Sun City Homeowners Association Board of Election candidates Rita Schank, Diane Hirshberg, Art Ryden and Pat Bosi responded to My Sun Day News’ candidates survey.
The field of candidates also includes Christine Such, Barry Newman and Bob Olesen. They were included in the September 7 edition.
Rita Schank
Challenger or incumbent: I am a challenger.
Main priorities if elected: “My main concern is opening communication between the residents and the board. I would like to have the secretary write a synopsis of each board meeting and provide an email for questions to be directed to the board.
Secondly, I want the members of the community to have more input on expenditures over $5k that are outside the realm of normal business. The board needs to establish a survey system that allows the residents to have a voice in the community expense.”
Community involvement: “I am a member of the Tennis Club, play Triple Play, luncheons with the ladies, chair game committees for neighborhood picnic and Christmas party. I am retired and spend a great deal of my time quilting.”
Occupation, current or former: Formerly a Logistics Director for Montgomery Ward, DSC Logistics and EVP of The Graham Woods Group, a home delivery company for Best Buy, Sears, and several other retailers. Schank is now retired and is an avid quilter.
Immediate family: “I have lived in Del Webb Sun City for 17 years with my husband Alex. We have been married 47 years. We have two daughters and three grandchildren.”
Art Ryden
Sun City Homeowners Association incumbent board of directors member Art Ryden is seeking re-election to the board. He is in his third year on the board, second year as Board Secretary.
Number of years residing in Sun City: nine years.
Main priorities if elected: “Continue to provide first rate services and amenities to our residents in the face of higher inflation levels. I ran initially on the motto, ‘Do the Most Good for the Most People.’ Nothing has changed, the Board must act in the best interests of the community as a whole.”
Community involvement: NAC Board representative five years, three years as N25 Lead Representative, one year NAC Exec Committee, former president and secretary, Sun City Sportsman’s Club.
Occupation, now or previous: Retired after a 35-year career in education, as a teacher, counselor, special education case manager and intervention coordinator.
Immediate family members: wife Donna Pellar-Ryden. We live in N25.
Pat Bosi
Incumbent or challenger: I am a challenger, my first attempt at a board seat.
Number of years living in Sun City: We have lived here since 2019.
Main priorities if elected to a board term: “We need more transparency from the Board to the residents. Video recording of the meetings on the private Sun City website. Transparency on the decisions the board makes both the favorable and unfavorable conclusions. I want a thorough review of all regulations, rules and guidelines to insure they are still relevant, and if not take the necessary steps to update them. I want to encourage more community involvement. I would be willing to meet with any resident or group of residents to listen to their concerns and-or issues.”
Community involvement: “I continue to serve on the Insurance subcommittee for the fourth year. Very involved in our Neighborhood activities, Holiday Party and Neighborhood Picnic. I walk five to seven miles every day and walk with residents in many Association activities.”
Occupation, current and previous: “Worked in senior level positions at Shell Oil, AIG Insurance Company and AUM, a utility billing company. My positions included the areas of human resources and operations. Served on the Budgeting Committee and the Board of Directors at both AIG and AUM. Retired in December, 2017.”
Immediate family members: “I live with my husband Ron. Have two sons, Jeff lives in St. Charles and Don lives in Gilbert, Arizona. They gifted me with seven grandchildren ranging in ages from 11-21.”
Diane Hirshberg
Incumbent or challenger: challenger.
Main priorities if elected to a director’s term: “Transparency in spending and getting the input from the residents on changes that affect them plus getting multiple bids over a set amount. The board needs to address the issues and concerns of the residents and take them seriously with some type of response either at the board meetings or in the newsletter.
In addition, the board meetings should be archived for those who are unable to view or attend the meetings at the time they are held. The Design Guidelines are vague. I would like to see an ad hoc committee of professionals in this area review them and make recommendations for changes to the board where common sense and maintaining property values and the beauty of the community meet. I am running to bring accountability for spending, transparency to the community and get community input when appropriate.”
Number of years living in Sun City: four years on Sept. 30.
Occupation, current or previous: “Currently retired from a park district in the western suburbs where I was the Human Resources Director for 14 plus years. When I started at the park district there was no HR department and laws weren’t followed. I started from scratch as the HR department of one at first and brought the district into compliance and created systems, policies and practices that were effective. I was also responsible for a budget that I never exceeded. And I worked to balance the needs of the employees while remaining legally compliant. I believe people should not only get a yes or no response, but an honest reason for the answer.”
Community involvement: “I’ve used the fitness center, attended concerts. We moved here in 2019 when I was still working. Then COVID hit and I retired in 2021. I got involved in my church where I lead a woman’s Bible study on Monday nights and volunteer at church and attend Young at Heart events. There are many Sun City residents who attend my church. Plus, I am a friendly visitor through McHenry Senior Services for a 92-year-old woman who needs companionship.”
Immediate family members: spouse of 44 years, Hal; daughter Alexis; son, David; daughter-in-law, Melissa; three grandsons, Victor, Luca and Enzo.
