It continues to be very disturbing that the school board has such a poor community reputation according to Harris Interactive. For anyone that wants to learn the quality of the poll process see this link. It is very well respected nationally.

http://www.harrisinteractive.com/Products/Reports/SchoolPoll.aspx

I have looked a lot at this since the information was made public in the last few weeks.
I retired from college faculty. I now do some consulting and I have seen other area public schools use this to great advantage to seek to constantly improve. The Harris Interactive Poll doesn't lie and is quite accurate.

Our school board ranking that is so low speaks volumes on the lack of quality board leadership. Since many of the longtime members are gone, this results point to one person, the board President Mr.Collins

I have now read his materials and watched the League of Women Voters presentation. From those it is quite clear that his is not the direction the public has been expressing. The Harris Interactive Poll bears this out.

The other three candidates are qualified so I suggest we all follow the data and vote those three in and not Mr. Collins. That would make the expense we all paid by taxes to fund the Harris Interactive Poll meaningful. That is how the New Trier system has used it over the years. Learn from the data, and move on the data.

Who would you want to see elected?

Jim, Live On Olive gave you that information already as he stated to vote for the other three candidates. There are three positions open and only four in the election.

Elm,

There was a disconnect in my thought process. Someone came to the door and I returned to the computer. Hope I am not getting old. Thanks for not making look like an idiot. I can do that on my own. Take care.

General question, have the ballots been printed yet?

I would think so. Why, do you think Gutenkauf is thinking of dropping out of the race?

The most important question for the candidates got the least satisfying answers, and generally was not answered by any of them.

"What ideas do you have to help get the district to long-term financial sustainability?"

I read alot about communication and the exchange of information but nothing about ideas or proposals to actually do something about the poor financial state of 205 or preparation for the shifting of the pension obligation to home districts from the state. You can lobby the state for more money all you want, they dont have any to give to you. As we have seen with the 300K school bus plan, the board has been reduced to squeezing blood out of a rock in an attempt to balance the budget. The harsh reality is that you can only squeeze so much out of 20% of a budget until you have to look at the other 80%.

A better question would have been, will you support going to the voters with a referendum to raise taxes?

Think of every realistic way to reduce expenses.

Utilize technology such as the internet to teach and reduce costs related to delivery of services.

Diane is a wonderful person. I think the world of her. Unfortunately her and Mark will split the independent vote. Many claim that that Steve Morley is part of the group that wishes to succumb to the Madigan influence. While I am not totally sure of this, I do believe that Mr. Mulliner is above this tainted possibility.

We have three very good candidates. In order of priority I would support;

1) Mark Mulliner
2) Diane Gutenkauf
3) Mark Morley

All of them are great candidates. Elmhurst is very blessed to have candidates of this stature,There are no terribly bad choices. Who do you support and why?

I love Elmhurst. My kind of town.

More than anything, I am very disappointed and worried about what seems to be disinterest or lack of concern by the voting public. Nothing impacts the future of a community than the quality and talents of the people leading it.

Karen, why don't you write an article that discusses this. I think it is extremely important.

Karen,

I talk to quit a few people and many admit that they are essentially clueless about the election.

Political spin and games, will it ever end?

Diane is a great lady, I have no doubt about that.

I have been told that her robo calling and appearance of affiliation with Madigan have hurt her, even if there is no truth. Her "shut up" moment did not help yet I understand it.Mr. Mulliner and Mrs. Gutenkauf share many similarities. Unfortunately, unless one of them works with the other and withdraws, by default Steve Morley wins. I wish I knew about him. We have three very bright and capable people running. hover wins I want to see succeed, Their success becomes the communities success.

Karen,

Bread and Circuses will forever disengage the public and are designed to do so.
I love your writing, even if we once in awhile disagree. The Patch is such an asset to our community. Take care.

I agree that Diane's shout out might seem inappropriate but I think it was borne out of frustration and is a byproduct of a passionate personality. It put her in a bad light and when taken out of context, becomes a negative. I do think her and Paula worked very hard in the first ward. I think she is a bright woman who has the best interest of the City at heart. Every candidate will have their supporters. Maybe we should focus on their strengths and their vision for the City.

Unfortunately, history shows us that all of the claims that get someone elected do not always play out in the real world.

I do not think that we have any bad candidates. We all will have preferences based on our understanding. We should all want is best for our community and I would hope the losers in the races get behind the winners and help move us in a positive direction. Every voice needs to be heard.

I think Mr. Mulliner has put up the right message to be Mayor. He has come out with his ideas. He has said what he believes. It is good to hear his plans for the business area up north. No other candidate has been so up front. Thanks for that.

elle

Instead of blaming each other why not get everyone together and blame me ?

Karen - You mention noise, rumors, half-truths and lies. Would you mind sharing some of them? They may be more true than you wish to believe.

Karen,

Actually, to eliminate the truth from rumor, we need some sort of fact checker to ascertain the accuracy or inaccuracy of theses issues. This prevents the public from being misled .

For example: Some candidates have been called stooges for Madigan or have deep connections to him. This would be good to know. Last minute accusations allow someone to be damaged without adequate time to respond and thus watch an election possibly be lost as a result.
Whatever facts you do have any false claims would be insightful. Although truth may lie often in the middle, As a journalist/reporter you might have access and insights the average person does not. So, please...............do not walk the middle.,

The community could use your unbiased help.

Karen is correct; Mudslinging comes from one who makes malicious charges and otherwise attempts to discredit an opponent, as in a political campaign. Without substantiating the accusations (proving with witnesses and real documentation), it's just “Mudslinging.
If you as a voter want to vote for someone good you should vote, we all should vote.
Really too bad we don't.

So many wanna be journalists. You must study the facts before you write 99% of the people have no idea what you are talking about

Ida

Who are you directing your comments to ?

As for " facts"

a Republican and a Democrat both have the facts.

So does a Christian and a Muslim.

Sometimes it is a matter of perspective and bias.

Facts such as a provable relationship with Madigan Democrats would be noteworthy.

I do not consider myself a journalist. I am a person concerned about our community with an overactive thought process.I really did not pay attention much in High School and have no formal journalism training

Obviously I do not let that stop me.

Oh well.

Francis, I'm not sure but think Diane is most likely already posting as an alias. I have my own idea who she posts as but if her husband is posting I kind of think she is too. The policy (if I'm right) is when you change your screen name to another name then all your past post will also change to that new name. So if Diane has been posting she can't post with her real name unless she is willing to uncover her old posts.

Seriously? - get serious and learn the code if you are going to try to play the police. The large campaign sign ordinance only refers to residential. That property/area is zoned commercial. Those signs are legal. Try again CAVER....

In reality, not every person working for a candidate understands every nuance of a signage ordinance. Unless the problem is repetitive I would not spend much time focusing on minor details. Life is to short to sweat the small stuff.

Signs go missing all the time. That is part of election season. As far as I'm concerned the sign ordinance should read no signs of any sort should be allowed to be up for more than three weeks period. If they stay up the person or orginazation will be fined. Political football baseball lacrosse private art teachers. Just to name a few that have been seen over the last few months. It really trashes up our town and it also gives kids something to throw snow at right now.

Any issue I address on these pages are designed to improve the overall community at many difference levels. I do not consider any of it "small stuff" even though individually they might not seem profound to some. I do not tell the Courts about the caulking in their bathroom or a miter cut on some trim. Talking about the angle of a sign seems trivial. Since I pointed this out to you, why don't you give me an example from my writings, of something you deem "small stuff". As far as 24/7/365, I sure get a lot done in life and be here at the same time. Amazing !

example A.

" 7) unrelated to Parks perhaps but what about of some enclosure for our wonderful crossing guards. I feel sorry for them. "

really jimbo ...

shall i go on ?

your crossing guard comment reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where george is dating a girl whose father owns a clothing store; and george goes in there, and notices that the security guard has to stand the whole time; so he talks the manager is giving the security guard a rocking chair so he will be more comfortable. then, being so comfortable he falls asleep, and the place gets robbed while the security guard is sleeping. .. nevr quit jim; w' out you, this site would just be filled with hormonal women !

Apparently you spend much time watching tv and then take something designed to be humorous and then make it literal.

Lets see. Hey honey, I sure could use a car to go shopping. The husband buys the car and after many years of shopping someone bumps into her a dents her fender. The husband tells her " see, I know cars are a mistake". How you tether one logical suggestion to a comedy show is amazing. He honey, I am tired of sleeping out in the weather. Voice of reason tells her "what is wrong with you, next thing you know the shingles need replacing and the water heater went bad. I guess the idea of a house to keep you out of the elements relates to falling asleep. Your logic escapes me. It might even escape you. I also love your reference to hormonal woman. I am not one...are you ?

I hope you find yourself in the position as a crossing guard. Stand out in the weather for long periods of time, no shelter, place to sit, or to place your thermos.

When I see you I will offer you a.................smile.

I have talked to crossing guards. If it was raining out would I need a poll to see if an umbrella would be useful? A smoke detector in case of a fire. The obvious is not to hard to analyze. Taking action on it is out of my hands.

Since you say I have some good ideas and some ideas that you call inane

such as protection for crossing guards and students why don't you educate us and point out several more of my " inane" ideas you are referring to ? All of my years in property management I must not have learned much. As for the blind squirrel...I admit. . I do seem to catch nuts.

jim, you're driving me nuts: i'm starting to feel like richard dreyfuss in 'what about bob'. don't you get it; this is not about umbrellas or smoke detectors! do you really think the role of government is to protect all crossing guards from an occasional rain shower, when most people that volunteer their time to be crossing guards actually enjoy being outdoors, and perish the thought, probably own an umbrella or two. why do you want big brother to spend tax dollars to protect your crossing guards friends from the rain? please stop posting, i'm gonna go crazy !!

Voice

Don't you have a program on TV ?

You initiated the conversation and then went on the attack.

I love your logic

Although I do not always like how government operates I am glad when they limit pollution. I admire good police and fireman. Crossing gates and seatbelts save lives. So do airbags. It prevents plagues and disease. You should be a star of your own wild west fantasy.

I did not drive you nuts. You had already drove yourself. At least you were protected by bumpers the government mandated. Maybe you drove a car where you took out the airbags and bumpers. You must have really hit your head. Stick to movies.
Now lets move on to a different subject

Robert,

What if you cut the sign in half, mounted them side by side, and now you have two undersized signs?

Have you read any of my thoughts concerning principles of code enforcement?

Seriously, I recommend a call to city hall, SERIOUSLY!

in 5 ward always raised taxes On my car gas too. Every tax healy votes it in. Get rid of healy
York wants to raise taxes. Get rid of york

Better to just vote em out. healy York collins and all their friends.
call to city hall is not working

afraid of thim gettin back at us vpters

I have yet to hear anyone in the city or from our Alderman, proposals that look to improve what we do and how we do it. No one to my knowledge (and correct me if I am wrong) has ever challenged how we deliver services, the processes by which we deliver them, or proposed a stream of new ideas and innovations that would improve the quality of life for our citizens. We get bogged down in endless discussion about Hahn street yet it never moves forward. We could have minimally created green space at this location and utilized it for community events, while we were stumbling towards a solution. The same goes for Addison st. I could never see myself running for office and if elected, being mired in endless conversations that seem to go nowhere. We should initially bring the best and brightest minds and ideas to the table, filter them down, pick the best choice, and then move aggressively forward. I want a political leader who can work with others but does not just go along to get along. Creativity and innovation are the mark of the big picture leader. The manager the implements. We seem to be surrounded by managers.

My prediction for the Mayoral race.

On one side of the fence there seems to be a perception of Mark and Diane as somewhat independent and thus will attract voters who see this as a positive.
Their vote in this three way race will be somewhat equally divided and give neither an advantage. Hope is a wonderful thing but it can lead to bad outcomes. Both candidates sincerely want to win and have poured much time and money into their campaign and have high hopes of winning. They are both very determined and should either one win, the city will be in good hands. I am not sure either of them truly has the personality to represent the level of innovation I tend to value but this probably puts me in the minority. Their divided vote will somewhat cancel each other out.

On the other side of the fence, sits Mr. Morley. Right or wrong, he is being cast as a maintainer of the status quo. Since many are uncomfortable with change and he has strong connections, he will attract his fair share of voters. He also should be a good Mayor but I somewhat like to see innovation be a goal that he would share.

What I want and what will be are completely independent of each other.

Unless Mark or Diane throw their support to one or the other and unite behind their independent identity, by default, Steve Morley will win.
This is only my opinion and I am apparently often wrong according to a few. So take what I said and "throw it in the garbage if you wish". What do others out there think ?

Why don't some of you get each others phone numbers. That way you can bicker back and forth without everyone "listening" to your rants.

Pat,

Interesting idea.

If anyone wants to call me on the carpet .
800-588-2300
Operators are available.

I guess you could call me an Empire Builder.

even empire votes against Collins on schools
healy an d york as alderm-n

Brush Limbaugh.

I don't know you and just being silly with your name.

To all Candidates.
I do not know any of you to the degree that I wish I could.
I am exceedingly convinced that true leaders contain many unique qualities that sets them apart and leads to potential greatness. First is probably integrity and differentiates from the true statesman form of leadership rather than the cunning,conniving, and power driven variation. Stalin had the title of leader. Jesus hardly did.

The one quality that I believe that those who leads us most successfully into the future would be the passion for continued learning, education, and as a result remain open to ideas, positive, change, and constant improvement.

On my shelf sits many, many, books. Two that I am reading again and I find very necessary for a leader are, "Leading Change. The argument for values-based leadership by James O'Toole " and "Danger in the comfort zone by Judy Bardwick".

Unless our new leader is passionate about learning and growth they will be mired into their old persona, will not embrace change, and will not lead us into the future but keep us mired in ennui.

Good luck in this election and please, be the best darn leader possible, learn and lead by studying the truly great ones and model everything we do based on the best practices and then seek to exceed these standards in every way possible.
Is that asking a lot? Yes and I pray that you achieve it for in your success we become the very best community we can be. We are very good but we could even be a whole lot better.

Negative campaigning NO. I just got back and picked up my mail. This is foolish!. Orange mailers, brown mailers. blue mailers. Stick to good!

We have good people seeking offices in Elmhurst. NO NEGATIVES!

Thank you David R I agree, and that no negative would be Mark Mulliner for Mayor.

I would totally agree that we have a great group of candidates. It is just a matter of preferences and perhaps personalities.

Today is the final day to cast your vote for Student Council President of Elmhurst. May the one with the most friends win.