Writer thanks candidates for inspiration to vote
I want to thank Janet Hughes and her running mates Tim Goodwin, Karen Siston and Al Malley for inspiring me to register to vote for the April 7 election. They’ve made me realize my vote counts and matters.

I look forward to going to the polls and voting for the first time for Hughes, Goodwin, Siston, and Malley for District 113A School Board.
Claudine Tijerina, Lemont

Taxpayers are not welcome at School Board meetings
Have you ever been to a Lemont-Bromberek School District 113A board meeting? We have. Taxpayers are not welcome there. Let’s change that.

We attended the most recent District 113A board meeting March 11. The first 90 minutes of public meeting included talk about missing money and numbers that didn’t jibe. With a group of at least a dozen citizens waiting, the remaining agenda and public comments to go, the board then retired with full plates of catered food to a closed session. We finally gave up and went home after another hour and 10 minutes.

We’d hoped to be there for public comments but know they really don’t want them. Why else would they go to closed session for more than an hour with a full house waiting to participate? The talk is  the district wants open communication and participation of the community but it’s not to be believed. They hired a PR firm to help promote this idea and better their image. What are they trying to sell us?

They insisted at the December meeting we attended that they didn’t raise our taxes. Well, they don’t literally raise our taxes as this function is carried out by the assessor’s office but the levies they apply do therefore they raise our taxes.

They wrongfully stated the candidacies open for election publicly posted to the district Web site, and this error was only corrected because the change party candidates had to take it to court. Either they are incompetent or manipulating.

And it was really inappropriate the School Board president, who isn’t up for election, spoke on behalf of one of the incumbents who didn’t show up for the voter’s forum debate last night.
We’re voting for change, for Hughes, Goodwin, Siston, and Malley.
Hank Olenick, Lemont

Quartet of candidates will make a positive difference
This message is for the candidates Hughes, Goodwin, Siston, and Malley.

Thank you for running for the school board and trying to make a difference in our school system. Your genuine caring for our district is evident in your positive campaign. Thank you for the necessary information provided to make an educated choice in the voting poll.

“The Reaching The Stars” blog is highly organized and filled with important information.
It is obvious that Hughes, Goodwin, Siston, and Malley have the necessary background and educational experience to make excellent decisions for the future and direction of our school district. These candidates appear to be willing to work diligently to improve the lives of the Lemont school community.

They have clearly defined goals and future visions for improvement for a quality education for our students. These individuals will be a positive asset to the school board.
Sheri Stronach, Lemont

District 113A School Board needs ‘change on all levels’
There is a strong desire for change and transparency in government.

That includes school boards. The current board of District 113A in Lemont hired a firm for public relations. What did that cost taxpayers? Why do they need it?

There were four seats to be filled in the April election, yet they only posted three. It was necessary to go to court to force them to do what they were legally bound to do.

I have been at board meetings when community members addressed the board with helpful ideas, suggestions or needed information. There wasn't so much as a thank you. The impression was that they wouldn't even think about any of what was presented. During presentations, they fiddled with papers, talked to each other etc.

The School Board is elected to represent the community. I believe that we need change on all levels.
Nora C. Waliczek, Homer Glen