Dale Sands 517, Keith Olson 497, Joyce Trost Beattie 361 William Koutsis 341, William Michael 287, John Lahr 303
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Our online Election Coverage was last updated on Fri, May 15, 2009.
DATELINE: DEER PARK FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009
We know you’ve been missing your Deer Park Neighbors’ eBlasts, but we’re back online! Your Press Secretary has been “out of the office,” having a new knee installed, which explains the hiatus since our last eBlast. For those of you who maintain that Deborah doesn’t have a leg to stand on, now she does. Please accept our thanks for the many messages of good wishes.
Openness and inclusiveness has been the watchword of the Kellermann slate. If that’s true, then some of the responsibility for change in the village is on your shoulders, as well. Your emails and your greatly increased traffic to our web site demonstrate that village residents are not apathetic, as past administrations believed. By a margin of almost 2 to 1, you made it clear that you want the Village of Deer Park to head in a new direction, and yes, that means away from Vehe and toward programs and services that benefit the entire village, not just one group.
The Kellermann slate let you know what their direction will be, providing pro-active goals and solutions in their “100 days” document.
deerparkneighbors.com/sources/2009_Election/Candidates/KellermannSlate_1st100days.pdf
(See below for some comments from Bob Kellermann.)
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MONDAY, MAY 18, 6PM, THE BARN, MEET-AND-GREET YOUR NEW BOARD
FOLLOWED AT 7PM, BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Here’s a terrific idea, to use our community center as a—well—community center! Immediately following will be the Board of Trustees meeting, at 7pm.
Even in this very small town, we have the privilege of witnessing the peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next, as our newly elected officials—Bob Kellermann, Keith Olson, Dale Sands and Joyce Trost-Beattie--are sworn in at this meeting. Please bring the whole family; what better way to teach them that democracy does, indeed, begin at home. Remember, you are free to come and go (quietly) throughout village meetings. Once again this month, the entire agenda packet has been posted online. Read it at the far right of the Village’s home page or here: http://deerparkneighbors.com/sources/VODPsources/2009_05-18_BOT_AgendaPacket.pdf
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WILL THE BOARD APPROVE KELLERMANN’S NOMINEE?
Richard Chay will be nominated to fill the trustee seat vacated by Kellermann’s election to the presidency. Richard is well known to many of you who met him in his extensive door-to-door campaign for Trustee in the 2007 campaign. He has also served as the volunteer videographer of Deer Park public meetings for years. Richard has been in attendance at all but a handful of public meetings in the last four years. Richard is a nationally known marketing expert who, since his retirement a couple of years ago, has become a very much in-demand consultant. Deer Park Neighbors has long maintained (as did Richard during his campaign) that this Village needs to focus resources on marketing Deer Park as a destination for shopping and entertainment and to attract the best businesses to locate here. (Why didn’t Deer Park pitch to get Sunset Foods to locate here instead of Long Grove?)
Will the board provide the three votes needed to ratify Bob’s choice for trustee? DPN is asking them to do just that. The board should ratify Kellermann’s choice because of the mandate the recent election provided. To do otherwise would be petty, partisan and counter-productive—causing even more ill will among residents.
Going forward, we will be watching Trustees Maureen Pratscher and Dave Kizior, asking them to give President Kellermann the same unalloyed support they always gave to President Gifford. And where will Joyce Trost-Beattie’s alliances be made? Will the new board all work cooperatively and with an open mind, putting aside stylist differences to get this village back on track?
----- DPN ROAD CREW CHANGE OF DATE
Due to very wet ground and our desire to avoid any slips and fall, we are moving back the Long Grove Road Crew to Sat., May 30, 10am. We’ve told you how much fun we all have, and how “taking ownership” of a small part of Deer Park will alter your perceptions. RSVP to info@deerparkneighbors.com <mailto:info@deerparkneighbors.com> or call 847-867-1867, to ensure that we have safety vests for everyone.
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AN APOLOGY
Just before leaving town, our Press Secretary was updating the DPN web site. Due to a technical error, the sponsorship ad for Behrens Landscaping was inadvertently deleted. It is now back in its rightful place, and we ask Mike Behrens to forgive our error. Mike was the first-ever business supporter of DPN; what’s far more important, Mike makes it a point to attend most Deer Park open meetings. He sets a great example for the business people in this village. Their interests are the village’s interests, and vice versa. So, as the weather continues to improve, please give your support to Behrens Landscaping, whose services include: Weekly Landscape Maintenance, Spring/Fall Yard Cleanups, Tree/Shrub Trimming, Tree/Shrub Removal, Stump Removal, Brush Cleaning, Removal of Debris, Grading (Rough and Final), Sod Removal & Installation, Seeding / Overseeding, Drainage Solutions, Mulch Installation, Plant Material Installation, Stone & Brick Work, Retaining Walls, Timbers Installed. Free Timely Estimates.
847-358-4010, http://behrenslandscape.com
SUNDAY MAY 17, 2009, noon-3pm, OPEN HOUSE AT VEHE BARN
We know nothing more about this event than that a PDF is linked from the Village web site’s front page. What is the purpose of this open house? Were invitations sent out to anyone? Who is paying the expenses for this open house? Is it a fund-raiser? We’ve been away, so please, do provide any information you may have: http://www.village.deer-park.il.us/default.htm
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
The Lake Zurich High School Spring Concert on May 20, featuring performances by the school’s Concert Choir, will be recorded for broadcast May 30, beginning at 11am, on WFMT (98.7FM), then rebroadcast on WFMT on June 4, at 10pm and online at www.sfmtintroductions.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 5:30-7:30PM, MEL EIDE FIELD, LAKE ZURICH HIGH SCHOOL, 300 CHURCH STREET.
Attend the District 95 Faculty Football game and band concert. Tickets are only $10 each with children under age 6 free. Every ticket sold will be entered into a prize raffle. Proceeds from the game and band concert will go to the “Kids Win!” campaign to help fund important programs that are in danger of being cut by the school district. In case of inclement weather, the football game and concert would be re-scheduled for Sunday, May 31.
www.lzflames.org
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IN THE NEWS
Pioneer Press, 5/15/09 “Over the past year, Deer Park's Vehe Barn has lost about $37,000 dollars, according to village documents. A village document dated May 12 listed expenditures and revenues from the Barn in the 12 months preceding April 30. Expenditures were about $52,000, with revenues being about $15,000. All revenues were from rentals of the barn.” http://www.pioneerlocal.com/lakezurich/news/1575997,lake-zurich-barnloss-051509-s1.article
To us, it is simply amazing that after close to 4 million dollars, “it’s just a Village hall,” according to President Gifford. We already had a village hall--the farmhouse--and the current design of the Barn does NOT include any offices—although the Kellermann administration plans to change that. What’s more, Deer Park Neighbors does not see anything like a genuine marketing plan; the $6,000 budgeted last year for advertising was not all spent, as far as we can determine. It’s time for straight talk about Vehe, for the Foundation to take responsibility for its own funding, and for the Village to move beyond what has doubtless been the most contentious issue ever in this Village. While the resistance to the Deer Park Town Center was significant, at least in its realization, the village’s bottom line has benefited. Not so with the Barn.
Chicago Tribune, 5/13/09 “The Canadian National Railway failed to disclose all the excessive delays and accidents that occurred earlier this year at its suburban grade crossings, a coalition of towns has charged. The Regional Answer to Canadian National (TRAC) said the railroad did not account for numerous incidents in an April 10 report required by federal regulators. The next report is due Monday. (See additional updates on CN following later in this eBlast.) http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-cn-delays-submay13,0,5815632.story
Daily Herald, 5/4/09: “Lobbyist filed new registrations this quarter on behalf of major metropolitan areas such as Cook County, Ill., St. Louis and Seattle. But they also went to bat for scores of small towns as well. For instance, the village of Deer Park, Ill., with a population of 3,200 and a budget of about $3.5 million, hired a lobbying firm to help it get money for road and drainage projects.” http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=290997
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CONVERSATION WITH BOB KELLERMANN
We contacted the President Elect Bob Kellermann (bobkellermann@sbcglobal.net) to ask about his plans for transition. He welcomes your suggestions and requests, but reminds us that no actions can be taken until the swearing in at the next village meeting, Monday, 5/18/09.
He hopes that residents will make village meetings a regular part of their calendar. That’s why he’s holding a social hour at 6pm Monday, before the Board meeting, to have time to talk with his constituents. Under new leadership, village meetings will be more inclusive, less intimidating. “I think everybody should have an opportunity to speak at the board meeting,” says Bob. “Of course, if four or five people are interested in the same matter, it will save time if one speaks for that group. But yes, turn out and express your feelings.” At that meeting, Bob will also announce the next Public Forum, which he says will be of general interest.
As to the “First 100 days” document, Bob points out how serious this document is to him. “We are going to do everything within our power to accomplish the whole list. But we are held back because we can’t do anything until 5/18, so let’s start the clock on those first 100 days at the May meeting.”
We also asked Bob how he felt about the reform unfurled at the April meeting, the issuance of a consolidated, complete agenda packet online. “It’s great, that’s fully transparent, that’s what we have been talking about.”
Beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, Deer Park Neighbors will return to our Monday Nights at Caribou. This is a great opportunity for casual conversations, catching up with news from your neighborhood and the actions of our Village Board. Come and go, 8-10pm, and don’t forget the latest offer from Caribou: $1 OFF their “Wild Coolers.” http://deerparkneighbors.com/adart/caribou_WildCoolers.pdf
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LAKE COUNTY TAX BILLS
You should have received your Property Tax bill in the mail. Property owners who DO NOT receive a bill by May 16, or those looking for payment options, can obtain this information at the Treasurer’s office. If you think there is an error on your tax bill, you can talk to your local township assessor to be sure that a factual error has not occurred. By law, only factual errors can be corrected once the bills go out:
PHONE: 847-377-2323, www.lakecountyil.gov/Treasurer
Please remember that none of the current property tax you pay accrues to the village; in other words, you’ll have to do your moaning and groaning elsewhere.
During the recent campaign, both slates tried to make an issue of property taxes. It’s a meaningless talking point, because no property tax can be imposed by this village without your assent in a referendum. Instead, it’s past time for this village to take a leadership position on business development and attracting more customers to our stores, because that is where our income derives, from sales tax.
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FROM OUR OWN RITA FINLEY--STAYING ON TRACK WITH CN
As you know, we're just a couple months into the 5 YEAR Surface Transportation Board oversight period. It is CRITICAL that we continue to report any incidences we encounter with the trains as CN is underreporting problems. The latest STB report was just issued- see article below and also efforts to influence Obama’s pick of the vacant STB seat: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/05/april-report-eje-crossings-blocked-14-times.html
For reference, CN failed to report at least 17 significant street blockages in their March report! Please read the comment at the end of the first article by “Brian”- as he points out some important issues with this transaction:
Naturally, CN denies wrongdoing in reporting (How can you miss a brush fire?) Contributing to the underreporting may be inadequate STB guidelines and CN's motivation to report the minimum: CN claims that STB guidelines require them to only report delays caused at crossings blocked by stopped trains and only trains stopped for 10+ minutes. So if CN has a train that blocks traffic, including an ambulance or other emergency responder, for 10 minutes they don’t have to report it if their train never stalls? What do you think of that?? http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=292398 http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1566600,2_1_AU10_EJE_S1.article
You've heard of Hunter Harrison, CN’s current CEO and alleged mastermind of the EJ&E acquisition. Well, he will be riding off into the sunset after this year as CN has a mandatory retirement of 65. This article speaks of his replacement effective January 1: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed-cn-harrison-apr22,0,5416700.story
The bottom line is it is critical to keep reporting any impact or problems you are experiencing with the increased train traffic! The TRUTH must be known. Please add this link to your “favorites” in your browser for easy access; it takes seconds to complete: http://www.fightrailcongestion.com/form.html
Our efforts to-date have made a difference! Please advise of any questions.
Thank you- Rita Finley, fin5@comcast.net
FROM FIGHT RAIL CONGESTION (TRAC)
TRAC is focused on the necessity of filling the third STB Board seat that has been vacant since March. Getting this seat filled by President Obama is a major goal as the vacancy is impacting the region's interests on three fronts. First, the Illinois Commerce Commission currently has an appeal on file with the STB on a provision of the decision approving CN's acquisition of the EJ. Without a third Board member in place, the STB is not likely to rule on that appeal. That, in turn, impacts TRAC's legal appeal of the STB decision approving the transaction before the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The Court has ruled that it will hold off on any further action on our appeal until the STB has ruled on the appeal matter before it.
Essentially, the vacant Board seat may be holding TRAC and the region in legal limbo and we are greatly concerned that "justice delayed, is justice denied." Finally, we have asked the STB to appoint an independent monitor to audit the problems CN's traffic is causing on the EJ as it has failed to come clean with the whole truth. Absent the third Board member to weigh in on the matter, CN's under-reporting of problems continues unchecked (as evidenced with the latest CN report that was filed with the STB earlier this week.)
So, concerned members of the Illinois Legislature have weighed in on TRAC's behalf with the hope that Washington is listening. Yesterday, state legislators and area mayors held a press conference in Springfield to highlight a Senate resolution – S.R. 273 – that urges President Obama to fill the vacancy on the Surface Transportation Board quickly with an appointee who understands community impact concerns and the necessity of mitigating the impacts of integrating rail freight into communities. Further, it informs the President that the State of Illinois, including the Department of Transportation, will show preference in the programming of railroad funds and rail-to-road grade separation project funds to projects where the federal Surface Transportation Board has ordered a private entity to partially fund improvements necessary to mitigate impacts at significantly affected grade crossings. This latter part of the resolution means that the Illinois legislature is trying to insure that CN will not be relieved of its STB-mandated obligation to pay for a large part of the costs for the grade separation projects in Aurora and Lynwood due to a failure to secure the public funding match.
S.R. 273 is sponsored by Senators Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), Pam Althoff (R-Crystal Lake) and Randy Hultgren (R-Naperville). Also supporting the resolution are State Representatives Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora), Darlene Senger (R-Naperville), Mike Connelly (R-Naperville), and House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego. State Senator Dan Duffy (R-Barrington) was also in attendance.
What can you do to help out at this point? Contact President Obama's office and ask that his team move rapidly to appoint a community-oriented Board member at the STB! You can contact President Obama’s office by e-mail at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ <http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/> . We need to get the wheels of government grinding in the favor of communities that are left with the onerous burden of living with freight traffic without anyone making the needed investment to mitigate the harms! REMEMBER, IT WAS YOUR EFFORTS TO REGISTER THESE EVENTS AS THEY OCCURRED THAT ENABLED TRAC TO KEEP CN'S FEET TO THE FIRE. So, make sure you don't slack off in reporting all problems that you witness. Let your friends and family know about this handy tool as well – just click on the "Register Rail Complaint" button on the upper left-hand corner of the home page: http://fightrailcongestion.com <http://fightrailcongestion.com> You will be linked to an auto-form that can be filled out and submitted quickly.
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NEED HELP? CAN HELP?
CommunityPoint is a comprehensive guide to the community resources in your local area, in partnership with United Way of Lake County, Hospira, Healthy Lake County and Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County. To learn more about local resources and to add your services to this resource guide, visit: http://www.findhelplakecounty.org
BACOA's Age-Friendly Initiative is currently conducting an online survey on volunteerism in the Barrington area. You can take the survey, which will remain open until May 20, here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OuagdtZDojjVlRVMGIlmKw_3d_3dfile://localhost/s.aspx
No matter the season, no matter the weather, no matter who is sitting at the Board of Director’s table…TOGETHER, WE ARE STRONGER! See you all Monday evening.
Everybody's Talking
JOIN US--Deer Park Neighbors has adopted Long Grove Road between Rand and Deerpath. On Saturday, May 16, 2009, we'll meet at 10am for Road Crew. Pick up your safety vests, bags for a gentle 1.5 mile stroll to take pride in our village. Then we'll retire to Caribou Coffee for "coffee-and." It's fun, it's community spirit.
This week's Village newsletter, which we believe has incorrect information for voters. Please see our Election page where you can link to your sample ballot. There are TWO choices for President and SIX choices for Trustee; you may cast 3 votes for trustee for any candidate listed on your ballot.
VODP Board of Trustees, May 2007 to February 2009 | Excel | PDF |
VODP Board of Trustees, May 2005 to April 2007 | Excel | PDF |
Route 53 Referendum
ROUTE 53
You will see a non-binding referendum, but this is important to our region. We have heard from the Kellerman/Sands/Olson/Lahr slate that they ARE IN FAVOR of this referendum.
LAKE COUNTY
Advisory Question Of Public Policy Concerning The Possible State Of Illinois Construction Of The Extension Of Illinois Route 53 Through Lake County Shall the State of Illinois construct the extension of Illinois Route 53 from Lake Cook Road northerly to the existing Illinois Route 120?
YES
NO
This is an advisory referendum that will be used to determine the level of public support for the extension of Illinois Route 53 through Lake County. A map depiction of the contemplated routing of the proposed extension of Illinois Route 53 can be found for viewing online at www.lakecountyil.gov/route53/ and is also available at the Lake County Division of Transportation, 600 West Winchester Road, Libertyville, Illinois.
Deer Park Board of Trustees Hires a LobbyistTo view the map, please click here:
2/9/09, Daily Herald: "During hearings held by an electoral board at the Vehe Barn, all petition challenges were either withdrawn by the objectors or dismissed by the board. Full story
2/10/09, Daily Herald: "Incumbents will determine whom they will work with. We're not suggesting those assigned to the task can't be objective. However, we do see this as yet another flaw in a process that ultimately limits choices, prohibits discussion and violates the spirit of our democracy." Full story
A number of postings being added at YouTube on the Canadian National acquisition (see Deer Park Neighbors Channel and search "Canadian National"). Now that Senator Obama is President Obama, maybe there will be changes at the Surface Transportation Board.
To get email blasts from the Village of Deer Park, you have to opt in at the village web site, or by clicking on the logo at the left. So even if you've been on their internal email list in the past, you must re-up. Click on the Connect-CTY® link, and enter your contact information. You can also sign up with your business address, as well. For neighbors and friends without internet, go to the Village Office (map it) and ask that staff add them to the CTY call list, which will be used not only for emergencies (weather threats, etc.), but also for disseminating village information by phone and/or email. For more information, contact Village Clerk Susan Meyle, 847-726-1648.
$978,924.00
Vehe Barn--the number, at last!
"Deer Park is seeking $978,924 from a Albuquerque, N.M.-based bond company that insured reconstruction work for the Vehe Barn, according to a certified letter sent to the company by Village Attorney Paul Keller."Full story
If you're passionate about a local issue--we'd love to hear from you. You don't need to know anything about web design or coding; we'll do all that for you. Just express youself, and this is your forum.
Coming to a street near you!
A picture's worth a hundred thousand dollars! There is a Roads Program, directed by Trustee Bob Kellermann, and repairs are underway. Amazing what can be accomplished when the people speak out. Remember, for years the roads program was unfunded or underfunded. Then the voice of the people was heard. Look, men at work (without a new sales tax!). Some of the workers were wearing lime green safety vest--might make you think that they, too, are Deer Park Neighbors! Here are photos (click to enlarge) by Al Barry of work on Rue Chamonix.
• Letter to Editor on Free Speech. "At every monthly Village Board meeting, Deer Park President Scott Gifford reads a statement at the start of the public comments portion of the meeting. The statement is a warning to village residents about what Mr. Gifford will allow them to say while addressing the board. Not one other village president in any of the nine neighboring communities reads such a warning to residents. Why does Mr. Gifford do it?"Full story
Greetings, Neighbors
DATELINE, DEER PARK, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2009, 5 DAYS UNTIL THE POLLS CLOSE
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THE DEER PARK NEIGHBORS’ ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS (in the order you will see on your ballot). Note: ALL candidates are listed as “Independent.” See YOUR ballot, which you can mark up and carry with you into the polling booth on Tuesday, posted at our election page: http://deerparkneighbors.com/pages/election.html.
For President
H. Scott Gifford—NOT endorsed. Scott has worked tirelessly for many years, and has an enviable history of public service, for which he deserves thanks. But in our observations over the last almost four years attending and or filming almost every public meeting, Scott has lost his connection to the people. Be it leadership style or a sense of insecurity, Scott surrounds himself with “yes men.” Remember “The Emperor’s New Clothes”? Had Scott surrounded himself with people who would tell him the truth, with the best that this village has to offer, he would have avoided so many tragedies: Firing Kari without the advice/consent of the board; failing to negotiate top dollar when selling the last piece of the development puzzle to Red Seal; allowing the failed contractor at the Barn to go on a year after he stopped paying his subs; never vetting the bonding company; permitting his village attorney and two trustees to serve two masters (both the village and the private Vehe Farm Foundation); falling for a slick, DC lobbyist; neglecting the wisdom of putting put the Barn re-work out for bids (not required, but would have gone a long way to remediate his reputation with residents). Why is there no public support of Scott’s candidacy by his very own colleagues who would continue to serve with him if re-elected? (If you have seen such an endorsement, please share it with us.) Scott, when you use village resources like CTY and the newsletter to promote a very partisan point of view, you cross a line. And while you are behaving as a more generous, more inclusive President in these months just before the election, we cannot trust this conversion. It’s too convenient. Scott holds an MBA, but we do not see his leadership to be based in sound business principles; his investments have been focused on special interests and he take input from only from a very narrow pool of advisors.
Robert M. Kellermann—ENDORSED Our endorsement of Bob can be simple and brief, because Bob is precisely who he seems to be: an honest, hard-working, faithful village servant who puts his ideals above his personal comfort. In the interest of being the best Trustee he can be, Bob took it like a gentleman when he was unduly vilified by the Village Attorney and mocked by some of his fellow trustees. Bob is not the most articulate guy around, but he is determined to uncover all the facts about Vehe invoices and payments; where he was continually frustrated as a Trustee, he will use his Presidential power in the best interests of the whole community. He will also put the village infrastructure at the top of his list. What’s more, Bob is not afraid to surround himself with outstanding talent. His self-discipline and intense loyalty no doubt reflect his 28 years of honorable military service. Bob also has experience in working with big government on contracted projects; that’s what we need in Deer Park, inside resources. We don’t have to hire outsiders to speak for up for this village
For Trustee
Keith Olson—STRONGLY ENDORSED As a newer resident, Keith brings a fresh point of view without any baggage, and his special technical abilities in video programming as well as his commitment to the development of earth-friendly technologies make Keith a valuable resource to help energize this village as a 21st century municipality. We envision Keith as a superb Public Safety Chairman and could see him heading up a new Technology Task Force to improve the village web site and provide official video records of village open meetings. Keith is also a CPA and holds an MBA, so his call for sound financial and business practices is based on expertise.
Dale Sales—STRONGLY ENDORSED. As a business professional with almost four decades in the field of engineering and as a resident for 15 years, Dale brings up-to-date “best practices” from the world of big business with a strong concentration on environmental issues. His wife Debra works in District 220, so while their own children are grown, he is well acquainted with the challenges faced by families with school-age children—these are out newest residents who must be embraced. Dale is focused on restoring community trust in Deer Park’s governance. He also has a very strong financial background (he holds an MBA), and calls for a Strategic Plan to be developed for the Barn. We envision Dale as a proactive Chairman of Finance.
John Lahr—STRONGLY ENDORSED. Although John has resigned from active participation in this campaign, he speaks out for “the need for new leadership in the village.” The only way to ensure new leadership is with a new president as well as 3 new trustees whose background and experience as well as their public stance ensures fiscal common sense and complete transparency. John’s election as trustee will ensure a majority block when Bob Kellermann is also elected president. Bob would then appoint one resident to serve John’s 4-year term as well as another resident to serve out Bob’s remaining 2 years as elected trustee. See John’s resignation letter on our Election page.
William P. Michael—NOT endorsed. DPN has met Bill briefly in person and presented him with our contact information so that he could submit his Candidate Profile. He has not done so, nor has he been a regular at board of trustee meetings. However, we do find Bill’s work on the ZBA to be credible if not outstanding. And we do agree with many of his statements at the League Forum. So if he is sincere, we would hope to see Bill at upcoming village meetings and open forums to work toward the very goals he iterated, without the partisan considerations. We will watch him with interest in the upcoming years.
William C. Koutsis—neutral. We have seen Bill in action on the Plan Commission for a number of years, and have come to know him on a personal level in the last few months; in fact, Bill approached Deer Park Neighbors in appreciation for our work. He is the only candidate on the Gifford slate to cooperate with DPN’s desire to educate voters, as well as holding face-to-face meetings. Bill is intelligent, reasonable and balanced. However, we have not seen what we hoped to see—true independence of President Gifford. If you residents had regularly attended village meetings, including the Plan and Zoning meetings, then community leaders like Bill would have ample opportunity to shine in their own light. We sincerely hope that Bill will be retained on the Plan Commission and that he will work there to ensure that the high standards set by that committee for developers are in fact executed in reality and enforceable by village officials and staff. Bill is a degreed engineer as well as holding an MBA.
Joyce Trost Beattie—NOT endorsed. Frankly, we found Joyce to be flippant in attitude at the League Forum and often to be reiterating sound bites rather than speaking from her heart. But when she did speak spontaneously, she communicated a lack of regard for her fellow citizens. We have already quoted her words, “Ethics are too subjective.” When asked about posting all village materials on the web, she qualified her lukewarm agreement with, “We have to be careful that individuals understand how to interpret what is being posted.” She answered a question about the Barn being open to the public more frequently; her answer was, and we quote: “I suspect the question is important to someone in the audience, so I would support it.” Other than the forum, we have never heard Joyce speak at a village meeting, so we have nothing else on which to base our conclusion.
