Ald. Sonia Perez Explains Decision to Leave Park District Board

Up until recently, Ward Two Ald. Sonia Perez was also Ward Two commissioner for the Chicago Heights Park District. At the July 11 park district board meeting, Board President Joseph Stanfa clarified that Perez had resigned from her seat. 

After the meeting Stanfa had kind things to say about Perez. "We’re going to miss her," he said. "She worked very hard for the park district." 

We caught up with Perez at Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center –where she is Behavioral Health Regional Operations Manager – and spoke with her about her decision.

Patch: When did you give up your seat?

Perez: June 13. 

Why?

Lately I had found myself being pulled in a lot of different directions, especially with the alderman position. I know I was doing that before, there are more programs and things that I am working on as well as I became a member of the Union Street Gallery board a while back. I’m working with that program to develop scholarships and so-forth for universities. I found myself not being able to give all of my attention to the park district.

How do Ward Two residents feel about you giving up your park board seat?

They’ve been really nice. They say they’re going to miss me and ask why I’m doing it. Once I explain it to them, they’re also very supportive.

Did that factor into your decision?

I agree with that. I think that’s a good move, especially in trying to bring new people in. I think it’s about our community, serving them.

Do you feel, going forward, we’ll see the city move away from people holding multiple positions?

I think that is up to the person holding the seats. It may. Like I said, I agree with that, but it’s up to the individual, because if they’re doing a great job, and people are getting the services that they need and the programs that they need, why not?

Do you have any recommendations to replace you as Ward Two commissioner?

I know that there have been applications and resumes submitted. I’m sure they’re going to make a good choice, as long as it’s someone that is committed to that position. It’s non-paying. We do it because we love it. As long as we can find someone who cares about kids, that’s my biggest part.

Looking back on your time as Ward Two commissioner, what is your fondest memory of that position?

When Alex (Lopez) came on (as superintendent) we were able to do so much with my ward.

Working with him, learning from him, getting the support from the people. I think that was my favorite part.  Just developing a new program. When we first started doing the after-school program, when we first started doing the free summer camp programs, those were my favorite parts.

The programs have grown. That’s also really important. We took one of the programs and started at Garfield (School). We had maybe eight kids. Now, during the summer, we have kids coming from all over. I think we were up to 50 or 60 kids per park.

What do you think of the ?

I think he’s great. He’s a real big advocate for children, especially with programs for them and trying to find new things for them to do. I know his own sons are in different programs. He’s great with children. He’s going to be really great in that position.

He knows how to handle business also. He’s going to be, not only for programs, but he’ll also be looking at the picture and thinking about how we can save money, how we can bring in extra money.

Do you think the park district is headed in a positive direction?

I think they are. I’ll always be around if they need me, but I think they are.

Board President Stanfa will submit the name of Perez's potential replacement in a future meeting.