Restoring Trust: The Case for New Leadership in Our Park District

Michelle Thimios
Apr 16
4 min read

As the Crystal Lake Park District Board approaches its annual reorganization in May, the election of a new Board President offers an opportunity to restore public trust, prioritize transparency, and ensure that the district serves the entire community rather than narrow interests.

The Board should consider electing a new President because:

1. Transparency and Governance

Open Meetings Act Concerns: Under the current presidency, the board has faced significant criticism for "speedy" changes that critics argue violate the spirit, if not the letter, of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. This includes adding major agenda items without proper public notice and limited dialogue during meetings.
Reduced Public Access: The decision to reduce public meetings to just once a month limits the community’s ability to engage with their elected officials and stay informed on park district business.
Ignoring Regulatory Guidance: The board has reportedly moved away from Attorney General recommendations regarding the publication of agendas, making it harder for residents to understand the board's expected course of action.

2. Conflicts of Interest and "Lake Wars"

Prioritization of Private Interests: The replacement of the volunteer Lake Ecology Committee with members of a private homeowners association (the Shoreline Property Owners Association) suggests a shift toward prioritizing lakefront owners over the general public who also use and fund the lake.
History of Litigation: President Tiesenga’s long history of personal and family litigation against the Park District regarding riparian rights creates at least the appearance of a conflict of interest when he is tasked with governing the very body he has historically challenged in court.
Questionable Appointments: The hiring of a former board member as the district’s legal counsel at a significantly higher rate than the previous attorney has raised questions about "cronyism" and the responsible use of public funds.

3. Fiscal Responsibility and Accuracy

Misleading Financial Narratives: Leadership has used official newsletters to advocate for decreased funding based on unaudited numbers. Critics point out that the district's effective tax rate has actually decreased by nearly 20% since 2015, contradicting the narrative that taxpayers are facing an "unfair and growing share" of costs.
Disclosure Failures: There have been documented instances where the board failed to disclose family ties between the President and vendors/presenters (e.g., Statisnostics), undermining the ethical standards expected of a public body. The President failed to disclose his leadership role in the private Shoreline Property Owners Association (SPOA) before dissolving the public Lake Ecology Advisory Committee and handing its oversight responsibilities to the SPOA.
Public Resources for Private Property - Authorized the use of taxpayer dollars and sticker fees to treat shoreline weeds on their private property. [Authorized at 6/5 Committee of the Whole Meeting]

4. Community Values and Inclusivity

Dissolution of DEI Policy: The 4-3 vote to rescind the district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy was conducted during a "Committee of the Whole" meeting—a setting typically reserved for discussion, not final votes. This move was seen by many as a step backward for a district that serves a diverse population.
Politicization of a Non-Partisan Board: The current leadership has brought partisan endorsements (such as from the McHenry County Republican Executive Committee) into board meetings, which risks alienating residents and suggests the board is serving a political agenda rather than the community's recreational needs.
Silencing Public Voice: Multiple individuals have reported being denied the opportunity to speak or having public comment periods cut short, which is a direct failure of leadership in a representative democracy.

📣 Call to Action: Restore Trust in Our Parks

The Annual Meeting on May 18th is when the Park Board chooses its President. If you believe our district needs leadership that follows the Open Meetings Act, protects our tax dollars, and welcomes all community members, now is the time to speak up.

1. Show Up and Speak Out

The most impactful way to be heard is to attend in person.

When:
- Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM
- Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM (Board leadership) election
Where: Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive
Action: Sign up for public comment at the start of the meeting. You will have 3 minutes to share your perspective with the commissioners.

2. Send an Email to the Board

If you can’t make it in person, your digital voice still counts. Send a respectful email to the commissioners urging them to elect a President who will lead with transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Board Contact: Find Commissioner Emails Here

3. Get Help Preparing Your Comments

Not sure what to say? Parks for the People is hosting a Public Comment Zoom Workshop on May 14 to help residents draft clear, effective talking points for the meeting.

Sign up here: Public Comment Workshop Registration

Email Template (Copy and Personalize)

Subject: Leadership and Transparency at the May 18th Annual Meeting

Dear Crystal Lake Park District Commissioners,

As a resident and taxpayer, I am writing to express my hope for a new direction in board leadership during the upcoming annual reorganization on May 18th.

I believe the Park District is best served by a President who prioritizes:

Transparency: Strictly adhering to the Open Meetings Act and ensuring robust public notice for all agenda items.
Community Inclusivity: Restoring policies that ensure our parks are welcoming and accessible to all residents.
Fiscal Accountability: Focusing on the long-term health of our entire park system rather than prioritizing narrow interests.

I urge the board to consider these values when electing a President for the coming year. We need leadership that builds bridges within our community and restores trust in our local government.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address/Neighborhood]

Don't let this opportunity pass. Whether you send a quick email or join us at Main Beach on May 18th, your involvement is what keeps our parks "for the people."