Chicago Heights Administrator Appointed Park District Superintendent

Mayor David Gonzalez, Ald. Joshua Deabel and Ald.Willie White were just a few in attendance Monday evening as Francisco Perez was appointed to fill a position last held by the late Mayor Alex Lopez.

The decision came after the park district board of commissioners took a lengthy 40 minute executive session, but the group voted unanimously in favor of bringing Perez on board as Chicago Heights Park District superintendent.

"I thank the board of commissioners," Perez said. "I thank Joe Stanfa (park board president) for giving me the opportunity to serve the residents of Chicago Heights in a different capacity, from the city to making the transition to the park district."

Last year, it was reported Perez's company, South Suburban Chemical and Supply, had received more than $375,000 in business from the Chicago Heights Park District while he was working as executive assistant to Lopez.

Perez said those days are long gone.

"Currently, there's no contract (with the district)," Perez said. "Our dear friend, former supt. Alex Lopez, he put that to rest by doing the janitorial cleaning in-house. The supplies, the park district is buying from different vendors."

Perez, who officially starts working with the Park District Thursday, said his goals are kid-oriented.

"I'd like to provide more services for the kids," Perez said. "I have three kids of my own so I know the importance of providing good programs for the kids, but also for the senior citizens."