Meet Evergreen Park Village Trustee Candidate Carol Kyle

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Carol Kyle is running for her tenth term as village trustee for Evergreen Park in the April 6 election. She was born and raised in Evergreen Park, and raised two children in the southwest quadrant. Kyle spent 31 years as a physical education and adaptive physical education consultant for children with special needs, ages 3-22. She is running with the Good Government Evergreen Park United Homeowners slate. Kyle is one of five candidates vying three seats on the Evergreen Park Village Board. Early voting begins March 22.

Name: Carol Kyle

Age (as of Election Day): 69

Town/City of Residence: Evergreen Park

Office Sought: Trustee for Village of Evergreen Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): Evergreen Park Good Government United Homeowners Party

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.

Education: Bachelor of science in education, masters In special education, 30-plus graduate hours, Certification to Facilitate/Manage Team Building and Course

Occupation: 31 years Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education/consulting special needs ages 3-22 years old

Campaign website: epunitedhomeowners.org

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Evergreen Park Village Trustee

The single most pressing issue facing our village and this is what I intend to do about it.

All issues facing us as elected officials are important and are addressed ASAP. What I have done and will continue to do is listen and follow through with what needs to be done to get the issue resolved. The follow-though includes getting back to the resident/business in a timely manner. In some instances some times a meeting has been held including all parties involved, elected officials, neighbors, business owners, developers and department heads. Most recent this happened before the new 7-Eleven development was able to proceed.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Yes and very proud of our youth and residents who planned and followed through with our peaceful protest [in June 2020].

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Support of all residents especially to make racial equality as the board's number one priority in planning anything, especially events, programs and needs.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

This is a very confusing time in our world right now.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

It has been very difficult, especially for our senior population.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I was born and raised at 87th and Mozart. I grew up at Evergreen Aqua and watched my brothers play ball at Norris Field, which is named after my dad, Robert Norris. I went to St Bernadette's Grammar School. My husband and I raised our two children in the Southeast Quadrant. We are active members of St Bernadette Church. Our six grandchildren attend District 124 schools, number seven grand child attends the Evergreen Park preschool, and our oldest grandchild will be attending Evergreen Park Community High School in the fall. Go Mustangs! I have been invested in this village from an early age, volunteering in activities such as Brownie leader, precinct captain, dinner dance committee, Market Day committee, Special Olympics coach, food pantry committee member and Evergreen Park food pantry weekly volunteer just to name a few. My fellow Trustees Norm Anderson and Mark Phelan have similar activities and volunteer experiences as well!

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Working with residents and local business to keep Evergreen Park safe, continue a balanced budget, keep our excellent credit rating, continually improve programs for all of our residents, and continue to make Evergreen Park the great place it is to live, work and raise our family.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The park renovations we have done to make our parks safe, fun, updated and available to our special needs population, while being fiscally responsible, Improvements to the Evergreen park Food Pantry servicing our residents in need especially during this COVID-19 time!

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Finish the parks. Update programs to address senior needs of 2021.

Why should voters trust you?

Experience and record

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Evergreen Park stays with in their budget. Department heads meet regularly with the treasurer, mayor and finance committee. WE are fiscally responsible and have an excellent credit rating.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Smile, laugh and do something great today!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My heart and soul is in Evergreen Park.