Lake County Gazette

Six candidates are vying for three open positions in the Lake Bluff Park District Commissioner races.

Rich Martin 

Rich Martin is the President/Owner of Gurnee-based Paper Tiger Document Solutions which he started in 1997. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Martin is running as a member of the Fawcett-Martin-McCabe slate which is challenging incumbent board members. 

“Despite what you may have heard, Fawcett-Martin-McCabe are NOT out to close the golf course,” Adrienne Fawcett said on Facebook, of the slate. “They are not single-issue candidates. They ARE keen to build opportunities, develop consensus, and find funding sources. They have spent the past few months researching solutions to the park district’s many problems, which include $11mm in unfunded capital needs, and they have come up with unique and viable ideas to address the problems. One of those ideas specifically relates to enhancing funding for the course.”

Constance McCabe

Constance McCabe is also a member of the Fawcett-Martin-McCabe slate. McCabe was mentioned in the board’s Sept. 19, 2022 minutes when she addressed the board.

“Constance McCabe, resident, said she was rejoicing about the news from the Chicago District Office of Civil Engineers that it is absolutely 100% okay to use the funds for the project, which was validated in the communication that was shared with the Board today," the meeting minutes read.

It also noted that McCabe 'commented that the residents look forward to cooperation with SMC and SMC remains very willing to engage with the Park District.'

Don Fawcett 

Don Fawcett joins McCabe and Martin to round out the challenger candidate list.

Fawcett’s bio on the group’s website notes he is a “resident of Lake Bluff running for the Park District with a background in business and contract negotiations.”

Jennifer Beeler 

Jennifer Beeler is currently serving in Lake Bluff Park District. She is seeking another four-year term on the board. She is the longest-serving current board member.

“Jennifer Beeler has been an active volunteer for the Lake Bluff Park District for over a decade. She served her first term as a Park District Commissioner, chairing the Parks and Beach Committee and then moving from Vice President to President of the Board. Prior to that, Jennifer spent over 6 years as a trustee of the Friends of Lake Bluff Parks, raising funds for Sunrise Beach and other Park District assets,” her bio on the Vote Lake Bluff website reads.

Paul Greenfield

Paul Greenfield is a current board member seeking his second term.

According to his bio, Greenfield believes his experience and comprehensive knowledge of the Park District finances, as well as programming and facilities, are major assets in "performing the primary role of being a responsible steward of Park District resources.”

Emily Lane 

Emily Lane is an incumbent seeking a second term on the park board.

“As a registered nurse, Emily sees the park district as a vital part of a community’s public health infrastructure,” Lane’s bio on the Vote Lake Bluff website reads.

It added that Lane believes that "engagement in our parks, in recreation and sports programs, leads to healthier individuals and therefore healthier communities."

"During the COVID pandemic, she joined board votes to keep Sunrise beach and Blair pool open while also expanding programs, like the outdoor pickleball courts and additional preschool classrooms,” her bio further stated.