Copy of letter sent to Oak Park Village Trustees on July 15:
As a longtime (40+ years) resident of Oak Park, I would sincerely appreciate it if you would allow the public to weigh in on decisions, via a referendum, on issues that affect one’s day-to-day living. Case in point: declaring a change to the leaf collection policy which has been in place for decades (and working for citizens). Why are we paying these very high taxes for services if the services are just being eliminated without a vote?
And now there is a discussion regarding eliminating single-family zoning.
Again, the residents should have a voice in making decisions like this. Yes, you were elected to represent the community, but that really didn’t include assuming you know what the residents want in day-to-day living alterations. Why are you not putting these types of decisions in the hands of the residents? Are you afraid that folks will not agree with your “personal agenda”? It is as much likely that people will agree with you as not, but let’s find out. Even seniors are not opposed to change (as some recent newspaper articles have alluded) — but people just want a voice in the process. Just electing you is not a mandate to make changes willy-nilly.
Please reconsider your recent approach to making decisions on “behalf” of the residents — let the residents decide. A referendum on eliminating single-family zoning is a good way to go. And while you’re at, why don’t you also take a reading on what folks want in terms of leaf collection.
Joan Koren
Oak Park