For the last six months the media has presented me and my opponent as very similar individuals who ran as members of the same slate four years ago. The similarities ended on Election Day 2009. Slates are individuals who choose to run as a team to provide the voters with a view of how the team can work together. What was true in 2009 is true in 2013.
I did not enter this race to be a politician. I am in it to earn your vote to be president. I have not told the voters what they want to hear. I have told the voters what they need to hear. We will need new debt to pay for the sewer project. With only 10 percent of the property tax bill going to the village, the village board cannot effect noticeable change to property taxes. We need all of the taxing bodies involved in the property tax discussion.
We need creative revenue opportunities like red light cameras; we don’t need to demonize the universities for their use of village services. We don’t need new bureaucracies and committees; we need to make better use of the current committee system of citizen involvement. The village board does not drive the economy, but the business community needs to know a village government supports them now and in the future.
Wednesday Journal has praised the “progressive political leadership under Frank Paris and John Rigas.” Both past presidents endorse my candidacy. I have been criticized for having John Rigas’ support. I am proud to have it. A person is judged in life by who they associate with. I would rather have my name associated with John Rigas and Kevin Hanley than with Scott Fawell and George Ryan.
Six months ago, Ms. Adduci called for a meeting of all candidates to discuss “running a clean campaign.” I have nothing to hide. The Pride in River Forest team was not interested in behind-closed-door negotiations to restrict information to the voters. In the long run, I believed the voters would educate themselves with the help of Wednesday Journal. I was wrong.
In 2002, Wednesday Journal wrote an article, referring to Ms. Adduci and her husband, that was critical of their insider dealings. In 2013 the Wednesday Journal has not published a single word about Ms. Adduci’s past participation as a lobbyist involved in political corruption. Why has Wednesday Journal chosen to be silent?
My life is in full view of the public. I have a vision for River Forest that mirrors our village motto, “Proud heritage, bright future.” I have led by example for four years as trustee. Leadership is being in front of an issue, not just voting on it. Diplomas and awards on the office wall don’t help the people of River Forest, actions do. My actions speak louder than my words, and my words speak the truth.
I encourage the voters to continue to examine their choices and vote for me on April 9.