Endorsement Of Mike Stroz for Park District Commissioner: Letter

Written and submitted by Steve and Laura Knapp.

Mike Stroz is the best candidate for the one open seat on the Park District of Highland Park Board. As longtime residents of Highland Park and avid users of the parks and facilities, we have been keen observers in Park Board business. We want to tell you why Mike Stroz has the right skills and personality to make a positive difference in our community.

We met Mike at the beach through recreational and social activities and were grateful in 2015 when he represented us, Lake Michigan recreational users, and concerned Highland Park residents as one of the seven voting community members on the Park Avenue Beach Task Force. Instead of terminating all boating, fishing, pedestrian, and facility use associated with the area, on only one month notice, Mike negotiated with the City and the Park District to come up with various options in which the facilities could remain operational for the season. A temporary agreement was eventually signed. Mike resolved the immediate issues and proved he is accessible, thoughtful, and hardworking. Most importantly, he opened the communication link between citizen groups, the Park Board, and the City Council.

I am optimistic that Mike Stroz will bring innovative and creative skills to the table to benefit us - the users and taxpayers. He will be financially knowledgeable about managing the 2017 $23.7 million budget, the $12 million general obligations bonds, and look at ways the board can cut costs. He listens well and will have an ear to the citizens so that GreenPrint 2024 (an adapting and living document) will reflect our community’s needs.

Please vote and make a difference. When you do, vote for Mike Stroz for Park Board.

Sincerely,

Steve and Laura Knapp

Highland Park