Illinois Public Transit Task Force Final Report

On August 15, 2013, Governor Pat Quinn issued Executive Order 13-06 creating the Northeastern Illinois Public Transit Task Force to address serious concerns regarding the current structure of the northeastern Illinois public transit system.

With much anticipation today the Northeastern  Illinois Public Transit Task Force released its final report to the governor.  

The report stresses the importance of eliminating the RTA and forming a  new agency that will allow for a regional prospective for planning purposes, funding and evaluation of projects.

The report acknowledges the antiquated funding structure and that without investing more funds into transportation the transit system will struggle to meet future needs.

A complete section is dedicated to ethics and earning back the public trust by ensuring the highest of ethical standards and to operate in a transparent manner. 

The report also recognizes the importance of safety and a safety conscious workforce.

Our public transit system will fail if we do not act upon the recommendations in the report.  Hopefully, there will be those that have the political courage to make the tough decisions and put forth the necessary legislation to bring these changes to fruition.

You can read the full report here.

This Week's Meetings

• Stormwater Committee, 7:30 a.m. 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., County Board Room
• Judicial/Public Safety Committee - CANCELLED 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Environmental Committee - CANCELLED 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Public Works Committee - CANCELLED 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Transportation Committee, 10:00 a.m. 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Health & Human Services Committee, 10:15 a.m. 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-A
• Development Committee, 11 a.m. 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• ETSB Meeting, 12:30 p.m. 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B

More...

APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH

View History of Fair Housing Month 

Fair Housing

Since 1983, as part of DuPage County's requests for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, it has certified that it will "affirmatively further fair housing." This fair housing certification refers to Public Law 90-284 known as the Fair Housing Act, which "prohibits any person from discriminating in the sale or rental of housing, the financing of housing, or the provision of brokerage services, including otherwise making unavailable or denying a dwelling to any person, because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status."

The state of Illinois has additional protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act for ancestry, age (40+), marital status, sexual orientation, order of protection status, unfavorable military discharge, and military status. 

• Fair Housing Brochure  (PDF)
• A Guide for Seniors And Their Families Brochure (PDF)
• Analysis of Impediments of Fair Housing (2009 Update) (PDF)
• Analysis of Impediments Action Grid Update (Dec 2012) (PDF)

You can find more information here.

DuPage Encourages Participation in Earth Hour

DuPage County officials encourage residents and businesses to participate in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 29, and to incorporate sustainable energy practices into their daily lives throughout the entire year.

The annual Earth Hour event, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), encourages residents and businesses to turn off non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., in an effort to raise awareness about climate change. This initiative aligns with DuPage County’s goal to reduce energy consumption countywide via the Sierra Club’s Cool Counties initiative. The Cool Counties initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. 

You Can Read the Full Story Here

What the reporter fails to mention are the concerns about the appearance of impropriety in correlation with the campaign contributions made by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD to the many elected officials in DuPage County and that the Resolution passed by a vote of 15-3, Tony Michelassi (D) District 5, Laurie Nowak (D) District 6 and I voted no.  Member Michelassi spoke to the fact that all vendors are required to fill out an Ethics Disclosure Statement to "appear transparent" when the fact of the matter is the board rarely acts upon the appearance of impropriety.  "How many contributions is too many?" member Michelassi asked.  "I believe that this is too many and will be voting no, not because Christopher B. Burke Engineering is not qualified or because I do not support the project, I am voting no on the appearance of impropriety." 

The Daily Herald reports 

DuPage Taking Closer Look at Two Sanitary Districts

A new study will help DuPage County officials determine whether two sanitary districts serving residents in Lombard and Villa Park should continue operating as stand-alone entities.

County board members on Tuesday agreed to hire Christopher B. Burke Engineering to assess the operations of the Highland Hills and Salt Creek sanitary districts. As part of the $69,496 contract, the engineering firm also will evaluate potential cost savings through shared services or consolidation.

You can read the rest of story here.

To Fund or Not to Fund

Laurie Nowak (D) District 6, posed some very good questions and had some very insightful comments regarding the precedent being set by allowing a nonprofit free rent at the DuPage County Campus.  Josephs Academy is not the only nonprofit struggling to meet their financial obligations.  Are there other nonprofits that could benefit from not having to pay rent?  Is there more space available for other nonprofits that are facing similar financial situations? No one is questioning the value of the service that Josephs Academy provides, rather it is the fairness of this arrangement to other nonprofits and the  taxpayer.

Ms. Nowak asked that the county adopt a policy to avoid this situation in the future.  No, the county will be handling these types of situations on a case by case basis, was the response.

A  policy with guidelines that ensures consistency, while maintaining accountability and fairness in the process is not a bad idea at all.

The Daily Herald reports

Loss of state funding hampers new DuPage school

Less than two years after moving into space at DuPage County’s former youth home, a nonprofit school that helps young people with severe behavioral, emotional and learning disorders is struggling to increase its enrollment. As a result, county officials have decided not to charge Joseph Academy rent through the end of September. They also have forgiven missed rent payments of about $12,000 a month dating back to November.


You can read the full story here.

This Week's Meetings

• Finance Committee, 8 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 25, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., County Board Room
• Legislative Committee, 8:30 or immediately following Finance 
  Tuesday, March 25, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., Room 3500A
• Technology Committee, 9 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 25, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Strategic Planning - Special Call, 9:30 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 25, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., Room 3500A
• County Board Meeting, 10 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 25, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., County Board Room
• Sheriff's Merit Commission, 8:30 a.m. - Special Call 
  Thursday, March 27, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., Room 1500-B
• Election Commission, 4 p.m. 
  Thursday, March 27, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., Election Commission Board Rm
• Stormwater Committee, 7:30 a.m. 
  Tuesday, April 01, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., County Board Room

More...

Metra Considers Cameras at Crossing Gates

The Daily Herald Reports

Metra could install surveillance cameras at dangerous railway crossings as a deterrent to drivers who ignore lowered gates and warning bells.

The move comes after three crossing accidents occurred in February that spiraled into 172 delays. But fatalities and injuries involving vehicles and pedestrians at crossings are a continual issue for Metra and the freight railroads in the region.

You can read the full story here.

Lombard Safe Passage Across the Railway Crossing with Construction of Pedestrian Tunnel

The Daily Herald reports

Lombard’s no-frills Metra station will receive a makeover starting this spring with a pedestrian underpass plus canopies and shelters on the platforms.

Metra directors Friday approved an $8 million contract with John Burns Construction Co. with work expected to start this spring and last 10 months.

Currently, pedestrians use walkways across the tracks to reach the other side. The improvements are part of a series of safety upgrades along the Union Pacific West Line.

You can read the full story here.

Small Business Roundtable

Don't miss this opportunity, A Better Illinois presents a discussion on a Fair Tax for small businesses.

Fair and Graduated Income Tax for A Better Illinois

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Why is a graduated income tax better than the flat tax for our state?

Why can't the Legislature just change the way we tax?

Come hear more and ask your questions. This is hot topic in our county and in Springfield because our fiscal system is broken and needs to be fixed. 

Hilary Denk, Co-President of the LWV of Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle will share the League perspective and much information on this issue.

Martin McAlpine, Local Organizer for A Better Illinois will give you tools and opportunities to make your voice heard.

The public is welcome!

March 19th 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, Room 503

 

Democrats Please Choose A Democrat Ballot - Republicans Please Choose A Republican Ballot

Today I received a mailer from the Illinois Common Sense PAC it reads:

This years democratic primary has almost no contested races.
In this primary , please Vote for Ron Sandack by choosing a Republican ballot.

The following post was written by Bruce Beckman a Democratic Precinct Committeeman from Downers Grove Township, Bruce explains exactly why Democrats should not pull a Republican ballot.
  
A Republican candidate in the 81st is begging everybody to crossover and select a Republican ballot. What they aren't telling you is that once you do that, you are seen as a Republican by the Board of Elections and cannot participate in the selection process of the Democratic Party. While it is your full right to do this, please understand the implication of this move.

There are those who'd like you to believe that selecting a Republican ballot is the righteous thing to do when in fact it only serves the wishes of the Republican candidate.  When you select the opposing party's ballot, it is not for one office, but all of them.  At the same time it weakens the party which best matches your views.  Rather than bidding the wishes of the Republican candidate, select the ballot of the Party that matches your vision for the future.

The general election is in November and that is when the 81st Rep is selected.

Fair and Graduated Income Tax for A Better Illinois

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Why is a graduated income tax better than the flat tax for our state?

Why can't the Legislature just change the way we tax?

Come hear more and ask your questions. This is hot topic in our county and in Springfield because our fiscal system is broken and needs to be fixed. 

Hilary Denk, Co-President of the LWV of Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle will share the League perspective and much information on this issue.

Martin McAlpine, Local Organizer for A Better Illinois will give you tools and opportunities to make your voice heard.

The public is welcome!

March 19th 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, Room 503

This Week's Meetings

• General Primary Election 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
• Public Transit Committee - CANCELLED 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-A
• Judicial/Public Safety Committee, 8:15 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Economic Development Committee, 8:45 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-A
• Public Works Committee, 9:15 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Ad-Hoc Committee on Collective Bargaining, 9:30 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., Room 3500A
• Transportation Committee, 10:00 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-B
• Health & Human Services Committee, 10:15 a.m. 
  Tuesday, March 18, 2014
  421 N. County Farm Rd., 3500-A

More...