Park District Of Highland Park Board Candidate: Joe Peddle

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Highland Park Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Three candidates are seeking two available seats on the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners. The include one incumbent and two challengers.

Highland Park Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim and in the order they have been received.

Joe Peddle

Age (as of Election Day
60

Town/City of Residence
Highland Park

Office Sought
Park board

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

Education

Highland Park High School
College of Lake County, Building trades
Electrical fundamentals, Carpentry, Plumbing fundamentals,
University of Wisconsin, technology center Madison. Advanced electrical systems.
Continuing Ed.
Restoration building mediation, fire, flood.
NEC/NFPA
Advanced electrical systems, fire code and ADA compliance.

Occupation

Lighting design, Electrician.
Former owner of Production Power Systems. An event and disaster power temperature control business.

Campaign website

None

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Listening ! Working on equal attention and funding for all our Park assets.

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?

[Not answered]

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

[Not answered]

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?

[Not answered]

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?

[Not answered]

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

My experience in both the trades and small business ownership sets me apart. I believe I can look at project development and maintenance with a true eye on costs.

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

I would not say failed, but I would say not listened or understood some of the neighborhood concerns.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

[Not answered]

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

The Stupey Log Cabin, developed the concept of a complete teaching tool.

Oversaw and Chairmened the restoration and reinterpretation of the cabin and surrounding park area.

Developed and owned Production Power Systems, some projects were vendor services Kentucky Derby, major Golf tournaments and Ski championships.

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

To continue enhancing and lowering costs for everyone.

Why should voters trust you?

I will put my heart and head into the Parks and will honestly answer all and any questions.

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

It is the fiduciary responsibility of the office to keep costs in line.

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

[Not answered]

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My Dad, stop over thinking the project when the simple solution is probably the best.

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

I believe my positions are not completely formed yet, the more I listen to and hear folks, the more I learn. I will work hard to make the best choice for everyone.