DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner District 5
The Forest Preserve District is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, which translates the open-space needs of county residents into ordinances designed to protect and enhance natural areas and support general operations.DuPage County contains six districts. Voters elect one Commissioner from the district in which they live. The seventh member—the president—is elected by the county at large by popular vote. [source: https://www.dupageforest.org/our-board/board-commissioners]Salary: $50,000, Commissioner[Source: Elected Officials Compensation Report]
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
Michael Farmer
(Rep)
-
Barbara A. O'Meara
(Dem)
What are your qualifications for Forest Preserve District Commissioner?
What are the most pressing issues of this office? How do you propose to address them?
How will you ensure that long-term strategic initiatives are completed in a fiscally responsible manner?
What effects, if any, do you expect climate change to have on our forest preserves and their long-term management?
What is your favorite forest preserve? Why?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
I have spent the last 34 years working as the Environmental Health Supervisor for the state of Illinois. This entailed overseeing multiple programs: pesticides, arbo vector, elevated blood lead levels in children, swimming facilities, mobile home parks, legionella cases and plumbing. I also was an adjunct professor for 12 years in Environmental Biology and Biology. I have worked my entire career in the sciences and encouraging young people to view the world through science.
The most pressing issues are always being fiscally responsible while balancing the needs of the population we serve. This board has been very proactive in making sure the Forest Preserve will be on sound financial footing now and going forward the next 15-20 years.
The board has addressed this in the last election with a bond issuance which the voters approved. This allow us to continue to be competitive for staff and continue to make informed decisions on purchasing properties available while maintaining what we already have.
The effect of climate change can already be seen in the movement of animals and pests further to the north. The climate will also have a long term effect on the flora that is present now and what will develop in the future.
Blackwell is my favorite, mostly because of the variety of things to do there. Fishing, archery, camping, hiking, climbing the mountain and just enjoying the nature.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.