Carolyn Ubriaco, a Republican and longtime Elmhurst Park District commissioner, is running for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 1 in the Nov. 3 general election.
She faces Democrat Susan M. Smentek.
Asked why she is seeking the office, Ubriaco said in our candidate questionnaire: "This is the kind of work that I have done for over 30 years. It's what I love to do. DuPage has more than 26,000 acres of woods, prairie, wetland, and trail. I will protect and restore our natural areas and acquire land parcels using the grit and leadership skills honed from over 23 years as a park commissioner."
Candidate information
Party: "Republican"
Education: "University of Illinois, Gies College of Business, B.S. Accounting" and "IAPD Leadership Institute," Ubriaco said in our questionnaire.
Family: "Married 40 years with 3 children"
Endorsement: DuPage County Republican Central Committee, according to the DuPage County Republicans.
Experience and public service
Ubriaco has served as an Elmhurst Park District commissioner since 2003, according to BallotReady profile data. She also serves on the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees, according to the Elmhurst Park District. She works as a community links coordinator at Christians Against Poverty.
Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, Ubriaco said in our questionnaire: "23+ Year Elmhurst Park District Commissioner, elected 2003, 2009, 2015, 2021," adding that she serves as an "Illinois Association of Park Districts Trustee" and "Illinois Trust, Trustee and Audit Committee Chair."
Her work history spans several fields. On her occupation, she said she works "for Christians Against Poverty to provide free one-on-one professional debt coaching and budget education to help anyone escape the misery of debt and transform their lives."
She also listed experience as an "Application Development Manager for Sales, Marketing & Customer Service" and a "Financial Business Manager for complex high-technology manufacturing." Other roles include "Financial Auditor" and "Independent Frequency and Loyalty Marketing Consultant to the largest cultural arts association in the Chicagoland area."
On the issues
Asked what accomplishments she would cite as evidence she can handle the job, Ubriaco said in our questionnaire: "I led the park board through complex agreements involving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, the City of Elmhurst and others on issues including critical stormwater mitigation. I helped raise funds for and establish the Playground for Everyone, an accessible playground among the first of its kind in DuPage County. I worked to eliminate the use of glyphosate by the Elmhurst Park District."
She added: "With a vision for the community's unmet and future needs I presented a formal board proposal to start the fact-finding steps and community engagement." That effort, she said, "led to a successful 2024 referendum and new Wagner Community Center set to open in 2027."
Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Ubriaco said: "I've led community organizations for over 30 years including 23 years as an Elmhurst Park Commissioner with terms as president and vice-president. Commissioners statewide elected me to the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees to help park, recreation, special recreation, conservation and forest preserve district leaders become better leaders."
She outlined five priorities for the office in our questionnaire: "1. Protect open space, restore natural areas and acquire land in District 1. 2. Expand and keep trails and facilities safe and open to every age and ability. 3. Care for tax dollars with transparency and create lasting value for you and future generations. 4. Establish partnerships that grow community talent, magnify resources and develop appreciation for a healthy and beautiful ecosystem. 5. Treat stormwater as a resource for native habitats and keep problem flooding out of neighborhoods."
