Scott makes endorsement picks for Village, School boards

The betterment of the community should be the end result of any election. But due to human frailties, we don’t always reach those goals. Experience and determination are the leadership traits that our schools and village government need to get us through the demanding challenges of the future.

A community’s identity is set by its schools. A community’s schools help determine our home values and those values help determine the quality and level of services to its residents. One doesn’t work with out the other. Good schools attract good residents, good residents attract good businesses.

The need for raising the standard to be competitive in this global workplace is essential for the students of District 201. Open communications and the welcoming of voter input should be a priority of any school board, and all of our children deserve the same opportunities that are afforded by the surrounding school districts.

For these reasons I support the “ABetter201” School Board Candidates. Their views on communications, transparency and willingness to work with the community are what our children and teachers need. Please support and vote for “ABetter201” candidates Marie Charlton, Diann Thomas, Dan Charleston and Joel Price.
 
No time in our recent history has shown the need for experience as it has today in dealing with the financial crisis we face. We see what is happening on the federal level when inexperience is brought into the picture. I don’t always agree with my fellow trustees on various issues, but two of them need to be re-elected. Their independent thinking is what Westmont needs now and both have shown commitment and sound judgment to our village. I fully support the following trustee incumbents for re-election including Lee Fleming and Pat Klebenow.
 
I hope that you the voters of Westmont will consider these candidates on Election Day. Thank you.
Bob Scott, Westmont Village Trustee

Writer endorses Svoboda for COD School Board
My vote for Nancy Svoboda for the College of DuPage Board of Trustees supports the need for a commitment to balanced decisions regarding affordability, accountability and academic standards at the college, which serves the greatest number of students and residents obtaining job advancement knowledge in our county.

Ms. Svoboda’s 34-year background in education and counseling supplies extensive knowledge of the underpinnings of the community college scenario, and experience in building consensus to find resolutions to difficult situations. Ms. Svoboda envisions a focus that encompasses both quality student services and curriculum with transparent fiscal responsibility.

Nancy Svoboda, along with Kim Savage, Tom Wendorf, and Sandy Kim who are all endorsed Illinois Education Association for the four open board seats, will represent the needed commitment and the interests of our district by focusing on student needs, financial oversight and collaborative decision processes.
Carol C Wallace, Lisle

Grove Foundation thanks restaurants, guests
On Feb. 26, the Grove Foundation hosted “Passport to Fine Dining in Downtown Downers Grove.”
This event was possible only because of the generosity and cooperation of the five restaurants featured: Ballydoyle Irish Pub, Emmett’s Ale house, Gatto’s Restaurant and Bar, Rocca’s Mexican Grill, and Stillwater Restaurant and Bar.

Each restaurant provided appetizers to our guests making our fund-raising a 100 percent success.
We would like to publicly acknowledge their benevolence and encourage everyone to continue to support these fine establishments in our community.

And to our guests, not only did their support exceed all expectations, but their good humor trudging through torrential rainfall was amazing!
Becky Rheintgen, The Grove Foundation

Government services not what they once were
I have lived here since 1967 and never have I seen Knottingham Lane streets in such bad condition. They have only been paved once and have degenerated to the worst condition in history.

Pot holes have been filled only to sink down. The street in front of my home is covered with stone, rubble and newspapers that kids throw in the driveway. At 82, I do not need this kind of government service.

We need to have government services as they were when we came here in the good old days. Don’t say that it is the recession, there are jobs out there. We need city service for which we pay dearly in our taxes.
George Bucic, Downers Grove

Debbie Boyle in touch with District 99 residents
A low voter turnout is expected for the upcoming April 7 election. This election, however, will confirm many positions vital to the well-being of children and our communities at large; particularly those of school board members. I urge our District 99 citizens to make sure to vote and ask your consideration of one of Downers Grove’s solid volunteers, Debbie Boyle.

This is Debbie’s second run for the board, having come up 20 votes shy two years ago. Debbie knows the issues facing our high school district. She is interested in the welfare of all children in District 99. I believe Debbie to be fiscally responsible, highly involved, one who studies each issue and is a tireless worker.

She is running for the Board of Education without rancor and with an interest in serving respectfully. As a lifelong member of our District 99 community, Debbie is ready to listen to her constituents and ably represent all communities which make up District 99’s outstanding school system.

Please vote and consider giving Debbie Boyle an opportunity to serve District 99.
Gretchen Sauer, retired District 99 employee, Woodridge

PADS grateful for support from city leaders, Jewel
Our sincerest thanks go to Naperville Mayor George Pradel and Assistant Fire Chief Richard Mikel who went on a shopping spree in the frozen food section of Jewel-Osco in Naperville to benefit Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry and DuPage PADS.

Mikel collected $945.91 worth of food for DuPage PADS, beating Pradel’s $604.17 for Loaves and Fishes. Since both competitors broke the $500 goal, each charity was given a $265 cash bonus.
DuPage PADS has experienced a 34 percent increase in the number of participants compared to 2007. This food will help to support those living on little or no income.

Our guests are faced with insufficient income and don’t have a support system such as family and community support, a church group, or savings to sustain them through these difficult times.
Carol Simler, executive director, DuPage PADS Inc.