Meet Linda J. Painter
Linda J. Painter is running for Forest Preserve District 3, DuPage County
Linda J. Painter serves as Commissioner for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. She is working to make all the forest preserves in DuPage County more accessible and enjoyable for the residents. Linda is known to hand out small paintbrushes while talking to voters so they remember to vote for her.
1. What sparked your interest in serving in politics?
I started off becoming civically involved in our unincorporated community. I then became a committeeperson and became very interested in the Forest Preserve as Waterfall Glenn is a block from my house. I decided to run for Commissioner of the Forest Preserve to have input on the policies affecting the preserves.
2. What accomplishment are you most proud of while in office?
I have had many accomplishments since becoming a commissioner. Here are some highlights:
Since taking office, I’ve added over 100 acres of open space in District 3.
Seeing a need for a dog park in southeast DuPage County, I was instrumental in establishing one in Oldfield Oaks in Darien.
Hearing concerns from residents by 79th and Yackley, I worked with several governmental entities to provide a much-needed spur trail for nearby residents to safely access Greene Valley.
After finding Waterfall Glen was challenging to navigate without getting lost, I initiated new directional signage as a pilot project now used in many preserves.
Advocated for the newly opened parking lot providing safer access to Waterfall Glen.
Seeing a need for better communication, I started sending emails to inform constituents about upcoming forest preserve events. If you are interested in joining my list, please email me at linda@lindapainter.com.
3. What do you wish most voters knew about your position in office?
As a Commissioner, I am part of the Forest Preserve Board, which determines the priorities for how your tax dollars are spent.
4. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of your position?
In addition to my in-person board meetings, I also receive calls from constituents with questions and concerns that I work to answer and resolve. I also give presentations to clubs, organizations, and groups of people on various topics relating to the Forest Preserve.
5. What are your goals for this term in office?
I want to continue serving my constituents by bringing my knowledge and experience to the Board. Some of my goals include:
Continue adding open space in District 3, when available.
I would like to create a tranquility garden in Waterfall Glen with easy access for seniors and people with disabilities.
Adding QR codes at mile markers to help first responders locate patrons in an emergency.
Continue keeping the Forest Preserves safe by working with law enforcement to ensure they have the tools to keep us safe.
Make sure your tax dollars are being spent in the most productive manner to gain the most value for the dollar.
6. What is a challenge you currently face in your position?
The rising costs in maintaining our forest preserves, especially since user demand has grown tremendously since COVID.
7. What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your position?
As a Commissioner for the Forest Preserve District, I have always been extremely responsive to questions and inquiries from residents and patrons of the preserves. My constituents look at me as a Commissioner who gets things done. My cell phone number is listed on our Forest Preserve website along with my campaign website, and I answer calls as they come in. I also follow up on any inquiries. To help residents stay informed, I maintain an email list where I provide information on upcoming events in our preserves in a timely manner.
8. In your opinion, what is a hidden gem of a restaurant or business in Downers Grove Township?
Some of my Favorites:
Country House, Clarendon Hills
Jamesons Char House, Darien/Woodridge
Papa Passero’s, Westmont
9. Please share a website or social media page, where people can find out more, donate or volunteer for your campaign.
Email: linda@lindapainter.com