DEERFIELD, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Deerfield Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot. Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Deerfield Park District Board of Commissioners on Election Day. They include three incumbents Rick Patinkin (current president), Gil Antokal and Gregory Lapin. The challengers are
DEERFIELD, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Deerfield Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Deerfield Park District Board of Commissioners on Election Day. They include three incumbents Rick Patinkin (current president), Gil Antokal and Gregory Lapin. The challengers are Michael Brown, Joel Seeskin and Debbie Serota.
Deerfield Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.
Gil Antokal
Age (as of Election Day)
76
Town/City of Residence
Deerfield
Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)
N/A
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Education
Bradley University, B.S., Illinois State University, Graduate Assistantship
Occupation
Mortgage Banker, past 31 years
Campaign website
www.parkboardincumbents.com
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Park Board Commissioner – 20 years
Chairperson Deerfield Community Quarterly Blood Drive – 30+ years
Community Relations Commission – 20+ years
Deerfield Youth Council – 12 years
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
For the past year, the most pressing issue has been the Covid-19 Pandemic. The virus has impacted all aspects of the Park District; the Patty Turner Center, Golf Course, Rec Center, pre-School programs, Summer Camps, etc. Working with some of the best Recreation staff assembled, dealing with the regular changes from the county, state and federal guidelines have been complicated to say the least. Working on creative solutions to keep the patrons of the Park District served well is the objective.
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, I support Black Lives Matter. As for the protests, all protests, those who break the law should be held fully responsible. Violence, looting and other breeches should not be tolerated.
Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?
Absolutely, and there is always more that can be done as we continue to move forward.
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?
I believe in the science and following the guidance of the professionals.
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?
To many moving parts on a daily basis for a response to be meaningful.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Each of the incumbents have the knowledge, experience and the professional approach to maintain the high standards of the nationally recognized Park District. Strong fiscal management, noting that the Deerfield Park District is one of only 11 Park Districts in the State to carry an Aaa Moody’s rating out of more than 300 Park Districts.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
NA
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
Continuing to improve Park District facilities and see that programs and activities offered meet the needs of the Park District patrons, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
20 years of successful growth of the Park District. A complete and extensive list of the accomplishments can be found at the election website.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
Successfully working through the problems presented by the Pandemic and continuing on the positive path the Park Board has established.
Why should voters trust you?
Look at the record of what the Park District has accomplished with the current Park Board.
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
Continuing with the fiscal responsibility exhibited over the years. The average homeowner has seen their Park District share of their tax bill go up an average of $20 a year for the past 5 years. Great value for their tax dollars.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
None
The best advice ever shared with me was:
I think it came from a Philosophy class quoting Galileo ….. “All truths are easy to understand; the point is to discover them”
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Visit the website for a complete biography and detailed description of positions and accomplishments. www.ParkBoardIncumbents.com
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