Susan M. Smentek, a Democrat, is running for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 1 in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election. She faces Republican Carolyn Ubriaco.

Asked why she is running, Smentek said in our candidate questionnaire that she wants "every resident … to have access to DuPage's extraordinary green spaces and the chance to make memories and share experiences there." She added, "I live in the older, more built-up eastern part of the county, where residents have less access to public green space, so protecting additional land and improving trail connections are especially important to me."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Home: Elmhurst

Education: Smentek said in our questionnaire that she holds a "B.S. in Speech, with a concentration in Radio/TV/Film, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois." She also holds an "M.A. in Music, Vocal Pedagogy, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Illinois."

Family: Smentek said in our questionnaire: "I live in Elmhurst with my husband, a professional musician and member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. We have three children pursuing postgraduate, undergraduate, and high school studies, along with our beloved dog, Tucker."

Experience and public service

Asked about her work history, Smentek said in our questionnaire: "I have more than 20 years of experience in parks and recreation and am a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE). I currently serve as Sponsorship and Downtown Park Events Manager for the Glen Ellyn Park District and Managing Director of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation."

She also said she is "a certified Illinois Master Naturalist, with training in Illinois plants, wildlife, and ecosystems, plus ongoing volunteer service and continuing education."

On her elected service, she said: "I currently serve as an elected Commissioner of the Elmhurst Park District, where I am Co-Chair of the Finance Committee and serve as the Board's Legislative Liaison."

Asked what accomplishments show she can handle the job, Smentek said: "As Managing Director of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, I led the team that raised more than $414,000 for Phase 1 of Prairie Path Park." She added, "In 2026, the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Board elected me Treasurer, another reflection of the trust I have built within the community."

On the issues

Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Smentek said: "I roll up my sleeves and do the work. I bring more than 20 years of professional parks and recreation experience, not only board service."

On her campaign platform, Smentek said she wants to protect existing preserves, acquire new lands in alignment with the district's Land Preservation Plan and support habitat restoration. She also said she wants to integrate sustainable practices and renewable energy sources across district operations and improve and expand trail connections.

Asked about the best advice she ever received, Smentek said in our questionnaire: "My mom, Jeanine Smentek, often said, 'If you didn't grow and change, life would be boring.'" She said her mother "encouraged us to pursue our dreams, live fully, and uplift and care for our neighbors, other living creatures, and Mother Nature."