Re-elect Terra Costa Howard to District 41

Character, integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, intelligence, common sense, a passion to serve others for the greater good. We demand it of our children in Glen Ellyn, and we should also demand it of our public leaders who are charged with managing our schools.

As the current School District 41 Board president, Terra Costa Howard exemplifies all of these qualities. She is a great leader with a vision for a better future for all the children of the district. As a former District 41 School Board member and parent of two kids in the district, I whole-heartedly endorse Terra Costa Howard’s candidacy for another four years on the Glen Ellyn School District 41 school board!

John Ruckstaetter, District 41 School Board member, 2001-05, Glen Ellyn

Elect Voltaggio, Pydo to District 87 board

On April 7, voters will be asked to elect four members to the Glenbard High School District 87 School Board.

Tom Voltaggio is one of two candidates who filed by the official deadline and whose name will be printed on the ballot. I will once again be voting for this exceptional, 16-year D87 incumbent. The door is open for write-in candidates to fill the other two seats, and for one of those spots, I am most confident in recommending Don Pydo, a 25-year resident of Glen Ellyn who would bring common sense, fiscal conservatism and much-needed business vision to D87 at this pivotal time.
Don’s strong communication skills, sharp analytical mind and ability to think strategically will be invaluable as the board wrestles with declining revenue and a host of complex financial issues that threaten to disrupt program for our students.

That Pydo and Voltaggio are willing to serve on the D87 Board is commendable, but their commitment is only half the equation. We must support them with our votes — and be especially mindful to complete the following two steps for Pydo:
1. Blacken the oval space next to a blank line marked “write-in”;
2. Write in the name DON PYDO on the line;
On Tuesday, April 7, please join me in electing the strong voices of Tom Voltaggio and Don Pydo to the District 87 Board of Education.

Thomas K. Allison, Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn Park District board needs change

The Glen Ellyn Park District has some wonderful programs and does a lot of good work. They also have a history of ignoring their constituents, working in a vacuum and making some really poor decisions. I am constantly amazed that so many of us in Glen Ellyn experience frustration in our dealings with the Park District, and accept it as the norm.

Three Glen Ellyn citizens have decided that we should not have to accept it and have stepped up to bring change to the Park District Board. Jay Kinzler, Melissa Creech and Julia Nephew came together last year and led the effort to save Ackerman Woods when the Park District had developed an ill-conceived plan to destroy the woods. That effort convinced them, and many others, that it was time for a change.

I urge every citizen of Glen Ellyn to vote on April 7 to bring much-needed change to our Park District. We all deserve a Park District Board that truly represents our community and our kids.

Gary Mayo, Glen Ellyn

Vote for Gary Fasules as Glen Ellyn village president

In this climate of excessive debt at all levels of government from the federal level down to our own local governments, the last thing we need is tax increases to further overburden our citizens.

Drive through downtown Glen Ellyn and see the once occupied stores now shuttered and vacant. Can we blame these conditions entirely on the current economic conditions or is there a lack of leadership to infuse and promote new businesses in this picturesque area of Glen Ellyn?
Glen Ellyn has gone from fiscal solvency to struggling with a budget operating in the red. What does the village consider to make up that shortfall? Propose a 1 percent sales tax? What impact will this have on the residents, and those businesses not only in downtown Glen Ellyn but any business operating in the village?

Gary Fasules is a lifelong resident of Glen Ellyn who has extensive public service including village trustee, board member of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, member of the District 41’s Technology Committee. Coupled with his extensive financial background, Gary Fasules is well versed in those challenges facing Glen Ellyn.

Gary has over 25 years of experience of building coalitions at all levels, including domestic and international business development. His proactive approach to partnering the village with local business and providing the assistance they need to be viable and successful.

Gary’s goal is to once again see Glen Ellyn fiscally sound, by not raising taxes and retention of village staff. With his strong financial background, Gary strongly believes he can meet these goals by balancing the budget through the elimination of noncritical services in the short run, while focusing on the 2010 census to ensure there is an accurate count, thus assuring Glen Ellyn of its maximum funding through the federal government for infrastructure and education.

Tina Connelly and Dennis Anderson, Wheaton

District 41 School Board candidate is dedicated leader

We have known Terra Costa Howard and her extraordinary family — husband, Nick; daughters Madeline, Libby and Molly — for several years. A longtime Glen Ellyn resident, Terra is a hard-working woman dedicated to her family, friends and is a tireless community leader.
Let me tell you about why we endorse Terra Costa Howard ...

As a mother, Terra’s unwavering love of her family is well documented, from the never-ending support of her daughter’s school Ben Franklin and her involvement in the PTA as well as her individual classroom support is unparalleled. Terra wears many hats as a practicing lawyer with her own firm, as a Brownie Troop leader, as a member of St. Petronille Church, as a volunteer for the Glen Ellyn Junior Woman’s Club, and as a tireless fundraiser for many local organizations. On the weekends, you will find Terra on the soccer fields supporting all three of her daughters and husband, Coach Nick, in the sport they all love.

As parents of two fifth-graders at Churchill School and 10-year residents of Glen Ellyn, we have witnessed dramatic and positive changes since Terra’s election to the School Board in 2004. Terra holds the position of board president and under her leadership she has brought a high level of transparency and access to the School Board something the voters have not experienced in the past. Terra’s steadfast determination, desire for change and no nonsense approach to bringing the district’s outdated curriculum current has resulted in the implementation district wide of new and relevant math and reading programs at our elementary schools. These changes have had a profound effect on our children.

Seeking out and working with the best consultants, educators and a community based steering committee, Hadley Junior High will implement the long awaited Hadley New Horizons in the fall of 2009. Finally, our junior high has an identity and our students will have a curriculum that is fresh, current and understands the needs of the middle school student. Under Terra’s tutelage the School Board budget has been balanced, enhanced by best business practices and smart investments. Terra’s very open door policy to the community, teachers and  district management has given those with a voice a chance to be heard.

We could continue to outline Terra’s numerous attributes, successes and contributions to the District 41 School Board and the Glen Ellyn Community but as parents and supporters we feel she is not finished raising our schools up to their highest standard and the best is yet to come.

James and Rosemary Kallas, Glen Ellyn

Re-elect Milton Township highway commissioner

As a resident of an unincorporated area of Milton Township in DuPage County for many years, I have been active in community issues. There have been times that I have questioned the need for township government, because most of the elected positions have been merely political in nature.

This is not the case with the Milton Township Highway Department run by Highway Commissioner Gary Muehlfelt. Mr. Muehlfelt is responsible for caring for 85 miles of roads within the township and has done an outstanding job maintaining our roads from the worst of winter storms to the debris from the aftermath of tornadoes. Gary Muehlfelt has shown himself to be a professional in his leading implementation of effective and cost saving ice melt alternatives and doing more with less. Regularly scheduled brush pickup and street sweeping are part of the services Milton Township residents have come to expect from Mr. Muehlfelt’s operation.

When the going has gotten tough, I have known Muelhfelt to get out and assist his men by driving a plow truck and putting on hip boots to assist in flood conditions. The prior Township Highway Commissioners I have known do not compare to Muehlfelt’s dedication to service.

Many unincorporated areas of Milton Township adjoin cities within the township. Some of these unincorporated areas have distinct differences from the surrounding cities. The vast majority who live in the unincorporated areas don’t want to be like the cities with street lights, sidewalks, curbs and higher taxes, and appreciate the semi-rural nature of their communities.

I believe Muehlfelt listens to the concerns of the residents and understands and respects their differences. Keep a great highway commissioner. Please vote for Gary Muehlfelt for Milton Township Highway Commissioner on April 7, 2009.

Paula McGowen, Glen Ellyn

Support Gary Fasules for village president

I would urge my fellow residents to vote for Gary Fasules for president of the village of Glen Ellyn. While I have been and continue to be a supporter of the Glen Ellyn Civic Betterment Party, the friendship I developed with Gary when we both served as Glen Ellyn village trustees and, more importantly, seeing the thoughtful and detailed insight Gary brought to the Village Board, makes my decision an easy one.

Perhaps what impressed me most about Gary’s work on the Village Board was his grasp of budgetary issues. The attention Gary gave to matters before the board was of the practical and pragmatic sort that I believe Glen Ellyn residents desire and deserve from their elected officials. Every issue presented to the Village Board mattered to Gary because, ultimately, every issue mattered to at least some segment of the village.

I believe the village needs a president such as Gary right now, and I would hope the citizens of Glen Ellyn agree and elect Gary Fasules for president.

Rob Renfro, Glen Ellyn

Candidate brings strong assets to District 41 board

It is very exciting that Terra Costa Howard is again seeking election to the District 41 School Board. Terra’s law background (serving on the Child Law Section Council) and her smart, prudent lifestyle are strong assets that bring immediate value to District 41. Dedicated to grounds maintenance, curriculum improvements and positive learning enviroments, Terra unexhaustedly remains committed to our children and our community. Over the years, I’ve held several concerns, frustrations, ideas and Terra has always listened, answered and followed up on each of our conversations. Whether or not we are in agreement, Terra has always been honest. I am just one person in our D41 community. From conversations I’ve had with others, I know Terra has treated each person with the same respect and importance.

Terra is dedicated to keeping families in Glen Ellyn informed, secure and happy with their schools. Her straight-forward style is well-received, and I appreciate that she is not in this for the accolades. Terra works to provide excellence for our community, not for personal gain. Terra is fair, thoughtful and realistic to the needs of the teachers and staff as she works to successfully link this with the needs of the families. This is no easy task, and Terra does so with integrity and loyalty to both sides.

I certainly hope Terra can continue sharing her talents with our school district. People like Terra do not come around often, and we are certainly a better community because of what Terra Costa Howard has given us.

Jennifer Fondel, Glen Ellyn

Vote for change on College of DuPage Board of Trustees

The College of DuPage Board of Trustees continues to watch while its newly anointed president plunges ahead with another critical priority of his: Changing the school colors to be more compatible with each other and sprucing up the image of the school mascot! What’s with these people? It’s time to elect new board members who will restore a sense of reality to the leadership of this precious educational institution. I’m ready for change: Wendorf, Svoboda, Savage and Kim get my vote on April 7.

Bob Sitze, Wheaton

Re-elect Glen Ellyn Park District commissioners

The incumbent candidates for the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners — Keith Schoen, Bill Taylor, Jeff Jourdan and Ron Aubrey — have a proven record of excellence in serving the residents of the community. They have shown their willingness to listen to their constituents, especially with regard to the redevelopment of the Main Street Recreation Center and Ackerman Woods projects.

Through their leadership, the Glen Ellyn Park District maintains a AA Bond rating, a distinction held by only one other park district in the state of Illinois. Their skills as policy-makers combined with their years of service and dedication have had a positive impact on Park District programs, services and facilities. The collegial relationships they have established with the excellent Park District staff, volunteers and residents have enabled the Park District to constantly improve their services to the public, create and maintain beautiful parks and open space, and provide an unprecendented number of programs and activities for all ages and interests in the community.

The incumbent candidates for the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners deserve your vote on April 7. Please vote to re-elect Keith Schoen, Bill Taylor, Jeff Jourdan and Ron Aubrey.

Jan Langford, Glen Ellyn

Support Svoboda for College of DuPage trustee

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 by the Ilinois 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