As an Oak Park resident, I have never been called upon to comment on issues involving the contest for the River Forest village board – until now. John Hansen’s spurious and near scurrilous attack on John Rigas as a candidate for the River Forest board presidency was not only meant to disparage him, but also was an attack on the past and current District 200 Board of Education and one which I must answer. [Rigas’ track record uninspiring, Viewpoints, Feb. 25]
Prior to my election, the Dist. 200 board chose to phase in the tax increase that was approved by the taxpayers in 2001 over a four-year period, an act that was legal, open and transparent. Yet, it was labeled as a “backdoor tax swipe.” This unfair characterization, along with the implication that Rigas and the board mismanaged Dist. 200’s finances, flies directly in the face of the facts. Dist. 200 is in far better financial health than most school districts in the country. We have taken the first few steps in a nine-year program to remain that way. This was done by unanimously resolving to keep operating costs within our means, instead of allowing them to expand to the point of requiring another tax increase in 2018.
The most recent audited financial statements reflect education expenses more than 7 percent below budget and slightly greater than 2 percent over the prior year. These facts were not covered by the press nor discussed by Mr. Hansen, but public awareness of this pledge is absolutely essential to enable us to actually deliver on it.
John Rigas was one of the most vigorous supporters of our effort to pass the resolution to protect our financial health. Mr. Hansen’s tone made it clear his letter was intended to smear Rigas’ character and reputation. While Mr. Rigas did not support my candidacy for the board, and he and I have disagreed on issues, I have never had reason to question his character or his financial awareness, diligence or competence.
Mr. Rigas has been a major factor in keeping Dist. 200 out of the predicament faced by many school districts across Illinois: drastic cutbacks in staffing and programming. He has taken a leadership role in helping us muster the courage necessary to keep ourselves in good financial health by limiting the growth in personnel costs, which was well publicized in recent months. We will certainly experience some pain over the next several years, but we will avoid the kind of programmatic amputation that is being faced by less fortunate districts.
This kind of responsible leadership on the part of John Rigas, as well as many of our other board members, has served us well in Dist. 200. The River Forest village board can use some of the same.
Ralph Lee is a Dist. 200 board member.
