Tom Gullen Endorsement

I am writing to support the candidacy of Elise Gibson-Duda, Scott Corley, and Freddy Johnson for the open positions of the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners.

Kudos to the Winnetka Park District Board and Staff for having the vision to make significant renovations and improvements to the lakefront and golf facilities. Bringing these facilities up to date will benefit residents and make Winnetka an even better pla

However, the work is not completed. Other facilities and parks in the community are aging and in need of major expansion and renovations. This will require creative thinking and financing ideas utilizing both public and private contributions. 

I believe Elise, Scott, and Freddy will bring the vision and skills to make these projects happen.

Tom Gullen

1218 Oak St.

Winnetka Park District 

Employee 1981-2016

I am writing to support the candidacies of Elise Gibson (Duda), Scott Corley, and Frederick (Freddy) Johnson for the open positions on the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners.

In the years to come, it is crucial to continue prioritizing the renewal of our parks, lakefront, and youth programs. Expanding and modernizing youth programs is essential to providing more opportunities for our children to grow, develop, and stay active. These programs play a vital role in fostering a sense of community, teamwork, and leadership among our youth.

I am confident that Elise, Scott, and Freddy have the vision, forward thinking approach, and expertise to lead these efforts. They have already started their work by engaging with youth programs to better understand the needs of our community. 

Their leadership will take us to the next level, ensuring Winnetka remains a vibrant community with top-tier recreational spaces and programs for all ages.

Brian Doll

Head, Varsity High School Football Coach 

Winnetka Hockey Club Board President 2021-23

Elm Street Winnetka Dad

As a 40-year resident of Winnetka, the Park District is phenomenal.

Programming for every age group.  Incredible facilities, parks and beaches. The Park District is well-run, well-financed, and financially well-managed.  To me, the mission of the Park Board is to represent the views of ALL residents of our community. 

What’s at stake in this election is a choice between future growth and meeting the needs of our younger generation versus status quo, stagnation, and limited investment.

Elise, Scott and Freddy are far more representative of the majority of our Community: young families. 

They are balanced.  They listen very well. They don’t have agendas. They will do what’s right for the majority of the community -- see things go forward and improve.  

My endorsement for what is right for the majority of the residents of Winnetka. 

Mickey Archambault

40+ year resident  of Winnetka

Winnetka Park District Commissioner, 2015 - 2023

I served as a Winnetka Park Board Commissioner for 8 years. 

We accomplished much during my tenure on the board: Finishing the Skokie Playfields; Renovating both Dwyer and Hubbard Woods Parks; Created the Lakefront Master Plan; Improved the access and bluffs and Tower Beach; And completely renovated and improved Lloyd Beach.  We were effective, aligned throughout the village, and focused on progress. 

Since my departure, I have seen Park District board completely lose the goodwill, progress, and mostly any sense of collaboration to get things done. That needs to change.

I fully support the VOTE 1-2-4 Candidates who are professional leaders, committed to progress, and represent our broader community.  At this critical time, we need a refreshed board that will listen, work together, and improve our Park District Assets. 

Elise, Scott and Freddy are the right team for our future -- 

and for that reason please VOTE 1-2-4.

Teresa Claybrook

20+ Year Winnetka Resident

8-Year WPD Commissioner, 2013 - 2021

I served as WPD commissioner for eight great years, 

two of those as board president.  

What made this great?  We had a highly collaborative board that worked together to reinvest in our community.  

This election speaks to the future of Winnetka and a return to reinvesting in our community under the aegis of a high-performing board.

Winnetka deserves a fresh perspective to solve the near-and long-term opportunities around our programming, facilities, parks and beaches. 

I’m voting for VOTE 1-2-4 Candidates Elise, Scott and Freddy because they are smart, independent, and best represent the majority of families in the community.  

They will create a collaborative, high-performing board that is so critical to moving the district forward.

Brad McLane

29 year Winnetka Resident 

Winnetka Park District Commissioner, 2008 - 2016

Winnetka residents will gain positive, thoughtful, 

well-oriented Park District commissioners by electing 

Elise Gibson (Duda), Scott Corley, and Freddy Johnson.  

These three residents support a broad range of 

programming and understand the role of a 

commissioner is to represent the entire community. 

In my tenure with the Winnetka Park District, success was found within strong community engagement, open and healthy  discussion, and ultimately voting and full alignment.

It is time that we get back to that mission: to work on behalf of our residents and then execute on their behalf.

Freddy, Elise, and Scott represent spirited, professional, poised leadership.  VOTE 1-2-4 is the winning ticket.

John Peterson

Five Years WPD Commissioner, 2015-2020

Four Years WPD Executive Director, 2020-2024

As a lifelong Winnetka Resident of 60+ years and former  WPD Commissioner and WCC Chair, this election is about the “C” in Commissioner:  Leadership with vision and the strategic stewardship to respect your tax dollars and deliver a Park District which elevates parks and recreational opportunities for present and future generations. 

The Park District tradition of executional excellence is evidenced by renewals of: Skokie Playfields, Lloyd Beach, Hubbard Woods park, and the recently completed golf course.  What is SO wonderful about these projects is that they reflect collaboration across taxing agencies, vision-deliberation with Constituents, and conviction to get BIG things done. 

Elise, Scott, and Freddy are committed to a thoughtful strategic approach, with open debate that aims to lead the full Board for more effective solutions.  I ask you to VOTE 1-2-4 on April 1st and send a positive vote toward transforming our amazing Village to a town that gets BIG things done.

Ed Harney

60+ Year Winnetka Resident

Winnetka Park District Board Commissioner, 2009 - 2015

Winnetka Caucus Leadership Roles 

• Schools Committee Chair, 2004 
• Village Candidate Chair, 2005 
• Co-Chair, 2006

Winnetka Community House 

• Board of governors, 2008-2015
• Fundraising Co-Chair, 2010-2020 raising $4.4 million 
• Major Donor