Meet New Lenox Park District Board Candidate: Mark Ott Jr.

MOKENA, IL — Mark Ott Jr. is one of three candidates running for two open positions on the New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners. Ott works in investment management, and served for four years in the U.S. Air Force.

Ott recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be found below:

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

Name: Mark C. Ott Jr.

Age (as of Election Day):

36

Town/City of Residence:

New Lenox

Office Sought:

Park board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Finance with a Minor in Economics at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Occupation:

I am currently the Head of Trading for one of the leading Investment Management firms in Chicago. Over the last 11 years, I have been part of an exceptionally talented team of professionals that focus on digging through both corporate and municipal balance sheets to minimize risk and maximize returns for our clients. Prior to this, I spent 4 years in the United States Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. Yes, this is the Bomb Squad of the Air Force, and yes, it was a BLAST!

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

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

I believe navigating the current pandemic is the obvious answer as the most pressing issue facing our community. As people have been separated from each other for over a year, the sense of "community" almost has a negative connotation tied to it. Successfully bridging the gap to normalcy is imperative for the health of the New Lenox Community Park District much like the rest of the world. I intend to help facilitate a safe opening of all of our programs and use a common sense approach to the task at hand.

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?

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

N/A

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?

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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?

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

Having called New Lenox home for over 20 years, I've seen firsthand how this community has grown and improved upon itself over the years. Now as a parent of young children, I am even more aware of how a strong community life can add to the value of an area. I believe I am uniquely aware of what young families are looking for from their community and I will bring my experience in finance to make sure we continue to develop our community offerings in a responsible way. As a veteran, I want to make sure that the "Home of Proud Americans" stands tall amongst its peers and maintains itself as an area sought out by families due to the superior quality of life in our community.

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

You won't get a smear campaign from me! I respect what the other board members have done for our community and how they've worked to help navigate us through this difficult time. I look forward to not only contributing, but leading our community on the continued path of success.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

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

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

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Why should voters trust you?

I thoroughly enjoyed my service to our country, but I always had a strong pull to come back "Home." Now that my family and I are fortunate enough to continue to call New Lenox home, I want to further serve you by thoughtfully making impactful decisions for our community. If elected, I hope to prove your trust in me as well-placed and warranted.

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

The New Lenox Community Park District will obviously have near term obstacles to navigate with the lack of normal program revenue due to the pandemic. My commitment to New Lenox will be to focus on the continued health and prosperity of our community by not only overcoming the obstacles in the short term, but to set our community up for many years to come. My overall goal is to improve the quality of life in our community by making sure we "do more with less" and continue to put our tax dollars to use in a fiscally responsible way.

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:

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

I have the loving support of my wife Stephanie and my daughters Juliana (5) and Isabella (2) in my candidacy and without their inspiration, none of this would be possible. I would appreciate your support on April 6th and I look forward to hearing suggestions from our community on the improvements that are important to them.