I would support any candidate who is willing to challenge the status quo, is innovative and creative, fosters new ideas, and is receptive to public feedback. A person who puts the good of the community above self interest and who is more concerned about their long term legacy verses future political aspirations. This person must represent Elmhurst in a way that attracts the best and the brightest to our community.

Some examples;

1) Satellite branches for public works in both the North and Central Districts. This would be highly efficient, lower labor costs, less wear and tear on vehicles, fuel efficiencies, and save money
2) Use of unskilled and non-union labor for mundane tasks such as picking up garbage in the downtown district.
3) Actually listen to our employees. I have been told that nobody does and that we have excessive number of supervisors.
4) Does every Police car have to be capable of high speed chase in a day of rapid communications? Much wasted gas seems possible.
5) Could the Police Department assist code enforcement in the prevention of blight while they are on patrol?
6) Should Police be assigned to specific areas so they can better know the residents and be familiar with the surroundings?
7) Every park should have a gazebo to shelter people from the sun and sudden rainstorms. It also is nice for picnics.
8) Conversion of the East End Park building into a year round community center instead of a building used for only three months. What a waste.

9) Why is a fire truck sent on routine ambulance calls? Seems unnecessary.
10) Is the old model of 24 on and 48 off the best way to wring efficiencies out of our fire department? Do we have that many fires? I would love to get paid to eat, sleep, and hang out but is this the best use of taxpayer dollars?
11) New trees planted in order to maintain the character of our community as old and decaying trees are dying off and growing weak.
12) Shelters in the downtown to protect us from sudden rainstorms
13) Shelters for our crossing guards
14) Electronic signage at the Schiller underpass instead of the archaic system of manual installation by public works. Maybe the selling of billboard space along the underpass. I have mixed emotions about this. I want to maintain the character and dignity of Elmhurst but also am concerned about revenues.
15) Sidewalks for commuters along the tracks. People walk unsafely in the streets.
16) Tax credits given to those who build along North ave, York Road, St Charles road. This is an area that gives a strong impression of who we are as a town but owners face issues of heavy traffic.
17) Monitor K-Mart and encourage a Home Center in this location. Keep our tax dollars in the community. A gas station might be nice in the area in front of K-Mart.
18) A community forum for the discussion of ideas to improve our community and publicize events.

Residents who have ideas should continue this conversation.

Hey Jim - Why don't you run for mayor!

Thank you Mike but I am too politically "incorrect".

Will Diane Gutenkauf resign from her job at Cantigny if she gets elected?

I'd like to add to Jim's list--

When we give millions of dollars to companys to locate here (like Mariano's) make sure that the majority of jobs go to Elmhurst residents and not out of towners and/or illegal aliens.

@Ken - the total was $1,250,000 and it wasn't to Mariano's but to the builder of the future Mariano's building.

Ken - you're wrong. Mariano's (nor the builder/developer) gets its taxes frozen. They pay the same rate the rest of us pay, it's how the taxes are divided up that gets frozen. The incremental taxes paid (the "I" in TIF) go to future development within the north York TIF district. The same is true for every parcel of land within the TIF.

Edit - Marianos DOESN'T get it taxes frozen. My bad.

Folks,

What issues should the candidates address?

Anyone who rattles cages and slaps around the political status quo here in Mayberry is more viable as a candidate for Mayor than the rest of the mayoral popularity contest participants.

Well said Joe !!

This woman does not have the maturity to be the mayor of any town. Telling someone to "shut up" is something one leaves behind in grammar school. We need a clear thinking, adult to run our town.

Independence,

I am not so sure if I agree. Two strong personalities inevitably clashed. Frustration will do this. Perhaps she should have constrained herself but in the heat of the moment things like this happen. Is a bland personality preferable? Not always.
Passionate people respond passionately.