Meet Mary

As a mother, grandmother, and retired attorney, I bring a wealth of experience as a public servant with a deep commitment to community. My lengthy history of service has equipped me with the professional expertise to influence policy-making, regulation, and legislation on behalf of various non-governmental organizations—both formal and informal—dedicated to improving lives.

As a child, I found my window to the world in the parks, where I took lessons of all sorts, spent hours in the playgrounds and attended summer camps.  As a parent, one of my greatest joys was sitting in the bleachers watching my own children play sports and participate on the cheer squads.  Now I enjoy taking long walks and sitting quietly in the dog park, 

My journey into citizen action began decades ago when my parents led a campaign to preserve a cherished parcel of natural woodlands, which was ultimately handed over to our local park district. Today, that land boasts beautiful walking and biking trails, serving as a beloved community asset.

 

I am running for the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, Division 5, because I want to ensure that our parks and recreational facilities are not only preserved but also maintained, kept safe, and improved for future generations. I hope to earn your support in this important endeavor!”

- Mary Kennedy

Meet Mary

As a mother, grandmother, and retired attorney, I bring a wealth of experience as a public servant with a deep commitment to community. My lengthy history of service has equipped me with the professional expertise to influence policy-making, regulation, and legislation on behalf of various non-governmental organizations—both formal and informal—dedicated to improving lives.

As a child, I found my window to the world in the parks, where I took lessons of all sorts, spent hours in the playgrounds and attended summer camps.  As a parent, one of my greatest joys was sitting in the bleachers watching my own children play sports and participate on the cheer squads.  Now I enjoy taking long walks and sitting quietly in the dog park, 

My journey into citizen action began decades ago when my parents led a campaign to preserve a cherished parcel of natural woodlands, which was ultimately handed over to our local park district. Today, that land boasts beautiful walking and biking trails, serving as a beloved community asset.

 

I am running for the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, Division 5, because I want to ensure that our parks and recreational facilities are not only preserved but also maintained, kept safe, and improved for future generations. I hope to earn your support in this important endeavor!”

- Mary Kennedy

Background

Education:
  • Loyola University of Chicago – B.A. Theatre
  • University of Michigan – M.A. Speech
  • Loyola University of Chicago – J.D.
  • University of Illinois, Chicago, School of Law – LL.M.
  • Tennessee State University – Graduate studies in Public Administration

Work History

  • Deputy General Counsel, Tennessee Department of Health
  • Chief Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Human Rights Commission
  • Deputy Guardian ad Litem, Cook County, Illinois
  • Chief Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
  • Chief of Sales Tax Prosecution Illinois Department of Revenue
  • General Counsel – Illinois Department of Employment Security

Priorities

A view to the future

Anticipating growth and changing demographics to ensure that spaces and programming reflect the needs of the community.  This is especially important for residents south of the 101, as many of them are five or more miles from the nearest park although they, too, contribute tax dollars to the District.

CO-OPERATION & COLLABORATION

The Recreation and Parks District serves the entire Camarillo community, including the unincorporated areas.  It’s important to obtain input on critical decisions from all of the affected parties, including residents, employees, local businesses and organizations and other government agencies.  Good listening precedes good decision making.

Fiscal responsibility

The Board is responsible for the thoughtful  allocation of resources, and preparation for anticipated maintenance and replacement needs.  This process should be open, understandable and transparent to the community and all who do business with the district.

Endorsements

I am grateful to have the support of many local organizations, elected officials, and communnity leaders!

Organizations

  • SEIU Local 721
  • Central Coast Labor Council
  • Democratic Club of Camarillo
  • Stonewall Democrats of Ventura County
  • Ventura County Democratic Party
  • California Democratic Party
  • LiUNA Laborers Local 585

Elected Leaders

  • Vianey Lopez, Ventura County Supervisor
  • Mark Lisagor, Ventura County Board of Education
  • Bev Dransfelt, PVRPD Director
  • Jordan Roberts, PVRPD Director
  • Karen Sher, OUHSD Trustee
  • Martita Martinez-Bravo, Camarillo City Council
  • Susan Santangelo, Camarillo City Council

Community Leaders

  • Doug McDowell, Mechanical Engineer
  • Libby Higgins, Business Owner
  • Steven AuClair, Community Organizer
  • Angus Simmons, Camarillo Resident
Vianey Lopez
Vianey Lopez

Ventura County Supervisor

Susan Santangelo
Susan Santangelo

Camarillo City Council

Dr. Martita Martinez-Bravo
Dr. Martita Martinez-Bravo

Camarillo City Council

Bev Dransfelt
Bev Dransfelt

Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks Director

Jordan Roberts
Jordan Roberts

Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks District

Mark Lisagor
Mark Lisagor

Ventura Counry Board of Education

Karen Sher
Karen Sher

Oxnard Union High School District Trustee

Doug McDowell
Doug McDowell

Pleasant Valley School District Trustee-Elect

Do you live in District 5?

Mary is running to represent the residents of District 5 – the brown/tan area at the bottom of the map.

CLICK HERE to go to an interactive map to check and see if you live in Mary’s district.