Paul's Pick of the Week: DuPage chairman candidates weigh in on zoning proposal

Each week our news sleuth, Paul, selects one important article that you should not miss.
-------

DuPage chairman candidates weigh in on zoning proposal
By Jake Griffin | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 8/31/2010 8:35 AM
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=404740

Check Out the DuPage Candidates

The County Democrats have forwarded the official 3-fold pamphlet our way. You can get a nice handle on all of the Democratic candidates for this fall election. Here are the links: 

Page 1:  http://www.lisledemocrats.com/uploads/lisletownshipdemocraticorganization/DupageDems_Brochure_2010Pg2.jpg

Paul's Pick of the Week: Ethics panel sides with DuPage Election Commission

Each week our news sleuth, Paul, selects one important article that you should now miss. This week he has selected Jake Griffin's article from the August 16th Daily Herald entitiled, Ethics panel sides with DuPage Election Commission .  

DuPage Good Oleboys Party's Version of Ethics

September Meeting Date Change

The September Lisle Democrat's monthly meeting will be held on Monday, September 27th, at 7pm at the Woodridge Public Library.

Clark, Harper Campaigns Discuss Progress Toward November

Representatives from the Scott Harper Campaign came and shared their excitement about the progress that they are making. The support for Harper is very strong following the record of incumbent Congresswoman Judy Biggert.  She has fallen out of touch with the changing nature of the issues that face DuPage County.

•  Tough on Wall Street
• A Record on Job Creation
• Independent of Special Interests

Dennis Clark, DuPage Forest Preserve Presidential Candidate joined us and discussed his priorities, which are

Scott Harper Happy Hour June 30

Join the Lisle Democrats and other supporters of Scott Harper on June 30th.

Scott Harper, candidate IL-13, End of Quarter Happy Hour, 6-8PM, Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Friend $25, Couple, $50, Host $100. RSVP by with Nick Hornsberry by email at nick@harper2010.com.

Abuse of Power: Taxpayers deserve a lot more for $315K a year

One party rule leads to abuse of power. Here is a Sun-Times editorial that discusses the thousands of taxpayer dollars going to the empty DuPage Technology Park.

Taxpayers deserve a lot more for $315K a year
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/2416994,CST-EDT-edit22a.article
June 22, 2010

AG looking into Open Meetings complaint against Lisle Township

We wanted to send this article from the Lisle Sun, http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/lislesun/news/2375496,6_1_NA11_LSTOWNSHIP_S1-100611.article

AG looking into Open Meetings complaint against Lisle Township
June 11, 2010
From Staff Reports

Candidates and Healthcare Presentation at Tonight's Meeting

We had a very active meeting tonight with several candidates visitng and a special presentation on healthcare.

Candidate for Forest Preserve Commissioner Hilary Denk discussed our group. She emphasized the need of the Forest Preserve to partner with local park districts. She also emphasized the need to advocate for the many different needs of the wide range of citizens that the forest preserve serves.

Join Us for the Lisle 4th of July Parade

Everyone is invited to show their Pride in America by marching with the Lisle Township Democratic Organization in the Lisle 4th of July Parade. We will be meeting at 2:45 p.m. on July 4th on Yackley just east of Ohio. The parade steps off at 3:30 p.m. If you have any questions, contack Joe Heneghan at joseph.heneghan@yahoo.com.

"The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act"

"The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act"
June 21, 7 p.m.
Lisle Township Democratic Meeting
Woodridge Public Library 3 Plaza Dr, Woodridge, IL, 60517

The Lisle Democrats are happy to welcome Ms. Connie Sunderhaus, R.N. and Mr. Dan Dudycha, J.D. who will give a special presentation, "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."

Connie and Dan remove the confusion and media-hype from this federal act. This presentation is a must see for Lisle Township voters interested in reform and regulation of the insurance industry, as well protecting children and seniors. Connie has traveled to Washington working on behalf of this bill speaking to members on both sides of the aisle.

This is an important presentation that makes the complexities and issues behind the bill understandable and accessible. We hope you will join us. This is especially important for committee(wo)men who will be out talking to residents who may have questions.

DuPage Water Commission changes slow in coming

from the Fox Valley Village Sun

DuPage Water Commission changes slow in coming

May 26, 2010 By JENETTE STURGES

When it comes to the DuPage Water Commission, everybody's a critic.

First it was state Sen. Dan Cronin, R-Elmhurst, who failed in his attempt to consolidate the troubled commission under the County Board.

Now his opponent in the upcoming race for DuPage County Board chairman, Aurora Democrat Carole Cheney, is taking aim with a different tactic. Early this week, Cheney called for "more equitable representation" for municipalities on the commission. She's referring to the seven of 12 commissioners appointed by the County Board and its chair, that is, whomever wins the November election.

If the Water Commission wants to avoid becoming fodder for county election debate, it could start by listening to another critic: Jenner and Block, the law firm it paid $365,000 for an audit of the events that led up to the commission's financial fallout.

Nearly three months after the report was released, recommendations that the Finance Committee "hold regular meetings that are not time-limited," for example, haven't been acted upon. Instead, the Finance Committee has been rolled into a Committee of the Whole, which meets a half-hour prior to commission meetings. Acting General Manager Terry McGhee defended the change, saying the bigger group means more opinions and more oversight. "Everybody in the commission is now taking part in the discussion," he said.

The Jenner and Block audit ultimately found that the accounting missteps that resulted in the commission burning through $69 million in reserves came from a lack of oversight. It recommended the commission "recruit professionals with finance experience to serve on the board and its Finance Committee."

In April, Naperville's representative, Allan Poole, the city's director of public utilities, retired and was replaced on the commission by Councilman Richard Furstenau. That has been the only change to the commission.

As for the suggestion the commission should have a treasurer as a paid, non-staff position that answers to the board, that has yet to happen. At the April 8 meeting, the commission named Commissioner Don Zeilenga to the position temporarily.

But if one change has come as the result of the investigation, it is more detailed monthly financial reporting that details revenues and expenses for the commission.

The monthly treasurer's report will be compiled next week and released prior to the June 10 commission meeting. That report should reflect the water rate increase passed April 15, and if the commission's plan worked out, it will show a positive balance for the month. That would go a long way to showing that the commission is finally on track to balancing expenditures, which include the price paid for water from Chicago, operation of the delivery lines, and debts owed, with its income from water billing and sales tax.

"It's a fairly straightforward operation," said Furstenau. "But some folks sure do a good job of making it look complicated."

Further complicating matters is the legacy of the former financial director responsible for many of the commission's problems. Even if the commission is on track now, it's still possible they will continue to uncover further financial foibles.

The May 13 meeting, for instance, revealed an accounting mistake dating back to 2008, when the then-finance director began undercharging the commission's two dozen municipal customers, a miscalculation lasting two years. Municipalities will be given that long to pay what they owe, which in Naperville, the commission's biggest customer, totals $50,000. Other municipalities owe less than $10,000 each, with the exception of Darien, which owes a disproportionate $185,000.

Of course, for Cronin, the audit itself was an expensive misstep. "That a paid law firm should be the final word on what happened with public funds isn't right," said a spokesman for Cronin's office.

While Cronin hasn't formally asked the DuPage County state's attorney's office to investigate, he is quick to mention that the possibility of such an investigation was discussed in executive session during the consideration of his bill that would have dismantled the commission altogether.

DuPage State's Attorney Joe Birkett stood by his office's policy of neither confirming nor denying any ongoing investigation Wednesday afternoon, but added, "the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior."

When complaints have been made against a public body, he said, "historically, I always have (investigated)."

The DuPage Water Commission will meet at 7 p.m. June 10, or immediately following the 6:30 p.m. Committee of the Whole Meeting, at its facility at 600 E. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst.

One-party rule does not work

------------------------------ One-party rule is water board problem Published: 5/22/2010 11:04 PM

The May 13 article about the DuPage Water Commission would have better served your readers if it had shed some light on the real problem and the attempts to mask the problems.

The only things missing from the legislation proposed by state Sen. Dan Cronin were the shells and the pea. What does the legislation do to correct the problems and reduce the cost of water for the homeowners? Nothing. The loss of revenue by decreasing the sales tax will now be picked up by the homeowner and business owner.

The real problem is a one-party system of government that doesn't work. Cronin is desperate to replace Schillerstrom as county board chairman, so the same mistakes made by Schillerstrom, whose Republican-appointed colleagues failed their oversight role to prevent serious financial mistakes, can be glossed over and responsibility denied.

The article mentions that Liz Chaplin, the lone Democrat on the commission, "was singled out in the auditor's report as trying to alert the commission of possible financial chicanery." Chaplin said, "I would be wasting my time there because they really don't listen to me."

A party in power too long becomes arrogant and careless. The best way to right a sinking ship is to appoint a new captain. Her name is Carole Cheney, Democratic candidate for county board chairman.

Woodridge Mayor Bill Murphy accused Cronin of trying to control the commission despite the legislative compromise, "They're getting a glimpse of how an entrenched politician will work with people, or should I say, not work with people".

Carole Cheney will bring a new perspective to the county board. If you want to watch a shell game for the next two years and trust the county to a Springfield "entrenched politician," don't vote for Carole Cheney.

Paul E. Sjordal Naperville

What been going on?

Here's a quick snapshot about what's happening around DuPage county:

• Our very own Bob Peickert was elected to the Executive Committee of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association. Congrats!
• In late March, our newly selected LT. GOVERNOR candidate, Sheila Simon, met with DuPage Women for a fantastic discussion session.
• The five Collar County Chairs had a reception in Springfield on April 28th where we made some significant connections with the Quinn Campaign. The battle for Governor will likely be won in the collars so get ready to support both our LOCAL and STATE candidates. IF you are not a precinct committeeperson and would like to be, call us today!
• CONGRATULATIONS to the York Township Dems who put on a great show last Sunday at the St. Patrick's Day in May banquet.
• DAVID WILHELM, former DNC Chair, will be the guest at the KICK-OFF event for Greg Brownfield on May 24th.
• Carole Cheney, our Democratic candidate has been on the phone and in front of the faces of tens of local organizations and has already picked up some significant endorsements. WOMEN FOR CAROLE CHENEY will be having a fundraising event for her on June 22.

The Results of One Party Rule in DuPage

The lack of checks and balances in the system are becoming costly.

--------------------

Naperville raises water rates in response to hike from DuPage commission

By Bob Goldsborough Special to the Tribune

The Naperville City Council on Tuesday voted 8-0 to raise residential water rates 4.9 percent in order to pass on to the city's water customers the increased rates that the DuPage Water Commission began charging Naperville and 24 other municipal customers as of May 1.

Effective June 1, Naperville's residential water customers, who had been paying $2.26 per 100 cubic feet of water, will begin paying $2.37 per 100 cubic feet. Business customers similarly will see their water rates increase by 5.2 percent.

The measure is in response to higher water rates that Chicago, which is the water commission's Lake Michigan water supplier, began charging the commission as of Jan. 1.

The commission's board long had planned to raise its rates to its municipal customers to match Chicago's higher rates. However, in February, commissioners voted to increase rates over and above that level because of reserves that were depleted after accounting errors that were discovered last fall. Those errors eventually cost the commission's general manager and financial administrator their jobs.

"It's not under our control to decide what the water commission is going to charge us and in turn what the city of Chicago will charge the DuPage Water Commission," said Councilman Bob Fieseler.

Naperville officials were quick to note that the city charges the lowest water rates of any DuPage County community with Lake Michigan water.

Councilman Richard Furstenau, who also is one of the commission's 13 board members, cautioned his colleagues that Tuesday's action is not the last water increase that they will need to make as a result of the commission's financial situation.

"Believe me, it's going to have to go higher," he said of the water rate. "It'll come in two or three chunks in six-month intervals over the next year and a half. We need to stay on top of this. We're going to need to raise our water rates right along with them because we don't have the money to subsidize this stuff. The costs have to be passed on."

In related news, the City Council accepted a bid of $906,825 from Deerfield-based Bolder Contractors to construct a water main that will help provide greater water flow to the city's South Side during peak demand periods.

Bolder will install a pipe that's 4,000 feet long and 16 inches in diameter The company also will install valves and fire hydrants. Bolder was the lowest of 16 bidders, and its bid came in well below the city's $1.39 million budgeted amount.

Cronin Rankles Mayors

We wanted to share this article from the Daily Herald ------------ Cronin rankles mayors with water commission referendum talk http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=378936&src=2 By Jake Griffin | Daily Herald Staff Published: 5/7/2010 12:04 AM

DuPage County mayors complain that the ink wasn't even dry on the compromise bill to keep the DuPage Water Commission intact before opposition ringleader state Sen. Dan Cronin began talking about dismantling the agency again.

"What I'm confused about is he came together with us on a compromise that we think is a decent compromise and suddenly he's saying he's not satisfied with the compromise," said Addison mayor and water commission member Larry Hartwig. "The very definition of a compromise is that neither side is completely satisfied."

Cronin, the Republican nominee to be the next county board chairman, suggested he wanted to put the question of dismantling the commission to voters in the form of a November ballot question. The remark came shortly after the state Senate overwhelmingly approved a version of a bill introduced by Cronin that repeals a quarter-percent sales tax by 2016 and mandates all current commission members resign by January in lieu of the commission being taken over by the county.

"I think it's a good opportunity to gauge the opinion of the taxpayers and voters," Cronin said Thursday.

Cronin said he approached county board member Jeff Redick about the possibility of the county board adding the question to the ballot, but Redick told him the board likely wouldn't support such a plan after checking with several colleagues. Redick and Cronin are partners in the same Oak Brook-based law firm.

"The consensus from the board is the compromise that came out is one that has a lot of potential and we want to see what comes of that," Redick said.

The mayors complain Cronin is using the issue to further his campaign for county board chairman. Woodridge Mayor and commission member Bill Murphy said residents in his town should blame Cronin when water bills go up after the sales tax that generates roughly $30 million a year is repealed.

"Most people, myself included, are going to call this the 'Cronin Water Rate Increase,'" Murphy said. "The sales tax elimination was something he wanted to accomplish, but that may not be as great an accomplishment as he wanted."

Cronin said he wants more accountability and oversight of the commission.

"It should be run like a utility," he said. "Once the sales tax goes away, governance will be much more straightforward and less complex."

The commission oversees operations that provide Lake Michigan water to more than two dozen municipalities and agencies. Late last year, staff discovered financial reporting irregularities that led the commission to spend all of its $69 million reserves. A costly forensic audit was conducted and made several recommendations to avoid future financial missteps. Dismantling the commission was not a recommendation of the audit.

"I don't think handing over greater controls to the county is the solution," said Carole Cheney, Cronin's Democratic opponent in November. "He's assuming the county would be a better steward, but the county needed a $75 million bailout from the water commission a few years back and my opponent was the one who sponsored that bailout."

Cronin could also petition to have the question on the ballot. That would require more than 15,000 signatures from registered voters by Aug. 16.

"I'm not afraid of that number," Cronin said, "I'm not trying to undo the compromise. I want to get the opinion of the voters."

Sheila Simon Wows Local Crowd

Wanted to share this article from the Wheaton Sun

http://poll.suburbanchicagonews.com/wheatonsun/news/2162592,6_1_NA16_SIMON_S1-100416.article

'Public service is the priority' Sheila Simon impresses local Democratic women

April 16, 2010 By JENETTE STURGES jsturges@stmedianetwork.com

Just days after Gov. Pat Quinn announced his new running mate, Sheila Simon, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor followed the campaign trail to DuPage County.

Simon had lunch recently with 20 of the Democratic Party of DuPage County's most influential women at Quigley's Irish Pub in Naperville to discuss women's campaign issues. Each had a lot to say.

"Education is the most important thing for funding," said Dawn DeSart, District 204 School Board member, addressing Simon and the crowd.

"We are 50th out of 50 states for funding. It covers employment. We just lost 145 teachers in our district alone. It encompasses crime, prison. That's the thing we have to tackle first."

Education topped the list of priorities the women said they wanted to see addressed in Springfield. Participants also stressed the need for job creation, human services and more honesty and transparency in the state.

It's that honesty and transparency that Democrats hope runs in Simon's blood.

Her parents are the respected late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon and state Rep. Jeanne Hurley.

"So impressed, so honest, so genuine, so sincerely committed to what is right," said Dianne McGuire about Paul Simon, who she met during his time in the Senate. "I see the exact same qualities in his daughter, Sheila."

"Having folks who are involved in politics gets my foot in the door, but that's all it is," said Simon. "That's all it should be."

Still, the women in attendance seemed curious to see for themselves what kind of mark the late senator had left on his daughter.

"Mom and Dad did teach me a lot about politics," Simon said. "I learned that public service is the priority, that you need to put others ahead of yourself to be a good public servant. And I also learned that you need to do the right thing, even when it's the unpopular thing, and I think that's one of the things that people really loved about my dad."

She said the political battles raging over the budget and pension reform are the kinds of unpopular decisions that will ultimately need to be made for the good of the state.

Beyond her political pedigree, Simon is a law professor at Southern Illinois University School of Law and served a term on the Carbondale City Council from 2003 to 2007. She said the position has prepared her to help run the state.

"There's a whole lot that Carbondale City Council has in common with the process of making policy in Springfield. It's a democratic process, and it's all about hearing more voices and making good decisions."

Still, Simon's name on the ticket was a disappointment for some when she beat out Art Turner. Turner had come in second in the primaries after Scott Lee Cohen, who resigned amid controversies in his personal life. Simon said she's a "big fan" of Turner and is looking forward to meeting his supporters.

Despite the election process, the Democratic women at the lunch seemed to be rallying around Simon.

"I am very excited," said Carole Cheney, who is running for DuPage County Board chair. "This is really a historic time generally for women in Illinois so it's really exciting to see her on the ballot in that position."

If elected, Simon would be the second woman to hold the post, and she called having women in Springfield "significant."

"The more representative we can be as a party, the more effective we're going to be setting our priorities," she said.

2 important upcoming dates: April 13 & 22

April 13, 6:30 Lisle Township Clean Election referendum sign in, meeting at 7:30 4721 Indiana, Lisle, IL. 60532 (Ogden just south of the Acura dealer, 2 blocks west of Yackley)

April 22, Lisle Township Democrats Monthly Meeting, Woodridge Public Library (date change for our normal monthly meeting)

Illinois Ballot Integrity in Lisle Township

Thanks to all of you who helped with the Clean Election referendum for DuPage townships, the referendum will be placed on the agenda for the April 13th town hall township meetings for Lisle Township.

If a majority of registered voters present at the April 13th meeting vote in favor of the referendum it will be placed the township ballots in November:

“Shall the Illinois Assembly enact “Clean Elections” legislation, a system whereby candidates agree to accept limits on campaign contributions and spending in return for public financing of elections?”

We need the majority, so we need your help to get others to the township meetings April 13th.

Please ask friends, family, and neighbors who are registered voters to go to their April 13th township meeting and vote in favor of the Clean Elections referendum. Email this to others.

It’s time to take back our democracy.

WE the VOTERS are the “public” in publicly financed elections. Isn’t it time that we have our voices be heard instead of being drowned out by special interests?

In Illinois 95% of funding of elections comes from corporations and large private sums over $250.

In a Joyce Foundation poll 71% believe “public financing of political candidates will make a difference in helping to make Illinois government work better.” Together, we can take that first step in achieving that goal.

Quite frankly the time is now. This is the chance to have your voices be heard. So, we urgently need your help to spread the word.

Please stop by on March 31st at the Panera Bread in Wheaton, 25 Rice Lake Square to pick up postcards, posters, and wallet sized announcements for the April 13th township annual meeting.

Please distribute them to whom you think will vote favorably on the referendum. Posters can be placed with permission in restaurants.

The April township meetings meeting times and locations are below:

April Sign-In

* Bring an ID with your name & current full address to confirm that you are a regisitered voter. * The township will have a binder of registered voters available at a sign-in table that evening. * ONLY registered voters in the township will be allowed to vote. * Also, sign in if you are giving public statement. * A great deal of information is on our website: http://www.ballot-integrity.org/CEC.htm * Clean Elections would end pay-to-play politics in Illinoisffect all other

Lisle Township Meeting info: Lisle Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 4721 Indiana Ave. Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 968-2087

Democrats in St. Patty's Parade

Over 75 Democrats marched in the St. Patty's parade in Naperville.  Thanks to all who showed up.

Illinois Ballot Integrity Project

At our last meeting, we had a presentation from the  Illinois Ballot Integrity Project discussing their Clean Election Campaign.

Chair Candidates Call DuPage County Board Budget a Joke

Both candidates for the Chair of the County Board called the proposed budget into question.  Take a look at the article in the Daily Herald: DuPage chairman candidates wary of revenue projections. 

Watching the DuPage Water Commission

We are watching the actions revolving around the DuPage Water Commission as outlined in the Chicago Tribune (see article DuPage Water Commission legislation tied to one of its members).  It is nice to see that Woodridge Mayor Bill Murphy is opposing the dissolution of the water commission.  We encourage our membrers to read the articled linked in this post. 

Congrats to Aileen!

We want to congratulate Lisle Township's Aileen Eilert who is now the Vice Chair of DuPage County.  Way to go, Aileen.  We know you'll represent us well.

St. Patricks Day Parade Naperville

Please join us if you can for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Naperville. Meet at Naperville North (parking will be tough, more spots to west of campus) just south of the main building 9:30. Naperville North is Located at Ogden & Mill (~ ½ mile west of Washington). Parade begins at 10:00 ends at 11:00 south of the River. Afterwards we go to Black Fin for drinks and Hors Deuvers (Jefferson & Washington a little west of Jefferson) Please let Joe know you are coming: (joseph.heneghan@alcatel-lucent.com.

A Rare County Board Meeting

The DuPage County Board rarely hold evening meetings, which would be more convenient for residents. This Tuesday, February 23rd, the board will meet in the evening. Here's a piece from the Naperville Sun Web site:

DuPage board slates evening meeting Tuesday

In an effort to encourage residents to participate in its functioning, the DuPage County Board conducts several evening meetings each year. One of those is coming up next week.

The board will convene at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the third-floor County Board Room of the Jack T. Knuepfer Administrative Building, 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton.

Normally the board meets at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Each meeting provides 30 minutes for public comment.

Naperville Sun: Navistar foes ask County Board for change of heart

The Lisle Township Democrats are keeping an eye on the progress of the Navistar issue.  For information, you may want to review this article: Navistar foes ask County Board for change of heart.

Vote February 2nd

The February 2nd primary is quickly approaching.  It's important that you get out an vote Democratic.  You can check the Locagtion of Your Polling Place on the DuPage Election Commission site. 

Herald ignores lack of reform in DuPage

From 12/20 Daily Herald: The Dec. 12 Daily Herald editorial on a "to-do list" seems, once again, seems to be the same partisan attacks we are used to seeing from this paper. For some time, the Daily Herald has ignored (they must know what's going on) the lack of reform right here in River City, I mean DuPage.

In DuPage County, under the one party rule, there has been only one attempt, by Deb Olson, to change campaign finance. There are no limits on how much a candidate may raise and no limits on spending. Oddly, two of the candidates for county chairman, state Senators Dan Cronin and Carole Pankau, voted against the law recently signed by Gov. Pat Quinn that establishes limits. I assume their argument will be, "It wasn't enough."

However, neither of them has joined Olson to propose "voluntary" limits on campaign spending. Why? Olson's proposal, while not perfect, is a start. Add provisions that limits what individuals may give their own campaigns, limit total spending, and we would have a better plan. The Herald has ignored arguing for DuPage County that which it argues for Illinois. There are no term limits, no caps on campaign contributions, no "independent" commission free of political influence and no budget solutions except to raise taxes.

Recall Bob Schillerstrom's move to raise our sales tax to plug the $40 million deficit. And now we have $19 million suddenly missing from the water commission's wallet and a request for $60 million more. The Herald needs to be "fair and slightly balanced" by calling on the Republican leaders and candidates to practice what they preach. Let's call for all candidates, Democrat and Republicans, to voluntarily agree to campaign limits. And, if they don't, they shouldn't get the endorsement of the same newspaper that argues for this type of reform.

Bob Peickert

Chairman, Democratic Party of DuPage County

The Lisle Township Food bank is serving record numbers of families

The Lisle Township Food bank is serving record numbers of families in Lisle Township. In November 179 families picked up food from the monthly food program.

The township also has a program where you can sponsor a family and buy them X-Mas gifts. There is also a record number of families participating in this program. There are 23 out of 85 families that have not been sponsored.  Please get the word out to other township Dems to see if they can help to sponsor a family. The person to contact is Jim Vondran at 630-234-7102. Jim is the food bank director and he will provide the info about the families and their wishes for Christmas. The wrapped gifts can be dropped off at the food bank by the sponsor.

Herald: Outraged? People should be!

We wanted to share this editorial from the Daily Herald:

Step aside until investigation is over
Daily Herald
Published: 12/13/2009 12:24 AM

The DuPage Water Commission lost $19 million and its managers want you to foot the bill to clean up their mess.

It's not clear what happened. Forensic auditors are crunching numbers and pricey lawyers are investigating. Meanwhile, water rates likely will be increasing.

Outraged? People should be.

This $19 million didn't disappear overnight. We're told the money set aside for emergency repairs depleted slowly, tapped because the water commission charges less than what they pay the city of Chicago for Lake Michigan water. Money has been moving out of the fund set up to finance repairs into the general operating fund, leaving too few dollars to pay $53 million in debt.

Now the water commission wants to borrow $60 million to pay bills and rebuild reserves. Water rates reportedly could jump 42 percent.

Who's to blame for water commission mess?

This is a pretty serious issue that we wanted to share. 

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=341582

Woodridge Village Board to vote on gambling ban

Since most of Woodridge is in Lisle Township, this seemed like something worth passing along. 

Woodridge Village Board to vote on gambling ban

Biggert & Schakowsky debate terror trials

Our own representative Judy Biggert (R) debated Illinois representative Jan Schakowsky (D) on the issue of the proposed trials of 9/11 planners. This is another example of Biggert's party-line thinking and another reason that we need a change. It's time that we had someone with independent thought as our representative.

Lisle Dems Oct 19th Meeting

The Lisle Democrats October meeting focused on getting petitions ready for the February primary, but we managed to have enough to for a couple of special guests.

We welcomed Hillary Denk who is running for the forest preserve district 2.  Ms. Dank is out getting signatures right now and will have a Web site with more information soon.

Scott Harper for Congress

Today, Scott Harper announced his candidacy for Congress from the 13th district.  Here is a video about Scott:

September Meeting: Physicians for a National Health Program

Tonight was our September meeting, and we enjoyed an enlightening discussion with Dr. Anne Scheetz M.D., S.C. from Physicians for a National Health Program.  Dr. Scheetz highlighted the central problem with US healthcare, namely, that insurers actively work to remove the sick from coverage while prices are rising.  Physicians for a National Health Program is working to ensure that all Americans are covered.

We also heard from the following Democratic candidates:

League for Woman Voters Raises Concerns Over Election Board

There has been much concern over the actions of the DuPage County Election Board.  The following letter from the League for Women Voters really summariezes these concerns. 

Ethics plan falls short, election board
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=314849
Letter to the Editor
Published: 8/20/2009 12:12 AM

Scott Harper and Dennis Clark visiting with Lisle Democrats

Scott Harper, candidate for Congress,  and Dennis Clark, candidate for Forest Preserve President, addressed the Lisle Democrats at tonight's meeting. 

Democrats and News Media Turned Away

The following was sent to us from the Downers Grove Democratics:

Yesterday, we announced a Health Care Forum that Representative Biggert was having at Lake Hinsdale Village. The information came from residents of LHV who told us that the event was open to the public and provided the directions to the clubhouse.

Pay to Play Alive in DuPage

Access to government and government transparency are two important issues to our township organization.  This letter in the Daily Herald hits on some key areas of concern.  Hope you will take a look: Pay to Play Alive in DuPage.

"Industrial Complex" Maintenance Facility Planned in Blackwell Forest Preserve

County Board member Tony Michelassi fowarded info:
The DuPage County Forest Preserve Board is planning to spend $7.5 million of your tax dollars to build a 28,000+ sq. ft., three story high industrial fleet maintenance facility in the McKee Marsh area of the Blackwell Forest Preserve. We have uncovered that this is just the start of a much larger planned industrial complex. There is an effort under way to "preserve" the Forest Preserve (ironic). Follow this link for more info:

http://west-win.home.comcast.net/~west-win/docs/FP/index.htm

3 events

The following events were sent from the County Democrats:

WED-SUN, JULY 22-26, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.:
Join the township organizations of DPDC at the DuPage County FAIR! Our booth is in the MAIN HALL at the Southeast Corner. Candidates and Elected Officials will be popping by so why don't you?? Click here: http://www.dupagecountyfair.org/Home_Page.php

Is Judy Biggert out of Touch?

• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which lowered taxes for over 95% of American families--Biggert voted NO
• Helping Families Save Their Home Act to help 7 to 9 million families avoid foreclosures--Biggert voted NO
• Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act extending coverage to 4.1 million childiren--Biggert voted NO
• Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act guaranteeing that women are paid the same as men--Biggert voted NO

Visit www.ScottHarperForCongress.com to learn how we can elect a Representative that represents us and is in touch with our district.   

Harper to Run Again

Daily Herald: Democrat Harper to Run Again

After a quick rise from political obscurity to campaign-fundraising dynamo, Scott Harper is ready for Round 2 against six-term U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert.

Campaign for Better Health Care

The Campaign for Better Health Care is organizing a meeting and rally at Judy Biggert's Willowbrook office at Rt 83 and 63rd St. next Monday June 29th at 4:30 pm. We want to get as many people as we can there as a show of support for a strong public option in the health care bill. We're going to have media covering it so if you have a story to tell this is the place to do it. One thing we want to do is hand Biggert a stack of the petition copies showing how widespread support for healthcare reform is in the 13th.

Heritage Fest

Come to Heritage Fest Friday, Saturday or Sunday (June 26, 27, 28) and get your picture taken with our life size cut out of President Obama at the DG Township Democrats booth! We'll be on Main Street just south of Caribou Coffee. We'll also have a brain teaser contest on American government, history, and rights. With three levels of difficulty the whole family can play. We need volunteers willing to wander the crowd and get signatures for our healthcare petitions. You can read about what we'll do with them at our website here: http://www.dgdemocrats.com/
 

Join us on Face Book

The Lisle Township Democrats have moved to the social networking world. We hope that you'll:

Join us on Facebook

Obama's letter to the people of Illinois

Obama's letter to the people of Illinois from the Sun-Times

November 15, 2008

BY PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

Today, I am ending one journey to begin another. After serving the people of Illinois in the United States Senate -- one of the highest honors and privileges of my life -- I am stepping down as senator to prepare for the responsibilities I will assume as our nation's next president. But I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.

More than two decades ago, I arrived in Illinois as a young man eager to do my part in building a better America. On the South Side of Chicago, I worked with families who had lost jobs and lost hope when the local steel plant closed. It wasn't easy, but we slowly rebuilt those neighborhoods one block at a time, and in the process I received the best education I ever had. It's an education that led me to organize a voter registration project in Chicago, stand up for the rights of Illinois families as an attorney and eventually run for the Illinois state Senate.

Congratulations Lisle Democrats!

Last night was a big night for Democrats in Lisle Township and across the country.  We witnessed record turnouts and many new and longtime voters standing up for change. 

We are proud to have supported President-Elect Obama since the early days of his run for US Senate.  It was great to witness history.