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Jane Frech
217-787-2538
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield Parks Foundation to Host Public Park Board Candidate Forum

The Springfield Parks Foundation will host a Springfield Park Board Candidate Forum on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 7 p.m. in the Springfield City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Municipal Center West, 300 S. 7th Street. Candidates who have committed to attend include: Pete Cavanagh, incumbent Scott Hanauer, Steve Logue, Tara McAnarney and Chris Richmond. Incumbent Frank Lesko is also a candidate in the race for Park Board member. The public is invited to attend this important voter awareness forum where each candidate will present their qualifications and their vision for the future of Springfield Parks.

“We are in a time of major renovation, rehabilitation and growth in our park system and we need strong leadership to take our parks to the next level,” said Cathy Schwartz, president of the Springfield Parks Foundation. “The Springfield Park District has a budget of over $17 million with $8.8 million coming directly from you and me, the taxpayer. The voters of Springfield need to know where each candidate stands on issues that will affect our parks for generations to come.”

The forum will include a question and answer session allowing each Park Board candidate to present his or her views on various parks-related issues. The candidates will also field a limited number of questions from the audience. Dr. Ted Flickinger, president of the Illinois Associations of Park Districts, will moderate and Park Board President Leslie Sgro will also address the forum.

The six candidates are vying for three positions on the Springfield Park Board. Voters will fill the positions in a non-partisan election on Tuesday, April 5, 2005.

The Springfield Parks Foundation was founded in 1991 as a not-for-profit fund raising organization dedicated to enhancing the use, growth and preservation of our community parks. It is committed to working closely with the city and the Springfield Parks Board to beautify and provide supplemental funding for various parks in the Springfield area.

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