'Donnell said. “Ever-rising property taxes are driving people out of their homes and destroying our property values. The taxing bodies of government are in the habit of increasing their tax levy whether they need the money or not.
“I will vote against any levy increase unless there is convincing evidence that it is needed or it is approved by a referendum,” O'Donnell said.
He said he would also like to see the Centennial Fitness Center completed.
“The opening of FFC presents a competitive threat to our Centennial Fitness Center. As a career business executive, I understand the need for a business to compete. We will need to fully understand our strengths and weaknesses, examine our programs and fee structures, and control our costs,” O'Donnell said. “Competition drives businesses to get better or to fail. I intend to make sure that our Fitness Center will successfully compete.”
For more information on O’Donnell’s campaign, visit his Facebook page.
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