Fred Gusel, who fell short in his first bid for the park board last spring, will succeed Commissioner Kathryn Engel-Accetura, who resigned last week because she is moving out of Downesr Grove.
Rather than accept applicants for the post as was done when Susan Dunlap resigned in 2003, the board agreed to appoint Gusel, who came in third in the April election. Incumbent Art Jaros was the fourth-place finisher.
“Fred was next in line from the vote standpoint,” said board president Bob Gelwicks. “Since the election was held this year, everyone thought it was a good idea rather than waiting six months like when I got appointed.”
Gelwicks was appointed to Dunlap’s seat in March 2004, five months after she had vacated the post.
Gusel, who is the superintendent of recreation for the Naperville Park District, previously spent six years as aquatic manager for the Bolingbrook Park District, where he oversaw the district’s indoor/outdoor Pelican Harbor water park.
Dear Residents of Downers Grove,
Last April I threw my hat into the political ring for the first time when I ran for the Park District board. Unfortunately, I fell short of my goal of winning one of the open seats. I am thankful that the current board thought enough of me to fill the open vacancy. I am excited at the opportunity to serve you the residents. My motto as stated during my campaign will be to govern with an open mind and have the best interest of the needs of the entire community as my driver.
Fred Gusel