Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

It was interesting to read Ted Flickinger's "Should board members limit their terms of office?" in the June issue (May/ June 1990). Ted made some good points pro and con. I am reminded of that eminently quotable American, Ben Franklin, for his view. Mr Franklin stated, "Never seek public office, but never refuse it when it is offered; and never give it up unless it's taken away."

Sincerely,
Norman P. Smalley
Commissioner, 20+years
Elmhurst Park District

Palmer joins Oregon Park District staff

Thorn Palmer, former Recreation Supervisor at the Crystal Lake Park District, has joined the staff at the Oregon Park District as Superintendent of Recreation.

Palmer holds a bachelor of science degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Western Illinois University, and a master of science degree in Leisure and Environmental Resources Administration from Aurora University.

Johns retires as General Superintendent of Glenview Park District after 34 years

Richard E. Johns has announced his retirement as General Superintendent of the Glenview Park District. His resignation is effective at the end of 1990, after 34 years and 8 months of service in Glenview.

He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Parks and Recreation from Indiana University. He served as president of Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) for two terms in 1968 and again in 1975. He authored the "Task Force Goals" report in 1975 which completely restructured the state association.

During Johns' tenure in Glenview, that district has twice received the National Gold Medal Award, in 1970 and 1978. His professional recognitions included the Robert Artz Award in 1983, and the Fellow Award in 1976 from IPRA, and the Garret Eppley Alumni Recognition from Indiana University.

He authored numerous articles and served in a consultant capacity for various park districts. Nationally, he has been part of the University Curriculm Accreditation program with six university accreditations.

Prior to his position in Glenview, Johns was director of recreation in LaPorte, Ind., and South Haven, Mich. He will be moving to Hot Springs Village, Ark., upon his retirement.

Rogers selected as Recreation Supervisor for Downers Grove Park District

Jim Rogers has been selected for the position of Recreation Supervisor for the Downers Grove Park District.

Rogers is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Leisure Studies, and was honored for the Department of Leisure Studies John Bruce Capel Award.

Rogers has worked part-time for the district and Urbana Park District. He has authored articles for Sagamore Publishings' "Management Strategy" publication.

New book on Illinois Government published

Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Executive Director Dr. Ted Flickinger, and IAPD General Counsel Peter M. Murphy have co-authored a chapter in a Southern Illinois University Press publication of a book titled, Illinois Local Government: A Handbook.

The book was edited by State Rep. James Keane.

Flickinger and Murphy co-authored a chapter titled, "Special Districts."

The paperback edition is available through Southern Illinois University Press, P.O. Box 3697, Carbondale, Ill. 62902-3697, for $24.95. The cloth-bound edition is priced at $39.95.