One of the benefits of covering local government for nearly a decade is the rather unique perspective one gains as a result. Lucky for me, that’s what I’ll take into the voting booth on March 20—not the dueling endorsements, frantic politicking and hundreds of partisan comments that have marked the campaign for the 81st District House seat. I’m not a big believer in slogans, campaign promises or—God forbid—robocalls. I don’t identify closely with either political party. What’s most important to me, especially in a local election, is not what a candidate says in the heat of battle, but how …
Downers Grove has invested millions of tax dollars on sidewalks over the years, and thousands more are earmarked for sidewalk construction in 2012. Yet, every day finds dozens of our health-conscious neighbors running or walking not on those sidewalks, but in the street. Commissioner Geoff Neustadt has publicly voiced his concerns about residents taking to the streets for their exercise. When the subject of the village’s sidewalk program came up during budget discussions, he asked whether it’s possible to ticket residents who walk and run in the street. The response: Indeed it is under the …
Another budget season and another impassioned attempt by Commissioner William Waldack to convince his Village Council colleagues to reinstate funds to two programs that serve local senior citizens. Waldack, at the Nov. 1 council meeting, made yet another pitch for his colleagues to earmark $60,000 in the 2012 budget for two programs benefitting senior citizens. The council discontinued its contribution to the federally subsidized Meals on Wheels program two years ago, at which time it also trimmed its taxi subsidy program. Since then, Waldack has repeatedly asked the council to reconsider, …
I’ve been writing about Downers Grove government and politics since 2003 and every once in a while, that longer view lends perspective to current developments. Last week, I recounted the history of the District 99 nepotism policy, which appears to some observers to have been crafted, since 2007, with the intention of marginalizing board member Debbie Boyle, whose brother is a district teacher. She currently serves as the board vice president and is a candidate for the 81st House district. I didn’t intend to revisit the issue, but Wednesday’s TribLocal story convinced me to reconsider. The …
Like many of you, I’ve been watching with interest the public debate surrounding the proposed revisions to the District 99 nepotism policy. While a lot of heat has been generated on Patch and other venues—TribLocal, Facebook, Twitter—what’s largely missing from the commentary is a necessary historical perspective. Anyone who has watched the District 99 board as closely as I have over the past few years is aware that "nepotism" has been a major issue since Debbie Boyle became a candidate for the board in 2007 and won election in 2009. Boyle’s brother is a social studies teacher and head …
It will never make the New York Times bestseller list or become the darling of local book clubs, but the village’s proposed 2012 budget makes for some very interesting—and highly recommended—reading. Okay, your eyes may be glazing over at the thought of wading through numbers and funds and narrative about streets and sidewalks, but at the very least, read the Village Manager's FY 12 Budget Message and Memorandum. Trust me, it’s both well-written and well worth your time. Most of us don’t have the time or inclination to attend or otherwise tune into the numerous hearings held during the budget…
Hello again. It’s been well over a year since I ended my column, shuttered my newsblog and signed on as the first editor of Downers Grove Patch. What I’ve missed the most since then is the chance to share my views on local government and politics. Some of you may remember my former Downers Grove Sun column, “View from Downers Grove,” or my blog, “DGreport.” Others, however, know me only as the neutral former editor of Patch. I hope it doesn’t come as a surprise that I’ve got opinions about the town I’ve called home for 15 years. Now, thanks to Patch, I’m back where I belong—sharing my …
