Re-elect Mueller as Lombard village president

Every municipality in the country is facing varying degrees of financial challenges over the next few years. While Lombard is no exception, the village has been fortunate to have strong leadership and sound fiscal management the past several years making it a more manageable situation than most towns will face.

President Bill Mueller has been at the helm throughout this time. His leadership has ushered in unprecedented growth in the village while maintaining Lombard’s strong bond rating and reserve funds. His pursuit of another term indicates of a sense of duty that demonstrates his commitment to lead no matter what economic conditions come our way.

Now more than ever we need a steady, well-tested, experienced person as village president. Neither of his opponents has ever demonstrated any discernible leadership qualities that would inspire a vote of confidence from the residents of the village of Lombard. I respectfully encourage all of my fellow residents to cast your vote to re-elect this proven leader to guide us through the uncertain economy we face. Village President Bill Mueller is that candidate.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Lombard

Soderstrom will encourage change in Lombard

I am a lifelong resident of the village of Lombard, and I am writing this letter in support of Rick Soderstrom for village president. Rick has served our village well in his years as trustee of District 6. He has always been straightforward, wise and tough when needed. He has always put the residents first.

During the course of his campaign, I have been equally pleased to see how Rick has had such an open forum with residents and business owners to be available for their questions and feedback. I believe he is the right man to bring about some much needed change in the role of president here in Lombard.

I also encourage District 3 residents to re-elect Jack O’Brien for their trustee. Jack has worked tirelessly to improve Lombard. He and Trustee Soderstrom have always demonstrated fiscal responsibility, which will now become even more important in this struggling economy.

I support both of these candidates because they have proven to represent the people of Lombard and not a special interest group. I cannot say the same for their opponents, Mueller and Wilson.
I want to thank both Trustee Soderstrom and Trustee O’Brien for their great service to Lombard and wish them well in their bids for president and trustee on April 7.

Marisa Schoff, Lombard

Vote Chris Healy for 5th Ward alderman

I am writing to voice my support for Chris Healy for 5th Ward alderman and to strongly encourage others to do the same. As an Elmhurst business owner and resident of the 5th Ward, I am very impressed with Chris Healy’s well-articulated understanding of the challenges facing the city of Elmhurst.

Speaking in specific terms rather than political platitudes, Chris Healy offers solutions to these challenges that take a business-like approach to the financial issues facing the city. His platform illustrates a clear understanding of these issues, from his stance on limiting new non-sales tax generating banks, to his understanding of the business-generating potential of the new hospital complex to his proven track record of working cooperatively with other entities to complete projects that benefit everyone while saving taxpayer money. Through his successful tenure on the Elmhurst Park Board of Commissioners, Chris Healy has shown that he has the ability to work as a team player to get things done, a characteristic that is necessary and missing from the City Council today.

The city of Elmhurst cannot afford to stick with the status quo. Electing Chris Healy to the position of 5th Ward alderman is a positive step toward a successful future for the people and businesses of the Elmhurst community.

Kathleen D. Rowe, Elmhurst

Former trustee supports Bill Mueller as president

I am writing to strongly endorse Bill Mueller for Lombard village president. I have known Bill for 11 years and served on the Village Board with Bill as our president for eight years. Bill is a dedicated, experienced and vibrant leader who has proven himself over and over when facing tough challenges as village president and, most important, in his life.

Because of Bill’s demonstrated leadership, Lombard is a fiscally strong village that provides admired police, fire and public works services to every resident. From senior citizens to new families, Bill cares for all with a smile, warm handshake and confident message.

Bill often says that he works hard to make Lombard a great place to live, work and raise a family. He has definitely succeeded on all counts.

As a local government attorney for 17 years, I have worked with dozens of municipal leaders. Bill Mueller is one of the best. He has earned the utmost respect and admiration of other community leaders who have watched Lombard become a community with strong business development and well-cared-for residents.

Bill has repeatedly accomplished what other elected officials only dream about achieving in their towns. From the Westin to the Butterfield restaurants, Lombard is a sought-after destination for successful businesses.

In addition to Bill’s well-known and dedicated leadership abilities, he is a person of strong character. Bill’s trustworthy, honest and selfless spirit makes him the type of leader our community has come to love and respect.

Bill has much more to give to our village. His experience, knowledge and leadership is unmatched by his opponents. We need a proven and experienced leader to guide our town during the difficulties of today’s economy, someone whom residents and businesses alike can rely on and trust. Bill Mueller is that leader. In this election, every vote will count. Please vote for Bill Mueller on April 7.

Ken Florey, former District 5 village trustee

Szczepaniak is best choice for Elmhurst mayor

On April 7, I will be voting for George Szczepaniak for mayor of Elmhurst. I firmly believe that he is the best person for the job. In these tough economic times, Elmhurst needs someone who can face the tough times and make the tough decisions.

As a sergeant in the 101st Airborne, George had to make tough decisions while serving our country in Vietnam. As chair of the City Council Finance Committee, George has tackled many problems over the years and made those tough decisions. As a husband and father who worked during the day and went to school at night, George made tough decisions. With all due respect to the other candidates, we can’t afford to have a mayor who is learning on the job when we have someone who already passed the test. Experience matters.

If we look at George’s record, we have an idea of what we can expect. If we look at the record of one of his opponents, we see another record. George’s record is the one that impresses me the most.

George is opposed to the “no-bid” process of awarding contracts. His opponent isn’t. He opposes land “giveaways.” His opponent doesn’t. Why should our tax dollars be used to subsidize a contractor who will make millions anyway?

George is opposed to “pay-to-play” politics and has stated that he will not accept campaign contributions from contractors or anyone else who does business with the city. His opponent won’t make that commitment.

George has the experience, qualifications and integrity that we need in an elected official. Too often we see people who are led by special interests or by others who seek control.
George has a proven record of working for the taxpayer and not special interests. George has earned my vote and I hope yours as well.

Bob Peickert, Elmhurst

Levin has experience needed in Elmhurst

I support Scott Levin for mayor of Elmhurst. I have known Scott for more than 20 years, and I strongly believe that he is clearly the most qualified candidate for mayor. Scott’s education, experience, skills and personality are exactly what Elmhurst needs in a leader.

Scott Levin’s nine years of government experience have provided him with a strong understanding of what it takes to get things done. Scott Levin’s several years working with the legislature on a variety of issues have helped to provide him with a solid understanding of the legislative process — an understanding which we need in order to continue to receive support from Springfield.

Scott Levin has started and managed his own business, and has spent a significant amount of time advising business owners — his understanding of business needs is essential as we work to keep current businesses and attract new businesses to Elmhurst. Scott Levin has spent his career working with people, building consensus and solving problems. We need Scott Levin’s leadership to continue to make sure that Elmhurst thrives.

As important as his experience, Scott Levin is a man of integrity, who truly understands the need for transparency in government to ensure that residents understand the issues Elmhurst faces and understand the reasons for decisions made by the mayor and the City Council. This transparency is the key to building trust between the city of Elmhurst and its residents.
I have always known Scott to be a hard worker and dedicated to the causes in which he is involved. Scott Levin cares about the city of Elmhurst and its people. He will work tirelessly on behalf of all of us.

Scott Levin is the only candidate in this race who has the broad resume of qualifications, positive attitude and fresh perspective Elmhurst needs in a new mayor. I urge you to vote on April 7 for Scott Levin. Your vote is important to the future of Elmhurst.

Robert P. Boehmer, Elmhurst

Vote for Schamberger in Elmhurst 3rd Ward

Citizens and voters of the 3rd Ward in Elmhurst will do a great service to their ward and the city of Elmhurst by voting for Mr. Joe Schamberger. I am a resident of Elmhurst for 40 years and have benefited from the distinct advantages our city has, such as great schools, parks and families who care.

Joe Schamberger cares. His family cares.

He is not beholden to anyone other then his virtuous character and resolute commitment to ensure that the 3rd Ward and all residents are served and heard. I strongly support Joe Schamberger for 3rd Ward alderman.

Jerry Gentile Jr., Elmhurst

Former board member supports Mueller, Wilson

Having served on the Lombard Village Board with the two candidates for village president who are currently seated on the board, my experience is somewhat unique among Lombard residents and I am, therefore, compelled to share my perspective on them. Of these two vying to lead the community, there is no doubt in my mind that Bill Mueller is the better able to temper his own desires in order to appreciate those of others, to treat those who come before the board fairly and to work toward the consensus needed for a well-functioning government.

Over the years that President Mueller has served us, he has demonstrated himself to be a good steward of Lombard’s resources, a responsive and rational board president and a tireless advocate and respected leader of Lombard in larger governmental arenas. Bill is clearly the candidate who has the best interests of Lombard residents at heart and at mind.

As a resident and former trustee of District 3, I believe the people of this district deserve to have a representative who has the energy and intellectual capacity to fully educate himself about the goals of his constituents, the operations of the village, and the pros and cons of the myriad proposals on which he must vote.

In Zachary Wilson — a very approachable fellow — the voters of District 3 can have such a representative. In the years that I worked with Zach on the Manor Hill PTA, I was impressed with his ability to balance his commitments to his family, our school community, his work and the completion of his law degree. Since that time, Mr. Wilson, who now serves as a volunteer on the village’s Community Relations Committee, has put his energies and considerable intellect toward the betterment of Lombard and gained experience that will be helpful to him and to residents as our elected trustee. I am confident that Zachary Wilson is better suited than the incumbent to be an effective representative and urge my neighbors to vote for him and for Bill Mueller in the April 7 election.

Karen Koenig, Lombard resident and former trustee of District 3

Scott Levin is best candidate for mayor

I was born and raised in Elmhurst. Many of us were. I deeply care about Elmhurst and its future — I think it is safe to say that we all do.

As parents, we all fight hard for causes that affect our children and a great many Elmhurst residents devote themselves — some almost full time — to raising money and supporting charities and nonprofits in town. We appreciate all these people.

But growing up in Elmhurst, fighting for causes to help our own children and being charitable do not make someone qualified to be mayor. Being mayor is a serious job, not a popularity contest. We cannot vote for someone because they are our friend or out of a sense of obligation.
Qualifications and experience are what matter. That is why I believe Scott Levin is the best candidate for Elmhurst mayor. He has nine years of government experience, 25 years of business and legal experience and many years of Elmhurst community involvement.

As deputy director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority, he wrote policy and legislation and represented its budget before the General Assembly in Springfield for four years. Unlike DiCianni’s one issue before Springfield, Levin actually ran a government agency and personally wrote a great deal of legislation.

Scott has been a business lawyer for 25 years and advises many diverse types of business and corporations. He is also the vice chair of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce. Scott Levin is a very smart man but not because of his degrees (a business degree, a master of public administration and two law degrees), but because he has had many life experiences. Scott has knowledge that comes only from hands-on experience — experience in government, experience in business, experience with the needs of Elmhurst business and experience from dealing with many different types of issues and people from all over, not just Elmhurst.

Personally, I have known Scott Levin for eight years. He is one of the most understanding, trustworthy people I know.

He has helped many people I know in times of crisis. He is a man who puts the needs of others before his own. For example, when we had flooding a couple of weeks ago, Scott left his home to help the residents in my neighborhood.

He is very personable and, like Pete, Scott is a great guy — but Scott has everything else needed to be mayor. I am thankful that Scott Levin is running for mayor because our city really needs him. On April 7, I will do what is best for Elmhurst by voting for Scott Levin.

Lauren Schultheis Brasko, Elmhurst

Trustees support Mueller for village president

The years ahead will be challenging for most communities with falling tax revenues, reduced state funds and higher unemployment. Thankfully, Lombard is faring well thanks to prudent financial management and a level-headed approach.

However, the health of our economy and infrastructure will, in part, be shaped by our ability to compete for stimulus dollars and limited county and state funding. Therefore, it is essential that our village president have the competencies and contacts to keep Lombard on the radar. He must have the ability to make calls that get answered and send e-mails that are read.

Bill Mueller has spent a lifetime building strong relationships with municipal, county, state and federal government officials. He is respected and endorsed by the these very individuals including Peter Roskam, Dan Cronin and numerous others.

Change can often be good, but not today, not in these critical times. Lombard needs a president who not only knows the ropes but has them firmly in his grasp.

Lombard has benefited from Bill Mueller’s tenure as village president. We can continue to count on him to effectively lead us through the years ahead. Bill Mueller has our strong endorsement.

Greg Gron, District 1 trustee
Dana Moreau, District 4 trustee
Laura Fitzpatrick, District 5 trustee

Svoboda’s experience good for College of DuPage 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