Two years ago, many of you entrusted me with your support as I campaigned to become the first independent village president elected in the long history of our wonderful community. I remain extremely grateful to you for the confidence you placed in me then, and for all of your continued support.
At that time, I pledged to all of you that I would do my level best to encourage financial responsibility; intergovernmental coordination; community diversity; preservation of neighborhood character; enhancement of retail vitality in all of our commercial districts; a thoughtful approach to social, environmental, and economic priorities here in our community; and unflinching honesty and accountability.
During these past two years, we’ve made some important progress. At the same time, it is inescapable that there are areas in which we must improve.
In order to maintain and strengthen our community’s long-term quality of life, the Oak Park village board must be actively engaged at the policy level. Of equal importance, however, the board must avoid getting bogged down in low-level details of day-to-day operations. Boards should govern. Staffs should operate. And citizens should receive great service for their tax dollars.
Nonetheless, micromanagement has a strong attraction for many (stemming from a desire to “get things done”), and in the current board’s case, periodic detours down the micromanagement path have at times diverted our focus from important systemic, policy-level issues. This reality has been further exacerbated by undue emphasis on politics–which I believe is profoundly unhealthy in a community of our size.
I have tremendous respect for anyone willing to put themselves forward as a candidate to serve the public interest. I also know (and like) many of the candidates running for trustee in next Tuesday’s election. But I have been particularly impressed with four of these candidates, and I would ask you to consider supporting them with your vote on Tuesday.
Ray Johnson and I have served together on the village board for the past four years. His thoughtful approach to issues and his active engagement in the community have made him a particularly valuable voice at the board table. While Ray and I agree much more than we disagree on issues, I have been particularly impressed with his real willingness to consider opposing viewpoints (whether mine or those of another board member), and to always seek the best solutions for the entire community.
Jon Hale is a very talented and impressive candidate, and I believe he will make a great trustee. I served with Jon on the Village Plan Commission five years ago, and I have long been impressed with his insight and the quality of his judgment. He understands planning and the importance of balancing interests. He is deeply committed to fiscal responsibility, and he really gets the importance of working together across governing bodies. He will be a huge asset on the board.
Jan Pate brings a skill set that is dearly needed on the village board. As a communications professional with more than 20 years experience, Jan brings a sensitivity to the issue of community engagement and involvement that is fundamental to successful governance here in Oak Park. Although I’ve only come to know her during the course of this campaign, I’ve been deeply impressed with her thoughtfulness and her commitment to the values of openness and inclusion that we so highly value here.
John Hedges has long been a highly valued contributor here in our community, with over 25 years of experience as the executive director of the Park District of Oak Park. As we now look to establish stronger cooperation across our separately elected governing bodies–to enhance service delivery and efficiency for our residents and taxpayers–it will be exceedingly helpful to have at our board table a person who brings a thoughtful perspective and significant experience, shaped by his leadership of another governing body.
David Pope is the Oak Park village president.
