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Occupation
Commercial Real Estate Broker

Birthdate
May 6, 1946

Address
3313 Colony Drive,
Jamestown, N.C. 27282

Web site and e-mail address
www.Johnparks.org
Johnparks2colony@aol.com

Party affiliation
Democrat

Previous elective experience
Guilford County Commissioner At Large
1992-2000 Guilford County Commissioner At Large
1988-1992 Guilford County School Board (Vice Chairman 1989)

Other relevant experience (boards and commissions)
Social Services Board
Piedmont Triad Partnership
High Point Economic Development Corporation
High Point MPO Transportation Advisory Committee
Chair Audit Committee
Budget Process Committee
Economic Incentive Committee
Community Based Organizations Study Committee
Bond Counsel Committee
Criminal Justice Steering Committee of N.C. County Commissioners Association
Public Education Steering Committee of N.C. County Commissioners Association
High Point Business and Convention Bureau
Greensboro Sports Commission
Guilford County Animal Coalition
Communication Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Juvenile Detention Building Committee

Family
Married to Judy for 40 years
Two sons, Wendel married to Wendy and Neil married to Sandy
One grandchild, Holden and expecting another in August.

Why have you chosen to run for this office?
I am convinced that we are making great improvements in our efforts to educate our children to their full potential. Guilford Technical Community College is making great efforts to prepare students for the job demands in our changing economy. And while we are short of funds, we are not holding back in our efforts to meet the needs of our citizens. But there is unfinished business and I feel that I have the experience and dedicated leadership to do my part to help maximize our efforts and do more.

What distinguishes you most from your opponent?
Over fourteen years of elected experience as a school board member and as a county commissioner; experience in the public sector as a teacher/coach and probation/parole officer (Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award); and experience in the private sector as a commercial real estate broker. Community involvement: High Point Jaycees (Outstanding Young Men of America Award, and Vice President), Jamestown Youth League, Greensboro Youth Baseball, Youth Unlimited, League of Women Voters, PTA, Chairman of Jamestown Middle School Advisory Council, Volunteers to the Court, and Citizens for Responsible Government.

Key qualifications you would bring to the job:
Extensive knowledge of Guilford County and the issues affecting Guilford County citizens. I set an example by being professional, fair, objective, and accessible. I listen and I am responsive to our citizens. I attend many events to learn more and to show my appreciation toward the efforts being made to make Guilford County a better place to live.

List your top three campaign issues and your stances on those issues
Education: Provide greater educational opportunities for all students
Economy: Strengthen economic development
Services: Increase the efficiency in the delivery of services

List your top three campaign issues and your stances on those issues
Appears to be duplicate question to #13.

How will you contribute to greater civility on the board?
Get down to the business at hand. Be professional. Continue to speak on the issues; keeping personalities out of the discussion.

What large projects or expenditures do you anticipate in the next few years for Guilford County?
School construction and renovation, G.T.C.C. expansion, water and sewer infrastructure growth, new detention center, social service building in High Point, new EMS bases in Northwest and Eastern Guilford County, possible expansion of the substance abuse treatment center.

Should the board require that its chairman be an at-large representative?
No. Each Board member should be treated as an equal and have an equal chance to be chosen Chairman.

Under what circumstances will you approve of economic incentives for new or expanding businesses?
Staying power, fair hiring and promotion practices, provide a living wage and benefits to its employees, no negative impact on the environment, and incentives are truly going to be the "deal breaker."

How can county government improve relations and coordinate the delivery of services with municipalities?
Joint meetings, continue to work together on economic development, joint land use planning, water and sewer agreements, "thinking green," transportation linkage, joint parks and recreation efforts, library agreements, active participation on the task force to resolve chronic homelessness, inspections, voting site selections, and animal control.

With which aspect of county government are you most satisfied, with which are you most dissatisfied, and why?
Satisfied with ongoing efforts to implement a strategic plan for the future, involving citizens, staff, and county commissioners. Dissatisfied with technology shortcomings. We must have more advanced technology to link joint efforts to serve our citizens.