April 6, 2011
Dear Editor:
A big thank you is in order to Downers Grove residents! Thank you for believing in me and showing that support through your votes. There was large selection of very qualified, caring, and knowledgeable individuals for voters to choose from. I know that earning your vote comes with responsibility -a responsibility to listen in the community, to look for input on issues from neighbors and residents and to make thoughtful and careful decisions with the best interests of taxpayers in mind.
Thank you also to all of the people that supported me throughout this campaign. Whether you forwarded emails, placed yard signs, hosted a campaign coffee, organized a fundraiser, walked precincts or distributed literature at the train station – every bit of help was greatly appreciated and I know contributed to last nights’ win. I can’t thank you enough!
Last but not least, I would welcome the opportunity to hear what issues are important to you in your Village. I was elected to represent the people of Downers Grove, so please don’t be shy about sharing your concerns or wishes for Downers Grove. I look forward to the conversation and would be happy to hear about them.
Thanks again,
Becky Rheintgen
*****
April 4, 2011
Dear Editor:
Please join me in re-electing Sean Patrick Durkin to Downers Grove’s Village Council. I have known Sean since 2003. Back in 2006, he was chosen by the Village Council from among 17 candidates who applied for the seat that was vacated by Sue McConnell. They recognized the value that he would bring to the Council: he had experience from both his five-year tenure with the Darien City Council, as well as his professional expertise in municipal budgets.
Since then, he has been an invaluable asset to the Downers Grove Village Council. Because he is a Vice President of Government Banking for a major Chicago bank, he is able to network with other municipalities in learning best practices in municipal financing. Downers Grove has been the benefactor of this collection of information. Council members have looked to him for guidance in restructuring the budget each year. And with the challenging economy, there isn’t the luxury of trial and error, … and then retry. He knows what has worked in other towns and villages. And he has also seen what has not worked.
It has been noted that nearby municipalities are taking note of our strategies, and they are adopting our budget practices. A lot of very hard work went into the budget process, including much dialog and the balancing of needs across all constituents of Downers Grove. The Long-Range Financial Plan has been developed, which will guide decisions going forward.
Sean is a no-nonsense guy. He draws from his vast experience, listens to residents and businesses, and makes the best decisions for all of Downers Grove. It’s very important for the future of our community that he remain on the Council. Again, please join me in supporting Sean Patrick Durkin for Commissioner.
Don Clary
*****
April 3, 2011
Dear Editor:
I am pleased to write this endorsement in support of the candidacy for Community High School District 99 of Allyn Barnett and Nancy Kupka.
I have known Allyn for over ten years as he served as a board member for Woodridge Elementary School District 68 and CHSD 99. Allyn has always impressed me with his ability to keep school board members focused on school governance and policy. At the same time, he concentrates on the needs and wants of the district and understands the fiscal responsibility to all CHSD 99 taxpayers.
Although I have not known Nancy for very long, I have had the opportunity to get to know her and listen to her thoughts and ideas for CHSD 99. Through my conversations with Nancy, it is very clear that she is qualified and committed to keeping CHSD 99 one of the best districts in the state. Nancy understands that we need to prepare all of our students for what the future holds for them in college, the work force, or the military.
These are both exciting and challenging times for CHSD 99. We need school board members like Allyn and Nancy who will continue the proud tradition and pursue a bright future for our district. Please join me in supporting and voting for Allyn Barnett and Nancy Kupka on April 5th.
Paul J. McCarthy
CHSD 99 Board Member 1999-2011
*****
April 3, 2011
Dear Editor:
Of all the values that the other candidates are professing they bring to this race for Commissioner, none has greater value than Sean Patrick Durkin. He draws from his depth of experience in government banking and provides Downers Grove with innovative financing concepts, great ideas from other municipalities, and forward thinking fiscal policies. He has a superior level of financing expertise unmatched by any other candidate.
He is the only one to have brought forth new financing policies, of which Council approved, and Village staff implemented. It was his idea to negotiate longer term vendor contracts in order to take advantage of today’s pricing for tomorrow’s benefit. Previously, it was the policy of Village staff to re-negotiate contracts each year. This takes valuable staff time, and allows existing economic climates to prevail. This is just a small sample of his innovative thinking that has streamlined costs.
It’s this kind of value and initiative that needs to remain on the Council. On April 5th, please vote for Sean Patrick Durkin.
William N. Hurwitz
*****
April 3, 2011
Dear Editor:
I would like to encourage your vote for Sean Patrick Durkin for Commissioner. I have known him for several years and seen his work on the Council. He may not be the most eloquent speaker on the dais, but his reasoning on tough issues is sound. He has a ton of experience in municipal budgets, and Downers Grove has gained from that. Of all the other candidates running, I cannot see his fiscal expertise easily replaced by any of them. He is an asset to the Village Council and deserving of your vote.
Charlie Diana
*****
April 2, 2011
Dear Editor:
I usually take the advice of my parents and try to stay out of politics but I think there are many of the Downers Grove citizens who don’t know the whole truth about some of the candidates.
While I think that our current commissioners and mayor have done a good job during VERY difficult times, there are some who don’t like some of the decisions they made and that is fine. That’s why we live in a democracy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
However, among the list of candidates for commissioner is a former Downers Grove Police Officer and an existing Northbrook Firefighter and I’m not sure many of the citizens know that contracts for the Downers Grove Police and Firefighters are either being negotiated or are about to be negotiated. I believe the firemen’s contract is being discussed right now and the police contract expires next year. If elected, I am concerned about their independence in their negotiations of these contracts – sure, they’re retired or work elsewhere – but both are candidates are pension participants and shouldn’t we avoid even the appearance of impropriety? I believe there would be a great conflict of interest and it would make their votes very suspicious. It would be like having a fox in the hen house wouldn’t it?
One candidate says that he is running because he wants to give back to the community he served for 31 years yet when he was on the force, but it is important to remember that it was his union that chose to cut officers rather than forego contracted raises or find other shared solutions to our Village’s financial challenges.
Our public safety employees, including the two running for office, deserve our gratitude and support – but the public they serve deserves to have full confidence, without hesitation, in the integrity of the process. Electing public safety employees to the very board that negotiates with their unions on behalf of residents is a bad idea.
In a world of underfunded pensions and public paid contracts, let’s keep the lines clear. And that parental advice I mentioned earlier? It comes from a retired police officer.
Peter Babich
*****
April 2, 2011
Dear Editor:
Elections for Downers Grove Village Council are right around the corner. It is an exciting time for Downers Grove as there are nine candidates running for 3 spots on the Village Council. The residents of Downers Grove have to make some difficult choices. I am confidently voting for Becky Rheintgen for Village Council. I have known Becky for three years and I believe she will provide a new, fresh perspective on the council. Her experience includes: career in a tax supported, government entity; volunteerism in the community; service on village commissions; small business owner; mother and homemaker.
I believe her career and life experiences have prepared her to stand up for what she believes is important and not be swayed by the loudest voices. As a casual follower of Village politics, it appears that there is a bit of division on the Village Council. I know that her career background working with parent volunteer groups and staff committees has taught her to listen first and do the right things for the right reasons.
Residents have many choices in this election. I am confident that Becky Rheintgen is someone to stand behind. She loves Downers Grove and, if elected, will be a caretaker of our community. She wants to preserve what is great about Downers Grove.
Sincerely,
Lisa McTigue
*****
April 1, 2011
Dear Editor:
Municipal governance is important. That’s why we want to lend our support to John Page for village council. We have always admired people who volunteer to serve on boards and commissions. Having lived in Downers Grove since 1977 we have seen many mayors and commissioners come and go. We have always appreciated those that have done so without self promotion or egos getting in the way – as true public service-minded people of Downers Grove. We’ve seen times when it was difficult even to find enough candidates to fill the council. It is encouraging to see such an interest in civic leadership with nine candidates running for Village Council this year.
When we first met John Page, in 2003 at a candidate forum for the DG #58 School Board at Hillcrest School, it quickly became clear that here was someone out to serve the community without a preconceived agenda. We were impressed with his forthright, unpretentious and candid style. In the years since, we have come to know John better, which has confirmed our initial impressions. We know where his values are, where his heart is, and why he wants to serve. People respect his opinion, leadership, and open-mindedness. He is willing to give of himself, his time, and attention – something that can be very underappreciated in positions such as school boards and village council. The values of the community are important – and those that serve must share those values that we know and hold dear.
John and his family have lived here for many years and are committed to the people of this community. John’s willingness to give and his belief in the community are important to us. He knows that working as one of seven is crucial to the success of the Council to make decisions in the best interest of all the people of Downers Grove. His selfless style is something that is sometimes rare among those seeking our votes. John is the ‘real deal’ – passionate about what he believes and willing to work hard to make this a better place for all of us.
We look forward to seeing John Page on the Village Council for the next 4 years – or more!
Ric and Pat Russell
*****
March 31, 2011
Dear Editor:
Will you give me 5 minutes?
That’s how I’ve started answering questions regarding the Village budget for the last year because Council and Staff decisions can’t be honestly explained in a fast and facile sound bite.
I am disappointed with the misleading and inaccurate statements being presented by several candidates for village council. At the League of Women Voters candidate forum on March 23, candidates Mark Thoman, Dominic Scalzetti and Greg Hose gave factually incorrect answers to several of the questions asked, and that should worry voters in Downers Grove.
We expect for our elected officials to be honest and forthright, and not misstate the truth simply because it might play better with a specific constituency.
During the recent forum and throughout the campaign, the rhetoric of some of these candidates has made clear that they take exception to the current Council’s actions. And there’s nothing wrong with that; the free expression of differences of opinion is a cornerstone in our democracy.
What is highly objectionable is that they continue to suggest your Council made cuts or balanced the budget on the backs of senior residents. This is simply not true. Their apparent coordination of these false statements is unsettling, and should make all voters question these candidates’ actual knowledge of the Village budget and/or their intentions.
It’s time to clear the air a bit.
$7,400,000.00. That’s how many millions of dollars your Village Council and Staff have cut from the budget since 2009. Less than 1.5% of those cuts are specific to our senior residents. These cuts were approved by a strong majority; 6 of your 7 council members voted in favor of those budget cuts. Votes in support of the 2010 and 2011 budget changes (further described below) came from Barnett, Beckman, Durkin, Neustadt, Sandack and Schnell.
Those same three candidates have said that the council needs to work harder to find the spare change for entitlement programs. Here are some of the budget cutting/balancing changes done by the current Council for the 2010 budget:
SAVINGS DESCRIPTION
$400,000 Vehicle fleet management
$450,000 Change health insurance plan structure
$1,000,000 Employee Reductions
$494,000 Heritage Festival
$37,000 Criterion Bike Race Championship
$23,000 Ice Sculpture Fest
$7,000 Modify Fourth of July parade
$50,000 Modify taxi subsidy program
$72,000 Eliminate Community Grants
$39,000 Eliminate DuPage Senior Citizen Grant
Here are some of the budget cutting/balancing changes done by the current Council for the 2011 budget:
SAVINGS DESCRIPTION
$1,300,000 Change of health insurance provider
$880,000 Employee Reductions
$225,000 Consolidation of Dispatch services with Westmont
Do the lists above look like any one group of residents was slighted, picked on or carried an unfair share of the burden?
We’ve continued with our balanced approach to budget austerity as village employees (and there are 46 less employees than there were 3 years ago) took furlough days, we refinanced much of our long term debt to lower interest rates, and we continue to allow attrition to play a role in reducing payroll.
We’ve also been the beneficiaries of a good environment in which to be bidding out capital projects – many contractors are hungry and aggressive. At the forum, several candidates said they would “look into” our fee structure… we’re doing that now and have been on an annual basis.
And still, with all these reductions, we ran a deficit in 2010.
You can read more about the 2009 and 2010 budgets here: http://bit.ly/evSDw2 (’10) and here: http://bit.ly/fG2Jep (’11).
Campaigning is difficult. It requires a lot of work and I commend residents for stepping up to the plate to serve. And, maybe, some candidates get caught up in the excitement of the election and say things they think some of the voters want to hear. Perhaps if these candidates had been paying attention to the workings of our council and staff before election season, they would have a better grasp of the budget realities. These candidates appear to be pandering to the fears of an older population, and I find that disgraceful.
In the face of their mistruths, we have to ask two questions: Do they not know what your Council actually did or do they know and are trying to mislead? Given their collective rhetoric, I suspect we won’t like the answer. Either way, it makes them poorly qualified to hold the office they seek to win.
If you’d like to read some more about Senior Services, D.A.R.E., Counseling Services, etc., follow this link: http://bit.ly/eGJuhU
I apologize for the length of this letter, and I thank you for reading this note in its entirety. These are important facts you might not have known and which may well affect how you feel about your local government – and in turn how you decide to cast your vote next Tuesday.
Cheers,
Bob Barnett
*****
March 30, 2011
Dear Editor:
I am supporting Geoff Neustadt in his run for re-election as Commissioner for the Village of Downers Grove. Geoff has been a tremendous leader in our community and has lived and worked in Downers Grove his entire life so he is well aware of the many issues, challenges and needs of Downers Grove and its residents. Geoff truly loves the Village of Downers Grove and is dedicated to leading and guiding this great town to growth, prosperity and success all while keeping the Village fiscally sound and sustainable.
One of Geoff’s major accomplishments during his time as Commissioner was overseeing the approval of the long overdue Belmont underpass project. Living near the Belmont train station, I know all too well the traffic congestion and long wait times for trains to pass. Once completed, many residents will be extremely happy with the reduced travel times. I know I will be.
Downers Grove should be proud to have Geoff Neustadt as one of its leaders and he is worthy of re-election. I know he will continue to work tirelessly to lead Downers Grove down the path to excellence.
Kevin Enerson
*****
March 30, 2011
Dear Editor,
I have known John Page and his family for more than a dozen years. I have seen the successful business side of him that many people know. I have seen him as an active volunteer within our community – typically behind the scenes – for so many different things.
And I have also seen the compassion and selfless side of him while going through treatment for breast cancer. John and his family were there for me and my family throughout the ordeal. Through 9 procedures !! Through 4 rounds of chemo. He was there for us at every step along the way. Taking time out of his busy life to help in any way possible.
I have never been involved in politics at any level. I have never been interested in being around politicians. But I know John. He is is running for Downers Grove Village Council for the right reasons. He’s a selfless and concerned citizen looking to help our Village. He’s smart, passionate and thoughtful. As a mom I know he will be there to represent our interests – not just those in power.
John Page is the kind of friend any of us would love to have. I know he will make the kind of Commissioner on the Downers Grove Village Council that all of us in Downers Grove will be proud and thankful to have serving us!
Kristen Marshall
*****
March 29, 2011
Dear Editor:
As school board elections approach, residents should carefully weigh their choices before voting on April 5. District 99 is a community asset with a proud tradition and a bright future. Allyn Barnett’s extensive experience on the Board combined with Nancy Kupka’s fresh perspective as a parent of current students make them ideal candidates to protect this valuable asset.
Across the nation the educational landscape is in turmoil with concerns about student achievement, fiscal management, teacher quality, and administrative leadership. In contrast to the doomsday scenarios painted by many, in Illinois District 99 (North High and South High) stands out as an excellent school district with a strong record of high student achievement and a long history of sound fiscal management.
District 99’s success is attributable to many factors but sound leadership by the Board of Education has been an essential element. Board members invoke their policy making role with a mature focus on the needs of all students, they forsake their personal biases in favor of the best interests of the entire school district, they collaborate with the professional staff while being fiscally accountable to the taxpaying public, and in their own deliberations they put substantive dialogue ahead of easy sound bites. The benefits of responsible Board leadership abound:
- The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times both rank North High and South High among the top 50 high schools in the state.
- Record numbers of students excel on the Advanced Placement (AP) tests so critical for college admissions and success.
- American College Test (ACT) results consistently exceed state and national norms.
- Awards for student success in art, music, and speech are disproportionately higher than for other high schools of comparable size.
- The District’s fiscal conservatism has resulted in stable budgets without resorting to the draconian cuts in programs/services seen in so many surrounding school districts.
- The Master Site Plan lays out a responsible tiered approach for developing critical outdoor facilities while simultaneously working within available budget dollars.
- District officials have a long history of both regular and ad hoc meetings with other governing bodies (elementary districts, parks, libraries, villages) to share information that benefits the constituencies of both bodies.
- The District uses a comprehensive communication program that is continuously updated to inform residents about district issues and provide citizens with input for district dialogues.
You can ensure this record of success continues. A vote today for Allyn Barnett and Nancy Kupka will sustain the community’s investment in our kids for tomorrow.
David R. Eblen, retired Superintendent (1991-2008)
*****
March 29, 2011
Dear Editor:
Please consider joining me in voting for Geoff Neustadt for Downers Grove Village Council.
Geoff is an experienced Village Council person who has proven to be fiscally responsible. His priorities have been to provide safety and services to all of our village residents. He is a lifelong resident of Downers Grove that has worked tirelessly to promote the village, businesses and schools in our community. Geoff cares.
Tom Novotny
*****
March 27, 2011
Dear Editor,
In Downers Grove this year, more than ever, every vote counts. With nine candidates vying for 3 positions on Village Council, one person could easily win the challenge by a single vote.
Becky Rheintgen is a great choice for one of the 3 positions. She has experience working in the public sector, has been active in the Village, serving on one of the commissions, and has volunteered in the community to a number of organizations.
We have known Becky for many years and know she is organized, competent, and thoughtful. Not everyone has the ability to size up a situation, see what needs to be done and gets to work. This is only part of what Becky brings to the table.
We know Becky will represent us in the best possible way: honestly, skillfully, and without bias. Please consider her one of the best choices for Village Commissioner.
Sincerely,
Jan and Lois Kopis
*****
March 25, 2011
Dear Editor:
We are in the midst of early voting now through March 31, 2011 and with the official Election Day – April 5, 2011– quickly approaching, I have been asked many times who I am voting for to serve on the next Village Council. Because this question has been posed to me repeatedly, I am answering these queries collectively and publicly.
Before venturing further I wish to be clear about a few things relative to this message. First, if you do not want to know who I am supporting for Village Council that’s certainly fine. This message is not sent to unduly impose, so simply delete this message should you wish. And if you do not want emails sent to you about community matters kindly hit the “unsubscribe” tab because there is no intent, again, to bother you or impose upon you. The information I am sharing may not be for everyone and I am fine with people doing whatever they want with one exception–please do vote, our community is worth our time and attention come Election Day.
I am offering my thoughts as a resident of Downers Grove only; not in any other capacity. I have served this community in various ways since 2001. Given the duration and scope of my service I have met many people and have gained some perspectives as to what our Village needs going forward. But mine are inherently subjective opinions; this is clear. I’d be happy to hear the perspectives and thoughts of others should anyone wish to think through the challenges and needs of Downers Grove as a community, collaboratively.
Last prefacing comment, I know most of the nine candidates seeking to serve on the next Village Council. However, two of the candidates are unknown to me and have neither come to Council meetings nor participated in various community activities I have been involved in. That said I assume they seek to serve for only the best reasons, just as the seven other candidates. For those candidates I do know but do not support as a voter, I want it made known that I admire their willingness to serve, wish them the best, and will happily shake their hand and offer my unmitigated support should they prevail. In the end, we all want what’s best for Downers Grove and I am ready to help any member of the next Council with their transition in any way I can.
So, with all of that made known… who do I want to see on the next Village Council? In part that answer is easy because there are two incumbents seeking to be re-elected. Sean Durkin and Geoff Neustadt have served 5 ½ and 4 years respectively. I was on the Village Council when Sean was appointed back in 2005 to serve the remaining term of Sue McConnell. When I ran for mayor in 2007, Sean and Geoff sought to serve on the same Council. Thus, I know quite a bit about both gentlemen, including their character. In sum, both Geoff and Sean deserve to be re-elected as they have been conscientious and hard working Council members who have shown a deep dedication to our town and a sound and committed resolve to stay the course of financial sustainability. Geoff and Sean along with most of my other Council colleagues have demonstrated leadership and grit during the worst economic climate since the late 1920’s. During our service together, Sean and Geoff were responsible for making and keeping the Village fiscally sound and sustainable; which meant being accountable for tough decisions that were not always popular– and that’s true leadership. These two selfless public servants remain vigilant and committed to making fiscally prudent decisions for the collective betterment of our community. They deserve to be re-elected and as a community we ought to be glad they have stood up and volunteered to again serve.
Consistent with the above mantra, Becky Rheintgen is the only new candidate to publicly state unequivocally that she stands ready to stay the course paved by the majority on the last Council. Many other candidates have advocated “returning” to certain services or adding new ones– but they have not delineated dedicated revenue streams to pay for these new services. This lapse is something that should worry discerning residents. What’s more, these other candidates have simply not demonstrated a thorough and complete understanding of the ever increasing costs of providing basic, but necessary, Village services like police, fire, public works and Village infrastructure. In contrast Becky has spent considerable time learning all aspects of municipal government and has demonstrated a commitment to continuing down the path of fiscal sustainability so that our community will continue to be a vibrant and desired town steeped in financial stewardship and ready for all future challenges.
I applaud and respect anyone seeking to serve the Village of Downers Grove. That desire is truly commendable and appreciated by me because it is grounded in a selfless passion to serve. Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon the governed, you and me, to thoughtfully choose who the best candidates are to guide and shape our Village going forward. To that end, I highly recommend Geoff Neustadt, Sean Durkin and Becky Rheintgen as the right leaders to continue to guide Downers Grove down the right path into the future. Thanks for reading this and please remember to vote.
Godspeed.
Ron Sandack, 20 year resident of Downers Grove
http://www.durkinfordownersgrove.com/
P.S. This message was mine and mine alone. You may get a semi-annoying email message from me from time to time, but that is done out of a desire to inform people. That said you’ll never get a Robo-call from me– those calls are truly insufferable.
*****
March 25, 2011
Dear Editor,
Elections for Downers Grove Village Council are right around the corner. I am voting for Becky Rheintgen. As a fellow mom at Lester School with Becky I have had the opportunity to get to know Becky and see first hand her dedication to families as well as the community. I believe she will provide a new, fresh perspective on the council. She brings many talents to the table. Her experience includes: career in a tax supported, government entity; volunteerism in the community; service on village commissions; small business owner; mother and homemaker. Becky provides in important perspective that no other candidate possesses, she is a mother to school age children in Downers Grove. This is of utmost importance to me. She understands the struggles of families in the community as well as understanding the joys of raising children in a wonderful place. I know she will work hard to continue to support programs and initiatives that make Downers Grove a wonderful place to raise a family.
I believe her career and life experiences have prepared her to stand up for what she believes is important and not be swayed by the loudest voices. As a casual follower of Village politics, it appears that there is a bit of division on the Village Council. I know that her career background working with parent volunteer groups and staff committees has taught her to listen first and do the right things for the right reasons.
Residents have many choices in this election. I am confident that Becky Rheintgen is someone to stand behind. She loves Downers Grove and, if elected, will be a caretaker of our community; it’s what comes natural to her. She wants to preserve what is great about Downers Grove for all residents!! As a representative of families in this great community I urge all to VOTE FOR BECKY!!!!
Sincerely,
Sophia Bowerman
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