What’s Wrong with the Current Board?
Fences and Fees at Gillson Beach
Despite overwhelming public opinion against a fence and fees, the board without public input initiated a fence and fees, overturning 100 years of a free, open, and clear natural wonder that is the “crown jewel” of Wilmette.
Executive Director Misconduct
The executive director recently resigned amid misconduct allegations resulting in a $5 million lawsuit alleging an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and retaliation against the late HR investigator.
Alarming Volunteer Policy
A longtime park district employee who admitted to viewing child erotica on district computers was subsequently allowed to respond to letters to Santa and volunteering at family park district events.
Open Meetings Act Violations
Delayed approval of meeting minutes, unlawful content discussed at closed-door meetings. The most egregious violation: the decision to add a fence the lakefront, conducted at an off-site, untelevised “COW” meeting with a vague agenda, ensuring the public would not take notice.
Governance Failures
The current board quietly dissolved all committees, such as the lakefront, financial planning, and real estate committees, eliminating specialized oversight and opportunities for public transparency.
Financial Irresponsibility
Unexplained $5.4 million surprise purchase of Beth Hillel with no plan for the property and without seeking community input about the purchase or how to pay for it.
$5 Million Lawsuit and Legal Fees
Taxpayers are going to have to cover the $5 million dollar misconduct lawsuit plus legal costs, including the personal defense attorney fees for the now-resigned executive director.
Mass exodus of Senior Staff
The majority of senior management resigned in 2024 due to an apparently toxic work environment.
Unresponsive Commissioners
Hundreds of voters wrote to their elected park commissioners over the past year and instead of responding, commissioners enlisted the executive director to respond, a paid and unelected employee.
Meet the Candidates
New Leadership for a Better Future
Paul McKinley
- Dedicated family man and community advocate
- Over 15 years experience in the finance industry
- Committed to restoring accountability and ensuring every resident’s voice is heard
- Learn more
Nancy Johnson
- Real estate professional and property manager
- Tireless champion for transparency and accountable governance
- Long-time Resident
- Learn more
Anastasia Royal
- Lifelong community activist who has heard the call of our neighborhood
- Musician
- Dedicated business owner and educator
- Learn more
Meet the Candidates Event
Meet Anastasia, Nancy, and Paul on Friday, March 21st, from 2-4 PM at the new Mazmez Middle Eastern Grill in downtown Wilmette. This is a great chance to meet the candidates and learn more about their vision for our parks.
“Before I built a wall I’d ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offense.”
Robert Frost
Mending Wall