Downers Grove Community Group to Hold Caucus for D99, Village Candidates

The Downers Grove Community Advocates (DGCA) will hold an endorsement caucus Saturday morning for candidates running for the village council and the Community High School District 99 Board of Education.

The caucus will begin at 9 a.m. at Downers Grove Fire Station No. 2, 5420 Main St. The purpose of this event is to allow candidates an opportunity to educate the general public, as well as directors and members of the DGCA, about their candidacy and platform. The question and answer sessions will be moderated by the members of the DGCA.

Candidates will speak with the DGCA individually, and each group of candidates will be asked identical questions.

The DGCA has been endorsing local candidates since 2004. It is comprised of a "diverse and experienced group of residents who are committed to Downers Grove," according to DGCA representatives.

Members of the Advocates are a politically diverse group with many years of community service in government, the library, the schools and other civic groups. Their goal is "to promote the best attributes of the village and to explore and inform citizens about those issues facing the community that will have an impact for many years to come."

The caucus is open to the public. No recording devices are permitted, and cell phones must be turned off before entering. 

The event comes just four days after a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Downers Grove, Woodridge and Lisle was canceled due to a heavy snow.

READ: Tuesday Snowstorm Cancels District 99 Candidate Forum 

Officials said they are hoping to reschedule the forum for 7 p.m. March 14 at Village Hall, 801 Burlington Ave. A forum for village candidates will be held at 7 p.m. March 26.

Six candidates are running for four open seats on the District 99 school board—incumbents Debbie Boyle, Terry Pavesich and Julia Beckman, and newcomers Rick Pavinato, Henry Jakobsze and Martin Gorski.

In the village council race, six candidates are running for three open seats—incumbents Bob Barnett and Marilyn Schnell, and newcomers Don Jankowski, David Olsen, Greg Hosé and Susan Walaszek

The consolidated election will be held April 9.

Related Stories:

• District 99 Board President Withdraws from Upcoming Election

• April 2013 Consolidated Election: Downers Grove Voter Guide

• Seven File for District 99 School Board; Four in District 58

• Ballot Order Set for Downers Grove Council Race; Barnett Gets Top Billing

• Downers Grove Commissioner William Waldack Will Not Seek Re-Election

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