Democrat Susan Smentek faces Republican Carolyn Ubriaco for DuPage County Forest Preserve District 1 commissioner on November 3, 2026, according to the county’s official candidate listing.
Experience and qualifications
In her submitted Surround Sound Media questionnaire, Smentek described more than 20 years in parks and recreation. She said she manages sponsorships and downtown park events for the Glen Ellyn Park District and serves as managing director of its parks foundation.
She is an elected Elmhurst Park District commissioner, co-chair of its Finance Committee and legislative liaison, she said. Smentek listed degrees from Northwestern University and Northeastern Illinois University and certifications as a park and recreation executive and Illinois master naturalist.
Access and stewardship
“I’m running because I want every resident—families, children, seniors, all of us—to have access to DuPage’s extraordinary green spaces and the chance to make memories and share experiences there,” Smentek wrote.
She emphasized additional land protection and trail connections in the built-up eastern county, habitat restoration, responsible spending and renewable energy where practical. She said her Glen Ellyn foundation team raised more than $414,000 for the first phase of Prairie Path Park, citing partnership-building as preparation for the office.
Her answers also emphasized respecting voters’ decisions and providing transparent public budgeting. These descriptions and claimed accomplishments come from her submitted questionnaire.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
