Matt Gauntt for Geneva Park District Commissioner

By Matt Gauntt

For a number of years my family and I have participated in a number of programs that have either been sponsored by the Geneva Park District or utilized their facilities.  My son and I have participated in the Geneva Baseball Association.  Both my daughter and my son have been members of the Geneva River Rats swim team.  My wife has enrolled in a number of programs at the Park District and she's an avid walker.  After enjoying the facilities and programs provided by the Park District I thought it was time to give back.  So, a year ago I decided that I would run for the Park District Board and I've been attending the Board Meetings since that time to learn about the Board and familiarize myself with the issues.

My family moved here to Geneva 11 years ago.  It was a great decision.  Geneva has recently been recognized as the best place in Illinois to raise kids. I want to help keep Geneva a great place to both live and raise children.  To do so, I wanted to help in specific ways and the Park District Board is the only position that I felt like I should run for; it matches my experience, my qualifications and my passion.  This isn't just any position for me, it's the only one.

Prior to coming to Geneva, I was a Village Trustee in Hanover Park. Prior to that, I was Chairman of the Development Commission and a member of the Metra Citizens Advisory Board.  During my time as Trustee, I learned about budgets and the hard decisions that face elected officials when revenues are tight and programs are abundant.

My experience also lends itself to the Park District Board.  I've been a civil engineer for over 22 years.  During that time I have worked for and with numerous school districts and park districts to design recreational facilities.  I've designed baseball, football, and soccer fields.  My experience also includes acting as the construction administrator for numerous building projects including a private gymnasium. It's my hope that this experience will be valuable to the Board as we move forward as a community.

The Park District is also where my passion lies.  My first job as a 12 year old boy in my home town was working for our City Park District at the municipal pool.  For the last 8 years I've been an assistant coach for my son's baseball teams within the Geneva Baseball Association. It's been a great experience.  I get a great kick out of going to a football game or just being in the community and running into one of the boys that I've helped coach over the years.

I would love to have your vote on April 9th for the Park District Board.  If you would like to find out more about me or contact me, you can visit my website.

Click here to go to my website.

I also have a Facebook page - click here to visit it and "like" my campaign.

I would love to serve as one of your Park District Commissioners and I hope you will consider casting your vote for me.

Geneva's Park Board candidates welcome comments and questions from the public. Commenters: Please provide your full name, either via the username or by including your full name at the end of your comment. Anonymous comments will be omitted or deleted. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Geneva Patch Editor Rick Nagel at rickn@patch.com.