I commend Wednesday Journal for including the Election Guide insert in the March 12 edition. While the guide provided valuable information about the candidates, it fell short in informing the public about the current candidates seeking re-election. As the adage goes, past behavior often serves as an indicator of future actions.
Let me begin with village board member Lucia Robinson, who voted in favor of the leaf-bagging ordinance, despite the lack of community input. This decision has sparked significant community uproar. If she disregarded the concerns and issues of the community during that time, it is questionable whether she would prioritize them in the future.
The District 200 school board members, Fred Arkin and Audrey Williams-Lee, also face scrutiny for their actions. They approved the substantial $102 million (excluding potential cost overruns) Project 2 without seeking voter input through a referendum for the anticipated debt certificate. In 2016, the community voted against the pool effort, yet the D200 board unanimously disregarded the voters’ wishes and proceeded with this ambitious project, which includes a pool. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of this project, a new pool is an extravagant addition.
Consequently, none of these candidates will receive my vote in the upcoming election. I sincerely hope that new board members will demonstrate the courtesy of consulting with the community and those who will elect them into their future positions.
Mark Schlosser
Oak Park