Because experience matters

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 10:00 PM

Once again we are facing an Oak Park election and fine people are stepping forward as candidates in many races. I heartily commend them. For me personally, vivid memories come flooding back from the 60 years I've been involved in village governance — from the 1950s when the manager form of government was on the table and hotly discussed, from my role as staff in planning and community relations in the '60s, and my own elections for village clerk over the 20 years from 1973-1993. Good government in Oak Park has earned universal respect. Our reputable, experienced leadership is to be cherished.

Presently we are blessed with one of the best village boards in memory and a village clerk to match. Waiting in the wings are thoughtfully selected, well-respected candidates, led by a seasoned presidential nominee, John Hedges, whose widely diverse experience and impressive track record of gracious, wise and generous performance (much of it volunteer) I can personally and wholeheartedly testify to.

From my historical vantage point of six decades, observing who have served us well in village government and rejoicing in our much respected success, how could I not but ask for many to join with me on April 9 in electing candidates of "Oak Park Together" because experience does matter.

Virginia R. Cassin

Former Oak Park village clerk

Reader Comments

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Comment Policy

John Butch Murtagh from Oak Park, Illinois Facebook Verified

Posted: March 20th, 2013 2:41 PM

No slights or disrespect for Ms. Cassin's viewpoint, nor do I take offense at being accused of spending my life trolling the WJ Comments. What I seek is discussion without the public relations manipulation of facts and data. For instance, today I would like to understand the incumbent slate.s thinking about the Patch article that states, "The median price of homes sold in River Forest was also up compared to last year. It rose 16.6 percent to $577,500 from $495,500 during February 2012. But the prices dropped 26.1 percent in Oak Park, down to $255,000 from $345,000 in 2012.." This is an important "neighborhood" issue. How can the Oak Park Board continue to have Commercial Development as the number 1 OP goal, when the neighborhood property values continue in decline?

Nora from Oak Park

Posted: March 20th, 2013 11:49 AM

Ginny Cassin is a toal class act, and I put a lot of weight on her endorsement. She knows what she's talking about!

Bridgett from Oak Park

Posted: March 20th, 2013 11:28 AM

Hi Mike, John links to a story on which I currently see 38 comments, some other than his own. I think that's who he's referring to. I'm not a regular contributor to this site nor do I know anyone commenting, but I do think respectful discussion, rather than name-calling would be more productive.

Mike

Posted: March 20th, 2013 10:38 AM

Hey John, Ginny is a well respected figure in Oak Park that has served the Village. I think her word carries a little more weight than a bitter ex committee head that now spends his days trolling the local newspaper online forum.

John Butch Murtagh from Oak Park, Illinois Facebook Verified

Posted: March 19th, 2013 11:55 PM

Ms. Cassin -with all due respects to your great career in Oak Park Village, not everyone agrees with you. SEE - http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/3-12-2013/Continuity-and-change-with-Oak-Park-Together/

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