Posted by John Byrne at 11:22 a.m.; updated at 3:26 p.m.
Mayor Richard Daley’s new choice to lead the Chicago Park District board said today he expects to face the challenge of providing as many park programs as possible to
city residents in spite of a shrinking budget.
"I think we all have to acknowledge that’s what is going on at all
levels of government," said Dr. Bryan Traubert, an ophthalmologist and philanthropist who’s married to prominent Chicagoan Penny Pritzker.
Traubert, however, declined to discuss particular programs he will emphasize and
those that might be in danger of getting cut, citing his newness to the post.
"I would really have to go on a listening tour to get a better idea of
the specifics of the situation in neighborhood parks across the city,"
Traubert said. "It’s too early for me to get into the specifics."
Traubert, 55, is poised to become park board president, replacing Gery Chico, a longtime Daley troubleshooter who’s been tapped to lead the City Colleges of Chicago board. Traubert is on the Noble Street Charter Schools board. And he’s chairman of Marwen, an organization that provides art instruction and college counseling to Chicago Public Schools students.
He also chairs Chicago Run, which coordinates fitness programs for CPS students. Traubert said he thinks it’s that dedication to getting children in shape — rather than his connection to the Pritzker family — that put him on the mayor’s radar. Pritzker served as national finance chair for President Barack
Obama’s successful 2008 campaign.
Traubert said he has talked with Daley on several occasions about the importance of getting children involved in exercising in order to keep them from getting fat and to improve their performance in school.
"I would like to think that brought me to the mayor’s attention," Traubert said of Daley’s nomination, which must be considered by the City Council and the Park District Board before it becomes official. That process is likely to be a formality.