Illinois’ 7,000 units of government have created multiple layers of inefficiency that place an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers. In an effort to reduce the size, scope and cost of local government, I have initiated legislation in Springfield that would provide DuPage County with new tools to achieve incremental reform. Senate Bill 494 would allow county leaders to make the tough choices necessary to eliminate wasteful and redundant layers of government when it has been determined to be in the best interest of taxpayers. A recent assessment of county-appointed agencies revealed many …

The question is not rhetorical. When did a project pitched as relief of downtown parking turn into an incentive program for private interests? The answer relates to the capacity of Elmhurst residents to have their voice heard, and my guess is that the contemplation began a lot earlier than the public learned of it. The project already approved is four stories, first-floor retail, second- to fourth-floor public parking and an approximate city cost of $12.5 million. The revised proposed project is six stories, first-floor retail, second- and third-floor office, a possible fourth-floor office, …

During his campaign for mayor, Steve Morley wanted you to understand a few things: his leadership, transparency and integrity. He also said two other things throughout his campaign: He is against eminent domain (or condemnation of private lands) and that he had nine alderman behind him and his campaign. Well, less than one week after the election and before even being sworn in, it turns out Steve lied to us about one of those last two items. At the April 15 City Council meeting, condemnation of the Pauli's Marathon gas station near the Hahn Street site was on the agenda. With out saying a …

I couldn’t agree more with Rep. Deb Conroy (D-46, Elmhurst) when she says in her April 3 letter to the editor that elected officials have an obligation to lead by example and do their part to fix out-of-control, unnecessary government spending. But it’s disingenuous of Rep. Conroy to pretend that she’s fixing out-of-control, unnecessary government spending when her sole focus is the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, one of the most productive local taxing bodies in the state. The Forest Preserve District has a AAA bond rating, clean audits and a financial surplus that helps provide …

I am a second-time voter, having just turned 19. I confess I do not know all that much about Elmhurst city government or local politics—though I certainly know much more now than I did a mere four months ago—but I do know MaryNic. By now, hopefully you already know about MaryNic being an attorney, about MaryNic’s work experience in ethics and government, and all the other outstanding qualifications that make MaryNic the most qualified for the role of alderman. However, I’d like to take this opportunity to not talk of MaryNic, but of my mom. Let me begin by stating that I could not have asked …

From 2001-2009, I was privileged to serve on the Elmhurst City Council as an alderman for the 1st Ward. I believe my eight years on the City Council affords me a unique insight into the qualifications needed to best serve the residents of the 1st Ward.  Based on my experience, MaryNic Foster is clearly the best candidate to serve as the next alderman from the 1st Ward. I have known MaryNic for over 10 years and highly respect her integrity and intelligence. MaryNic is a 20-year resident of Elmhurst who possesses the professional and interpersonal skills that will serve the 1st Ward and the …

There has been a lot of discussion and misinformation regarding the pending DuPage County Forest Preserve legislation that has been proposed by State Rep Deb Conroy. Let me make this clear: Rep. Conroy's legislation will not eliminate the Dupage County Forest Preserve. I have spoken to Rep. Conroy about this issue and she believes that the Dupage County Forest Preserve serves a key role in preserving our beautiful parks here in Dupage County. Her bill (HB 2377) would create a ballot referendum that would put the elimination of the board's compensation and benefits to a vote of the citizens of…

I would like to encourage the voters of Elmhurst to vote for Mark Mulliner for Mayor of the City of Elmhurst on April 9.  I have known Mark for a number of years in the capacity of friend, 7th Ward alderman (the ward I live in) and most importantly, as a fellow council member when I served as City Clerk. I have observed the workings of the City Council from the inside and I know that the office of mayor is one that Mark Mulliner can navigate with the knowledge he has gleaned from his 14-plus years on the council. I have personally seen him work with the residents of the 7th Ward on many …

Elected officials have an obligation to lead by example and do their part to fix out of control, unnecessary government spending. That’s what we were elected to do. The Illinois House took a step towards reigning in state spending by adopting a spending cap for this year’s budget that will force state government to live within its means. I joined many of my colleagues in sponsoring legislation to cut lawmaker pay and reduce or eliminate compensation for state board and commission members. These are all encouraging steps towards achieving fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. But, there…

Current 1st Ward Alderman and mayoral candidate Diane Gutenkauf should be the next mayor of Elmhurst. Since Diane joined the City Council in 2007, she has proven to be an accessible and responsive alderman. Along with so many other 1st Ward residents, I have been proud to have her serving us. Like most of us, I’m a busy person. It’s hard to keep up with everything going on in city government, however, having Diane as a representative has made it easy. Her commitment to keeping the 1st Ward informed through email blasts, face time with individuals and occasional information events has been …

Candidates for the position of alderman should have the following characteristics: They should be honest, ethical and intelligent—and be independent thinkers. They should have experience in issues related to government, policy, budgets, contracts, goal setting and planning. They should be able to work collaboratively with the other members of City Council and with city employees. They should be able to devote the time to preparing for and attending the meetings of the City Council and all committees on which they serve, as well as being available to talk with and listen to their constituents…

I had hoped that someone besides an alderman would run for mayor. The city needs a mayor who knows how to manage our tax dollars. We have not had that for a long time. We seem to have money for the wrong things, and when we need money for repairs we raise the taxes, same as the state does. We always have to adjust our home budgets to meet these needs, why can't our so-called smart aldermen do the same? I'm sure pot holes will be next, along with street repair, but let's save our money for School District 205. I am sure they need more money. I have an idea. Let's cut the payroll so there is …

I’m voting for Diane on Tuesday, April 9, because she’s the only candidate in the race with the right vision and commitment to Elmhurst. Diane’s served as 1st Ward Alderman for nearly six years and I know she’s ready to tackle the job as mayor. For years I’ve seen the City Council vote through bloated, no-bid contracts that help developers more than the city. I’ve seen the council vote to give away city and taxpayer-owned land at no cost. I’ve seen a lot of tax increases as well. And, I’ve seen Diane stand up to all of that. She’s voted against no-bid contracts because they promote an unfair …

DuPage County township government holds approximately $31.5 million among nine separate township budgets. Despite a 20 percent devaluation in our homes, property taxes have increased.  Other than property assessments, what services do the townships provide? The media should inquire.  —Joe Vosicky, Elmhurst, Candidate for York Township clerk

Elmhurst is lucky to have a candidate as strong as Marti Deuter running for 1st Ward Alderman. Municipal budgets across the nation are faced with escalating long-term expenses, while revenues from real estate and sales taxes have taken a beating. Elmhurst has many advantages going for it, but even we aren’t immune from difficult choices.  As I see it, the economic downturn has left us with a much smaller margin for error. Good strategic choices can give us an edge for decades to come. Resources wasted on poor planning and careless contracts can tie Elmhurst’s hands for years, saddling us with…

I strongly urge you to vote for Gerald R. "Jerry" Allen and Mary Ellen Young for the DuPage Regional Board of School Trustees on April 9.  They currently serve on this important board, which deals with school boundary changes, and they have proven that they deserve to be retained.    Gerald R. "Jerry" Allen, a long time Wheaton resident, is a former DuPage County school teacher. A man of integrity, who has been active in the Wheaton community, he has a very strong background in insurance and finance.    Mary Ellen Young has impressive public educational credentials, having served for eight …

On April 9 Elmhurst will pick a mayor to lead our city for the next four years. It is important that the new mayor be a person of high character with a vision for progress and, most importantly, a proven record of accomplishment and good government. Based on that criteria, the choice is clear—Steve Morley. Though I have heard the candidates talk and point to issues facing our city, only Steve Morley has provided me with any proof of a record of actually accomplishing anything while serving on the City Council. In six short years as alderman, Steve Morley has successfully fought to reduce the …

I believe District 205 needs another proven leader on its board, and that leader is Alan J. Brinkmeier. We no longer want someone who has no experience or understanding of our community. School Board members are among the most important community positions. The decisions that they make not only effect students, but also school district employees and residents on a daily basis. I believe Alan is the best candidate for a board position because he understands all aspects of this job. When acting as a School Board member, one must start with the understanding that every student has the basic …

For several years the American economy has been in a slump, but you wouldn’t know it by all the spending that has been going on in Elmhurst. It is time to elect a mayor who has a history, since 2007, as an alderman of the 1st Ward and knows Elmhurst politics. This person is Diane Gutenkauf.  She has served on the Public Works and Buildings Committee to help improve our way of life, being especially instrumental in supporting the Safe Routes to School project by getting new sidewalks installed in her ward.  I fully agree with Diane’s statement on her website, “Elmhurst needs a Mayor who will …

York Township, one of nine townships in DuPage County, has a budget of $3.5 million. Most taxpayers are unfamiliar with townships and would skip the April 9 election. But, Illinois’ fiscal crisis requires us to elect township officials who will publish the records and the money trail. Transparency is important.—Joe Vosicky, candidate, York Township clerk