Getting Ready for 2013

Hello, it has been a while.  I am happy to be back and hoping that you will find the information  helpful.

I find that the best source of information is from well informed citizens.  I hope that you will not only find information here but leave comments, either for me to publish or to keep private.   My contact information is located in the profile section of the blog.

The DuPage County Board meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 421 N. County Farm Rd, Wheaton, Il.   Meetings are held at 10:00 am.  There are four meetings held in the evening.  The evening meetings for 2013 are February 26th, May 28th, August 27th and November 12th all start at 7:00 p.m.

The committee meetings are held the first and third Tuesday at 421 N. County Farm Rd, Wheaton, Il.  Meetings are scheduled from 7:00 am through mid afternoon.

Since the election I have been sworn in and committee appointments have been assigned.  I look forward to these assignments and the new challenge they pose.

The committees I will be serving on are Health and Human Services, Judicial and Public Safety, Legislative, Community Development, Finance and Public Transit, which I will serve as chairmen.

Although not assigned to the Economic Development Committee I do plan on attending the meetings and taking an active role in how DuPage moves forward in this area.

Looking forward to 2013 and wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!

Thank you!

Last night was great.  I am overwhelmed by the support that I have received from so many.  I can't thank you enough.   I have to send a special thank you to my husband and kids.  They really made this easy for me when I know things were, at times, hard for them.

I am excited to get to work on you behalf on the DuPage County Board.

VOTE ONE AND DONE!

Tomorrow is the big day.  I am going to need your help to get elected.  The ballot will read Vote for 3. I am asking friends and supporters to vote for me.  Vote one and done.    

I worked to bring a safe water supply to my neighborhood at an affordable price and with no annexation.  Some said that would never happen.  It took two and a half years, but it happened.

While serving on the DuPage Water Commission I earned of reputation for scrutinizing the financial statements  and for questioning its reliance on the countywide sales tax, which will be phased out and end in 2016.  A forensic audit praised me for my efforts for alerting the commission of the financial problems only to be rebuked by staff or fellow commissioners. 

This past year I worked with my neighbors to stop a commercial intrusion in our neighborhood.  It took seven months but after we made the case that this was not an appropriate location for a Walgreens, the petitioners withdrew their plans. 

When I am elected to the DuPage County Board I will work to reduce the tax payer funded bloated salaries and benefits for our part time elected officials.

I will work to eliminate waste and misuse and insist that our tax dollars are being used to benefit the people of DuPage County.

I will work to eliminate no bid contracts and introduce a Responsible Bidder Program.

I will work  to provide compassionate social service to our children, elderly, disabled, poor and our veterans.

I will work for the establishment and maintenance of sound environmental services andpromote economic development serving the best interest of all citizens.

Remember please vote Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin. I am first on the ballot.  Vote one and done!

Please Vote November 6th

With election day right around the corner I would like to say how much I have enjoyed meeting the people in District 2.  I am very excited about the opportunity to serve to the people of District 2 on the DuPage County Board.  In order for that to happen I am going to need your vote on November 6th.

I believe that most of you know what I stand for and know that I will work hard on your behalf when elected.

If you have any questions before election day please look back through my blog, there is a lot of information.   You can also contact me at 630-518-6740  or send an email to lizchaplin1@gmail.com.

Naperville Sun Candidate Questionnaire

Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?

Simply put this is a part time job, an elected position and public service. There is no justification for the $50,079 salary. I will fight to cut in half the salaries paid to all County Board members and I will either decline or donate to charity fifty percent of my after-tax salary for serving on the County Board.

Last December the board had the opportunity to eliminate their pensions but they opted to keep the taxpayer funded perk for themselves while in the same time frame they voted to reduce benefits for the full time county employees. A leader leads by example. As your DuPage County Board member I will not accept the taxpayer-funded health or pension benefits for my service and I will seek to abolish such benefits for members of the County Board.

For more information please use provided link:

Naperville voters to cast ballots in three DuPage districts

Misinformation Sent to Thousands of DuPage County Voters

Before you go to the polls on November 6th please make sure you have the correct polling place.  Click on provided link for more information.

'Misinformation' sent to thousands of DuPage voters

From the Downers Grove Patch - Daily Herald Endorsements

Endorsements Go to Roskam, Chaplin, Krajewski in 2012 Election

Chaplin Yard Signs

We have yard signs!  If you would like a sign please email us at lizchaplin1@gmail.com leave your name and address and a sign will be delivered.

You can also pick signs up at the Democratic Party Of Dupage Headquarters located at 1000 N Rohlwing Rd, Lombard, IL

Race for District 2 on DuPage County Board is wide open

Liz Chaplin, 47, the lone Democratic candidate, lives in an unincorporated area near Downers Grove and long has been active in community issues. She works at a family-owned wire and cable company and served on the DuPage Water Commission from 2002 until 2010. While on that panel, she gained a reputation for scrutinizing the agency's financial statements and for questioning its reliance on a countywide sales tax, which now is being phased out.

Chaplin became interested in water issues after high levels of two industrial solvents were found in wells in her neighborhood. Her work advocating for her neighborhood prompted then-DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom to appoint her to the commission's board.

Chaplin said she wants to serve on the County Board to ensure that "our government serves the people and not the other way around."

"It's rare when you will find an individual working with a resident on a problem like contaminated water or a development that concerns them, so I think the people need somebody on their side," she said. "It can take a lot to get officials' attention. That's why I'm different from my colleagues. They all get endorsements from chambers of commerce and mayors, and I'm getting endorsements from citizens."

Read more below

Race for District 2 on DuPage County Board is wide open

Letter of Support

Hi Liz,

We have been friends for many years now, our kids grew up together. This is not the reason for the letter though, I wanted to let you know how proud I am that a person of your integrity is running for office, the side of the isle that we place our political views may not always be the same, but it is far more important sometimes to have a person in office who one believes is there to do what they believe is right and not be at the mercy of other people.

This is what I believe of you Liz; you are running to help all of us and not yourself or any special interest. If we had many more candidates of your caliber we would have a better government. So, thank you for running and being a good friend not just to me but all of us in DuPage County.

Thanks,

Karolle Krajewski

Letter of Support

I have had the pleasure of knowing Liz for many years.  We met when she joined the Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club.  Liz jumped in with both feet.  When a project was brought forward, Liz always said, "I can help with that!"  And help she did.
What I discovered I like most about Liz was that she was a woman of integrity.  If she said she would do something, she did it.  Liz is a very smart and insightful woman.  She is not afraid to express her opinion and ideas to better the outcome of a situation.
I have not doubt that all these qualities that make up Liz Chaplin will serve her well as she serves us local government.  I am proud to call her a friend.

Joanne Walthius
Past President
Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club
2008-2009
Co-founder
100 Women Who Care Downers Grove.

Letter of Support

I encourage all of my friends in District 2 of DuPage County (part of central DuPage County from Naperville to Elmhurst) to support my neighbor, Liz Chaplin in her run for a seat on the DuPage County Board. We need residents like her on the board to make sure our voices are heard. She is a resident like us, cares about our community and is willing to step up and make sure our best interests are served. Please support her on November 6th.

Jim Gracey

Letter of Endorsement

Dear Friends,

We know Liz from our non-partisan work with DuPage United and the DuPage Water Commission.   She was a water commissioner and a lone voice  asking tough questions about the excessive reserves and financial operations of the Water Commission and an ally as DuPage United asked similar questions.

Liz was appointed to the Water Commission after advocating on behalf of  800 homeowners in her unincorporated area of Downers Grove to get safe water when the wells in the area were contaminated. After representing those citizens in negotiations with the U.S. And Illinois EPA, the Village of Downers Grove, DuPage County and the DuPage Water Commission, safe water was brought to those residents. She also helped to secure a state grant for $700,000 to extend water mains to the North Belmont Park neighborhood.  

In her quiet friendly manor she is tough as nails and when faced with a challenge  she does not give up.  

Even though we live two blocks out of her district we want to let people we know what a great county board member she will make. Check out her campaign blog  at http://lizchaplin1.blogspot.com/   to learn more.

If you wonder if you are in district 2 ( current district 2 representatives are Michael Ledonne (R) Lombard, Patrick O’Shea  (R) Lombard, Jeff Redick  (R) Elmhurst)

check out the attached map - there have been some boundary changes.

Mary & Ron Hason

Endorsed by the Daily Herald Newspaper and the Democratic Women of DuPage County

We are please to announce the endorsement of the Daily Herald Newspaper and The Democratic Women of DuPage County.  

Below is the link to the Daily Herald endorsement:

Our endorsements for DuPage County Boardwww.dailyherald.comeditorial page items


Endorsement from the Democratic Women of DuPage County:

Thank you very much for taking the time to participate in the Democratic Women of DuPage County's (DWDC) 2012 endorsement process.  Women's issues need to be kept front and center during this election cycle.  We hope that you found the endorsement questionnaire thought provoking and pertinent to your campaign.

We are pleased to inform you on behalf of the DWDC Leadership Team that we have chosen to endorse you in your race.

Thank you for your willingness to serve.  We wish you luck in your race and we hope that our endorsement will be beneficial to your campaign.

Lisa Favia

DWDC Endorsement Committee Chair

Julia Beckman

President, DWDC

Laura Fletcher

President-Elect, DWDC

Elmhurst League of Women Voters Forum - October 17, 2012

This is the last candidate forum for DuPage County Board 2 race.   These forums offer a great opportunity to see the candidates in action, where they stand on the issues and what they hope to accomplish.  Hope you can join us.


Get Your Politics on in Elmhurst This Week at Debate Watching Party, Local Candidate Forum elmhurst.patch.comEarly voting begins next week.

Breaking the Democratic Myths

Republicans like to claim that Democrats are not responsible and want others to provide for them.  Absolutely not true.  I do not believe that a part time elected officials should receive a tax payer funded pension or health benefits.  I will decline both the pension and benefits.  Ask the Republicans many of them are quick to sign up for this unnecessary drain on the tax payer.  I believe they are the same party that have a problem with full time public employees receiving pensions and benefits.

I also believe that $50,000 for a part time job of an elected official is a lot of money, too much money.  Ask the fiscally conservative DuPage County Republicans and they all believe it is fair pay.  Imagine that, fair pay.

Democrats want big government.  Simply not true.  We want a smarter government.  Some times it makes sense to consolidate units of government.   Some times it does not.  I believe that 18 county board members is too many.  I would work to reduce the number of board members from 18 to 12 or 6.   The Republicans believe otherwise they believe that 18 board members are justified.  

I have to chuckle when the DuPage Republicans claim that the local DuPage Democrats are backed by the “Democratic Machine.”

Local DuPage Democrats do not receive any support from the powers that be, financial or otherwise.  Actually our DuPage Republican Party members and their family members have received some very nice appointments from Governor Quinn.   

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120507/BLOGS02/120509821/quinn-names-sister-of-top-republican-to-32k-job-on-state-board#ixzz1uE0461vZ 

Quinn appoints Jeff Redick of Elmhurst to Illinois Tollway Board of Directors

How about this myth that Democrats just want to spend your tax dollars.  Actually the few elected Democrats and appointed officials have done a good job at holding the fiscal line.

http://www.dgreport.com/index.php/2009/12/07/swimming-against-the-current/

$$ down the drain Source: articles.chicagotribune.com

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120829/news/708299608/

Another myth is that we want to bring Cook County style politics to DuPage County. Well,  it is already here. All one has to do is to look at the no bid contracts and contracts handed to political donors.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120822/news/708229665/

http://www.bettergov.org/law_firm_donates_to_dupage_board_members_wins_contract/

Before voting please compare the candidates. See where they stand on the issues and what they have accomplished in the past.  The DuPage Democrats have well qualified candidates.  I hope you will consider voting for us.

Upcoming Events

 

Chaplin Campaign will be at this event!  Hope you can join us!

 

 

Rally, Walk, Call

Governor Quinn to Host Rally for Leslie Coolidge

Date: Sunday, October 14
Time: 4pm
Where: Doubletree Hotel Downers Grove, 2111 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove.  (This is very convenient location.)

We will have very light snacks and cash bar.

Elmhurst League of Women Voters Host Candidate Forum on October 17, 2012

The Elmhurst League of Women Voters is hosting a Candidate Forum On Wednesday October 17, 2012 for DuPage County Board Districts 1 and  2.

For more information please click on the provided link



League of Women Voters of Elmhurst Candidate Forum for the November 6 Elections

DuPage County Board - Evening Meetings

Lets face it the last thing anyone wants to do in the evening is attend a meeting.  The evening is a busy time.  Taking the kids to dance, soccer, football or whatever activity they are in.  Meet up with an old friend for dinner or just relaxing in front of the TV after a long day at work.  The evening is family time.

Attending meetings in the evening is what many of us do.  We attend village meetings that are held in the evenings.  Water Commission meetings are held in the evening.  League of Women Voter meetings are held in the evenings.  Why should the DuPage County Board be any different?  Many of us work durning the day so it is just about impossible to attend a meeting held by the DuPage County Board at 10:00 AM on Tuesdays.  How about those very important early in the morning  committee meetings.  It is important that these are held when the public can attend.

If the DuPage County Board held evening meetings this would allow for more participation from the public.  More participation from the public leads to a more transparent government.  The county has done a good job with the website.  The County Board meetings are televised.  These are good steps towards a more transparent government.  These do not however compare with attending a meeting.  You simply don't get the same perspective of the meeting by reading minutes or watching it on TV.

Morning meetings intentionally or not prohibit public comment.

Another argument for evening meetings is that this would open the pool of people who could run for DuPage County Board.  Many people can't get the time off their full time their jobs to run for DuPage County Board limiting the amount of choice.  Currently the Board is dominated by lawyers.  This could  lead to a more diverse board.

If we move the meetings to the evening there would be no more excuses that the $50,000 salary is needed to make up for missed work time.  The board members could receive a small stipend for their service. The days of the bloated salary would be gone.

I have heard about the cost associated with staff and evening meetings.  Having to pay overtime would be too costly.   The saving from the reduction of salaries of the board members would outweigh overtime costs.

I get it, nobody wants to take away from their evening activities, whatever they may be, but evening meetings make the most sense and it is the right thing to do.   As your DuPage County Board member I will make evening meetings a priority.

Had a good time at the York Township meeting!  What a great turn out!  Nothing like a room full of volunteers bagging literature and ready to walk!

York Township Volunteers

York Township Volunteers

 

No Boundaries: Political Corruption in the Suburbs

 

No Boundaries: Political Corruption in the Suburbs

Monday, October 1, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Elmhurst College Frick Center, Founders Lounge, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL Tel: (630)617-3569

 

http://triblocal.com/elmhurst/calendar/2012/10/01/no-boundaries-political-corruption-in-the-suburbs/

Candidate Forum Sunday September 30th

On Sunday September 30, 2012 a meet and greet  will be held at 4:00 PM at the Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 S 325 Ardmore Ave., in Oakbrook Terrace.

This forum will include candidates who are running for the 46th Illinois House District,  DuPage County Board District 2 and DuPage County Circuit Judge.

The public is invited to attend as well as ask questions of the candidates.

I would like to thank the The York Township Precinct 108 Committee for all their hard work  and hosting this forum.

LWV Candidate Forum

There is a great opportunity for voters to see where the candidates for DuPage County Board District 2 stand on local issues.  The audience had excellent questions for the candidates ranging  from economic development, consolidation,  to board members salaries and benefits.  Don Kirchenberg, Candidate for DuPage County Forest Preserve gives a great 5 minute talk about the issues in his race.

The LWV Forum will be shown this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 PM on channel 6 for those living in Downers Grove.  For those in District 2 that reside outside Downers Grove or who can't catch the forum this weekend the forum will be streamlined on the Village of Downers Grove website at http://www.downers.us/  or simply click on the DGTV link below.

Stay Connected

DGTV, Hometown Times, Village Corner, Community Wide Notification

Candidate Forums

Tonight the Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle League of Women Voters is hosting a Candidate Forum for District 2  DuPage County Board and Forest Preserve Commissioners.

Where:  The Village of Downers Grove - Council Chambers
              801 Burlington Ave
              Downers Grove, Il

The public is invited to attend.  The forum will be divided into two sessions:

DuPage County Board Candidates 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM

Forest Preserve Commission Candidates 8:20 PM to 9:00 PM

Following the forum, candidates have been invited to meet with the public between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM.


UPDATE:
Thank you to the Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle League of Women Voters for hosting this most important forum.  Thank you to the Village of Downers Grove for the use of your facilities.

For anyone interested you can watch the forum on the following days on channel 6 in Downers Grove:

September 28th          7:00 PM
September 29th          7:00 PM
September 30th          7:00 PM
November 5th             TBA

On Sunday September 30, 2012 a meet and greet candidates will be held at 4:00 PM at the Oakbrook Terrace Park District.

This forum will include candidates who are running for the 46th Illinois House District,  DuPage County Board District 2 and DuPage County Circuit Judge.

The public is invited to attend as well as ask questions of the candidates.

Walking in Lombard

It was a beautiful day to be out walking and that is just what we did.  With a little help from the Addison Trail High School AP Government students we were able to knock on quite a few doors in Lombard.

We received positive feedback from those we spoke with and we reminded them to get out and vote on November 6th!  A big thank you to the students for their hard work!

Why DuPage County should adopt a Responsible Bidder Program

A simple step in savings taxpayers money here in DuPage would be for the County Board to adopt a Responsible Bidder Program.  A Responsible Bidder Program ensures that public dollars go to contractors that adhere to a set of accountability measures and bring well-trained employees to the job.

Some of the best contractors may not bid on a project due to favoritism or unqualified contractors bringing in a lower.  This is not good for the taxpayer.  With the RBP every contractor has equal opportunity.

Safety on the job saves the taxpayer money.  The RBP will call for all employees to have the necessary safety training and job skills.  It should be a priority that the county only hire contractors that have a proven safety record and training programs.

A RBP would require all contractors that bid on public jobs to comply with all laws with regards to doing business in Illinois. Some of these laws would be proof of Federal Employer Tax ID number or Social Security number.  Meet Equal Opportunity Employer requirements, show evidence of insurance coverage and pay prevailing wage.

A RBP is the best way for DuPage to ensure that there is fairness, protection, safety and value in the bidding process.

Great Opportunity for High School Students

Junior and Senior high school students are eligible to be election judges for the upcoming election on November 6, 2012.  If interested or for more information please contact your high school Social Studies teacher or   

Kathy Vana
DuPage Election Commissioin
630-407-5612

Kathy.Vana@dupageco.org

Thank you Lisle Township Democrats

Thank you to the Lisle Township Democrats for their sponsorship of the booth at Taste of Four Lakes.

This sponsorship allowed the Democratic Candidates running for office in DuPage to meet the citizens that we hope to represent come November.

I enjoyed talking with everyone at Taste of Four Lakes but one conversation with young man from the DuPage County Sheriff's office was the most enlightening.

My daughters and their friend volunteered to help the campaign and were great.  Good job girls and thank you!


UPDATE 9-17-12:  Tonight we had new face at the Lisle Township Democratic meeting.  A very  nice young lady that we talked with at the Taste of Lisle attended our meeting.  She is very enthusiastic about getting Democrats elected.   

DuPage County to Join National Effort to Improve Air Quality

Good call by the DuPage County Board.  It is important to give credit when credit is due. 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information: Johnna Kelly 630-407-6022

Thursday, September 13, 2012

DuPage Becomes First County in Illinois to Join National Effort to Improve Regional Air Quality

On Tuesday the DuPage County Board adopted a resolution stating it will participate in the Sierra Club’s Cool Counties initiative committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

“DuPage County has long been a leader in environmental practices,” said Jeff Redick, chairman of the Environmental Committee. “The passage of this resolution cements the County’s commitment to common sense environmental policies that benefit the environment and provide much needed budget relief for County taxpayers.”

Through the Cool Counties initiative, DuPage County has committed to:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the county by 10 percent below the 2007 base level by 2020 and reduce by 20 percent by 2030;
• Continuing its efforts to lower the County’s campus-wide energy consumption;
• Forming an energy efficiency partnership with government and corporate partners; and

While the County Board is formally supporting the effort led by the Sierra Club, DuPage has made energy efficiency a priority for the past five years. For example, the County has reduced energy consumption by nearly 2 million kwh a year saving taxpayers more than $142,000 annually; and saved commuters nearly 460,000 gallons of fuel and approximately $1.7 million by implementing a traffic signal coordination program.

The County’s efforts have resulted in DuPage receiving the Governor’s Sustainability Award in 2011. It is the only county to receive the award.

The Illinois Sierra Club supports the County’s decision to join the nationwide effort to reduce energy consumption.   

“DuPage County is joining the state and county-wide network of Cool Cities created by mayors and Sierra Club members to improve energy efficiency and conservation, save tax payers’ money and reduce greenhouse gases. DuPage is the first county in Illinois to adopt the Illinois Cool Counties approach to sustainability and is setting an example for all to follow,” said Lonnie Morris of the Illinois Sierra Club.

DuPage Water Commission taking on Rahm Emanuel

Does DuPage Water Commission Chairman Jim Zay really want to take on Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel?   Before we talk about Chicago lets talk about DuPage because this is where we live. 

I understand that DuPage Water Commission Chairman Jim Zay would like The City of Chicago to create a biannual report assuring DuPage that the revenue from water rate increases would be used to benefit the entire water system and nothing else.  Good luck with that.

I wonder where Mr. Zay was when the DuPage Water Commission continually lowered the water rates to the municipalities and gave the municipalities rebates totaling over 100 million dollars.  Mr. Zay never questioned what the revenue would be used for.  The municipalities received that revenue cart blanche.  As the municipal water rate went down, with the exception of Naperville, DuPage citizens water rate went up.  

Considering the low water rate and the generous rebates one would think that the municipal water systems would be in pristine condition and that they would have an adequate water reserve.  Many municipal  water systems are in need of repair and are lacking adequate water storage.  Naperville has the majority of the required amount of water storage in DuPage

While  serving on the DuPage Water Commission I was against and voted against the rebates and rate reductions for many reasons.  One reason was I wanted to be assured that the money from the generous rebates and rate reductions went  back to the residents in lower water rates and/or to know that the money was being used to maintain and update the water systems. 

When I asked for this to be a requirement from the municipalities before issuing the rebates and rate reductions  Commissioner Larry Hartwig from Addison told me “If I were a village administrator I’d tell you to take a hike.”  Well Chairman Zay, don’t be surprised if Mayor Emanuel tells you the same thing.

Instead of making demands on the City of Chicago,  maybe Chairman Zay should require the same from the municipalities here in DuPage.

I think it would be a good idea for Chairman Zay to require a report from the DuPage municipalities to ensure the large increases in DuPage water rates is only being used to maintain the water system and nothing else.

Foot Note:  Below is a section of the Contract Between the DuPage Water Commission and the City of Chicago.

The Contract between The DuPage Water Commission and The City of Chicago

reads as follows:

The Commission shall be responsible for there being provided and maintained at all times during the term of this Contract water storage within the COMMISSION’S SYSTEM and participating municipalities collectively of sufficient capacity to store not less than two times the annual average daily demand of the Commission members.  Operable shallow well capacity may be counted for up to 10% of the storage requirement.  

The COMMISSION SYSTEM shall be operated so as to properly utilize reservoir storage within the COMMISSION SYSTEM and its customer’s connections in such a manner as to assist the City in maintaining a balanced flow within the City System.

The COMMISSION agrees to keep the CITY informed of the total storage capacity between the COMMISSION SYSTEM and is customers collectively.

Taste of Four Lakes

On Saturday September 15th we will be at the Taste of Four Lakes.  Four Lakes is located in Lisle off of Maple Avenue between Main St and College Rd.   The event is from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  There will be food, beverages, kids games and bands!  Please stop by the Democratic Booth.  You will have the opportunity to meet the great folks from the Lisle Township Democratic Organization as well as many candidates.

Hope to see you there!

Elmhurst League of Women Voters - Dual Duty

Tonight at 7:00 pm the Elmhurst League of Women Voters will be hosting their September meeting.  The scheduled topic for the meeting is Dual Duty: Serving Concurrently in Two Elected Offices.

The meeting will be held at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect, Elmhurst.

This meeting should be  very informative meeting for the voters in District 2, as this as been the "hot topic" of the race.

DuPage County and the City of Elmhurst will ask voters to consider the issue on the November Ballot.

Please check out the League of Women Voters website for more information

http://www.lwvelmhurst.org/

Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation Forum

Thank you to the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation for hosting an excellent Candidate Forum.  The forum was for candidates running for DuPage County Board District 2, District 3 and District 5.

The forum was broadcast live on the City of Naperville government access channel, WCNC.  The forum has scheduled replays in the weeks leading up to the elections.  You can also watch "on-demand" at www.naperville.il.us/granicus.htm.

Part of being a elected official is showing up for public events and be accessible to the citizens.  I am proud to say that I was the only candidate from District 2 that was in attendance.

 

Voting Options

With the 2012 Elections fast approaching below are voting options.  

• Absentee Voting begins for General Election Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

• Last Day to Register to Vote Tuesday, Oct. 09, 2012

• Grace Period Registration and Voting begins Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

• Early Voting begins Monday, October 22, 2012 and ends Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012.

Anyone with family or friends on active duty over seas, the service member has to request their ballot by September 23, 2012.

Election Day Nov. 6 2012

Grace Period

Illinois law provides individuals who were unable to register to vote or change their address prior to the traditional deadline (28 days prior to an election) a "grace period" to register and vote.

The "grace period" is from the 27th day through the 3rd day prior to an election.

Registering to vote or transferring a registration and voting during the "grace period" may only be done in the Election Commission office, 421 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois. 

DuPage Housing Authority ousts another director

Could this be a result of not being properly vetted.  

Article updated: 8/29/2012 3:02 PM

DuPage Housing Authority ousts another director

By Robert Sanchez

Just eight months after being brought in to help clean up the embattled DuPage Housing Authority, David Hoicka has been fired from his job as executive director.

Housing authority board Chairman Thomas Good announced the change in leadership on Wednesday morning. He said Hoicka was let go a day earlier “without cause” by the board.

“It’s disappointing that a change in direction was necessary,” said Good, adding that the board chose to exercise the “no-cause” termination provision in Hoicka’s contract.

In a written statement, the housing board said: “The board of commissioners appreciates the work Mr. Hoicka accomplished with the housing authority and the strides that were made during his management of the agency.”

Hoicka’s termination came about two weeks after board members received an unsigned letter that was highly critical of Hoicka’s management style. The sender of the letter claimed that it was written by housing authority staff members.

Good said the letter wasn’t a factor in the board’s decision. “The board does not react to anonymous letters,” he said.

Attempts to contact Hoicka on Wednesday were unsuccessful. No one answered the door at his Wheaton home.

Hoicka, who had served in senior management for housing agencies in Texas, Louisiana, and Hawaii, was hired in January as part of ongoing efforts to overhaul the Wheaton-based agency that once mismanaged more than $10 million in federal funding.

He replaced John Day, who was forced to resign last year after the U.S. Office of Inspector General released two audits critical of the agency. A third audit concluded the agency improperly spent more than $5.8 million in federal money and failed to adequately document another $4.7 million.

Hoicka took the reins of the agency after the board conducted a nationwide search for an executive director. At the time he was hired, officials said Hoicka’s background made him an ideal choice.

In addition to publishing three handbooks on HUD housing programs, Hoicka served as an adviser for public housing groups in Southeast Asia and Bahrain in the Persian Gulf.

“We wouldn’t have hired him if we didn’t have faith in him,” Good said.

Hoicka will get three months of severance pay and health insurance benefits. His annual salary was $125,000 a year.

Housing authority officials have been working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to clear up the administrative issues that resulted in the audit findings.

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin replaced every member of the housing board after the release of the third audit. The revamped housing board has since implemented a variety of reforms, including the adoption of a new ethics ordinance, travel policy and purchasing policy.

Good said he made federal housing officials aware of the change in leadership.

“I have assured them there will be no disruption in the efforts we are working on,” he said.

The housing board is planning to hire a firm to conduct a nationwide search for Hoicka’s replacement. Good said officials want the process “to go more quickly” than the previous search.

“We’re doing well with HUD, and we don’t want it to take six months or longer to come up with a new executive director,” Good said.

In the meantime, a current housing authority employee, Deb Darzinskis, will serve as interim executive director. She was hired in June to be a project administration specialist after spending 14 years with Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet.

“She’s highly thought of,” Good said of Darzinskis. “She has a wealth of experience from the charitable work.”