Politics & Government

Vince Spaeth: Incumbent Candidate for Elmhurst Park District Board

Spaeth answers questions about a possible "anchor park" in south Elmhurst, long-term goals envisioned by members of Elmhurst's intergovernmental committee and more.

Campaign Contact Information
vspaethpark@comcast.net

Family: Wife, Joann Peck-Spaeth; sons, Michael, 19, and Grant, 15; and daughter, Olivia, 16

Education:

Find out what's happening in Elmhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • 1982 Graduate University of Wisconsin – Madison, BS Chemical Engineering
  • Continuing professional education in financial and managerial accounting and marketing, University of Chicago Business School Management Training Certificate

Occupation: Business Director for Sales and Marketing, ChemTreat, Inc. At ChemTreat, we focus on providing treatment and consulting services that help customers improve water quality and compliance with environmental regulations. This helps improve the environment for the communities in which we all live. I bring this same expertise to the Elmhurst Park District and promote green technologies and improvements to the environment whenever possible.

Why Are You Seeking Re-election? 

Find out what's happening in Elmhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I am a long term resident of Elmhurst—since 1963. I will retire in Elmhurst one day and desire to maintain its beauty and culture as one of the most desirable communities to live in. I want to do my part and represent the taxpayers as someone they can trust to protect and improve the EPD facilities while treating every dollar spent as if it were my own.

What will be your highest priority if elected?

I want to focus on relying less on taxes and more on outside revenue generation from improved use and marketing of our facilities (Wilder Mansion, Sugar Creek, Courts Plus, etc.). There are many periods of low use for these facilities that we can create more revenue from if we can find and attract the right market segment. Partnering with neighborhood communities may offer improved utilization of present facilities and also investment into new facilities that require significant capital investment.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have a deep love for Elmhurst and can site much of its history. I live here (and will retire here) because I am deeply rooted and want to give back to the community by representing them. 

As a long-term resident, I do understand the community and will move to protect it while spending money wisely. Others that have spent much less time in Elmhurst may not recognize or value the culture we have developed and why so many of us come back to Elmhurst as a long-term place to raise a family and retire.

I know most of the elected officials and agencies well and can help bring and develop ideas with them more effectively.

As a business executive, I oversee a large group of employees, create strategic plans and find the resources needed to complete them. I have utilized my business skills to bring improved balance and ideas to the Park Board.

What type of amenities would you like to see in a south Elmhurst anchor park?

Elmhurst needs additional basketball courts and community centers for teens and seniors to have specific programs in. Additional use of synthetic turf will continue to increase the availability of field use while reducing operating costs.  An indoor swimming pool and outside ice skating rink have been strongly advocated for by the community. Butterfield and Eldridge Parks are prime locations for investment and community access. Development of other locations along Route 83 may also provide possible opportunities.

The Park/City/School Committee has been well-received as a way to conserve resources and save money for all three taxing bodies. The Park District, as steward of the land and keeper of grounds, plays a big role in that cooperation. Are there any new or expanded possibilities for intergovernmental agreements?

I was the leader in forming this committee. We have a long-term vision of a combined governmental building/museums, possibly on the block the post office now stands. Most of the property is owned by the city now. This would allow the present City Hall, EPD, School Administration Office and possibly the Museums (EHM, Lizzadro, Art) to all be effectively located in a new Cultural Governmental Campus while returning the existing locations to more profitable income generating business locations and opening up more green space within Wilder Park. All of these objectives are in alignment with the specific long-term strategic plans for each of the groups. It may take several years for the right market conditions to develop so investors will fund the foundation for restructuring the business district which in turn allows the governmental agencies to restructure their locations. The overall goal is improved facilities, improved access and better revenue generation.

We are also looking for synergies between agencies in the area of IT, grass maintenance, administration, marketing functions and stormwater management.

Are the parks as safe as they can be? If there is room for improvement, what would you recommend?

The parks have proved to be very safe. However, there is always room for improvement. With today’s technology, I would advocate for the use of online security monitoring cameras at all the major locations. They would include motion sensing detectors to help monitor after-hour intruders that may vandalize the facilities.

Do you favor any types of corporate sponsorships as a means to increase revenue?

Corporate sponsorships can be beneficial as long as they are balanced and do not inadvertently put facility use at a disadvantage to others. I would like to obtain sponsorships to improve facility usage (Wilder Mansion, Sugar Creek Golf Course and Courts Plus) during low demand periods of use so EPD can increase revenues and reinvest in facilities with less tax dollars.

Is there anything else would you like to get across to voters?

I am a strong believer that each of us should volunteer and support the community in which we live by being involved in something. I also promote two-term limits for elected offices so fresh new ideas can be pumped in and fair balanced maintained.

Community Service:

  • I have served several years on the Elmhurst Historical/Heritage Foundation Board
  • I have coached many times (YMCA basketball, football, Elmhurst baseball)
  • Presently completing my first six-year term on Elmhurst Park District Board of Commissioners.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here