Taking A Stand for Drury
Patch columnist supports Scott Drury for 58th District Representative.
Taking A Stand for Drury
Scott Drury of Highwood, a Highland Park native, is the presumed Democratic candidate for state representative in the Illinois 58th district.
Steve Sadin
Photos (1)
Photos
Scott Drury is not a politician.
The presumed Democratic candidate for state representative in the Illinois 58th District (which covers all or parts of Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest and Winnetka) is running for office for the very first time. He doesn't speak in sound bites. He has very clear positions on the issues. He is motivated by ideology, not power. In short, Scott Drury is a regular guy who wants to make things better.
I spent several weeks trying to figure out what's wrong with this picture, and what I realized is that the only thing wrong is our assumption that political candidates have their own agenda. Drury's agenda, shared over an early morning coffee on what the candidate could have considered a day off, is simply to make the State of Illinois a better place for us and our children. Unlike most idealist candidates, though, Drury is well-versed on the issues, has already earned strong endorsements, and is completely at ease with the campaign ahead of him.
Though we grew up in the same part of Highland Park, went to the same schools, know the same people, and now live in the same neighborhood, I only really encountered Scott Drury a year ago. At the time, the city of Highwood was contemplating whether to allow video gambling machines. Drury took the debate out of the hands of industry lobbyists and put it front and center for Highwood residents, who in turn pressured Highwood officials to pass up the money in order to retain city character. A few months later, he announced plans to run for State's Attorney in Lake County, a logical progression for a prosecutor and law professor. The race had barely begun when Karen May announced she would not seek re-election for state representative, and Drury made a now-prescient decision to exit a multi-way race and run for the state house.
While he will have a Republican challenger in the fall, Drury is running unopposed in next month's primary election.
Drury contacted me at the start of the campaign and suggested that we get together. What surprised me is that he then knocked on my door later the very same day, already trying to cover neighborhoods nine months ahead of the general election. We talked for a good 20 minutes that night -- and he never gave the impression that he was anxious to get on to the next neighbor. In fact Drury tells me now how surprised he has been at the warmth he has experienced on the campaign trail. People open their doors, invite him in, offer to work on the campaign. He believes these individual encounters to be critical to his success, as the 58th district is "an intellectual district -- they don't just want sound bites."
During our second discussion, one subject emerges as a hot button. Days earlier, a national candidate had criticized America's public school system. Drury will have none of that. We talk about District 112 and the issue of where the children of Navy officers attend elementary school. Drury doesn't hesitate to call out one of the great anachronisms of Highland Park. While some of our schools underperform on state-wide ISAT testing, Drury notes that all the schools are producing successful students. More importantly, he emphasizes the value of the diversity of student populations.
I often tell people that I didn't realize I was short until I got to college; Drury responds by saying that only in Highland Park could he have been a 150-pound football linebacker. Children of our soldiers should be welcomed into our community, Drury says, embraced for the service and sacrifice their families make; yet here in Highland Park, their presence in some schools is seen as a detriment. This topic then rolls into a conversation about teacher recognition and reward, and how the Illinois pension system is broken; Drury's idealism comes through again, hoping to get elected in order to help solve this problem and deliver to teachers only what they expected when they signed on to their jobs. The schools are not the problem, Drury emphatically says, and he points out that each of us was the successful product of public schools.
As with the day he stopped by my home, Drury the candidate is in no hurry. We happen to be like-minded on many issues, but I get the sense that even if we had disagreed, the conversation would have been cordial and respectful. He seems honored to have the opportunity to run for office, without entitlement or expectation. I even believe him when he says that he wasn't looking for early press out of our meetings, just a chance to talk with a neighbor. In turn, I was disappointed when I ran out of time, as I know we could have talked through the electoral landscape for several more hours.
Over the next several months, I'll be meeting many more candidates in the 2012 election. I can only hope they are all cut from the same cloth as Scott Drury.
If you have an opinion on anyone running for office, submit an editorial or a letter to the editor to Patch by emailing Jacob@Patch.com!
For more news and updates from Highland Park Patch, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
The Q
8:01 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I stand with Drury! Go Scott.
Daniel Krudop
10:44 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Crains : http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20111217/ISSUE01/312179972/pension-peril-illinois-trs-goes-higher-risk-with-investments
"Illinois taxpayers are already on the hook for most of the $81.3 billion in TRS' (Teachers' Retirement System) long-term obligations because the state is required to fund the lion's share of TRS benefits. That liability will keep expanding, likely at a faster rate than assets, unless fund administrators and lawmakers can make up the $43.5-billion shortfall. If the plan defaults, the state will be lobbied hard to come to the rescue.
"Taxpayers are, one way or another, going to end up bearing a large portion of this burden," says Joshua Rauh, an associate professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management who has co-authored several studies on pensions."
"Drury's idealism comes through again, hoping to get elected in order to help solve this problem and deliver to teachers only what they expected when they signed on to their jobs."
One question: How?
SJaye333
2:37 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Scott Drury should have been at the 112 School Board meeting last night where the CFAC reported on the finances on the District. 112 is a much different landscape than when he attended 30 years ago and perhaps he should consider speaking to shareholders who have children attending 112 now.
Ed Brill
4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Drury has children in District 112 (as do I) today.
SJaye333
4:20 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Well then I'm sure his children attend one of the schools which were recently recognized by the ISBE for Academic Excellence: Braeside, Ravinia, Sherwood, Wayne Thomas, or Indian Trail.
The Q
4:22 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Oak Terrence ......
Jim Powers
4:30 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
It's Oak Terrace
The Q
4:34 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Darn spell correction....thx
A
4:39 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The above article states, "We talk about District 112 and the issue of where the children of Navy officers attend elementary school. Drury doesn't hesitate to call out one of the great anachronisms of Highland Park. While some of our schools underperform on state-wide ISAT testing, Drury notes that all the schools are producing successful students. More importantly, he emphasizes the value of the diversity of student populations...Children of our soldiers should be welcomed into our community, Drury says, embraced for the service and sacrifice their families make; yet here in Highland Park, their presence in some schools is seen as a detriment." How is it that a broad-topic of District 112 schools turns into the narrow-minded statements once again regarding the education of Military students? If Mr. Drury is to represent our area, he must understand the issues at hand. The downfall of the education of our children is not because of particular students attending school in a particular area, nor is it a question of diversity. Get off the age-old and cowardly band-wagon Mr. Drury. It is clear from these statements you have no clue as to the real issues nor are you interested in seeking the information for making impactful and meaningful change. Doesn't have my vote.
Ed Brill
9:16 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
"The downfall of the education of our children is not because of particular students attending school in a particular area, nor is it a question of diversity."
Well what is it then?
By the way, I'm sure you wouldn't judge a candidate just by this one opinion column, right?
Jon Hall
4:41 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
All sounds like the problem repeating the problem with absolutely no content in the bag, no ideas, no solutions, not even an "I would want to learn more about ...." Is that all there is? If you're a fighter, say your a fighter because that Highland Park 150lb linebacker remark sounds awfully provincial and isolated. There's guys like that on the field playing high school football everywhere. C'mon Patch, you can do better than this.
Ed Brill
9:27 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
This wasn't an interview or position paper. My column today was intended to create a portrait of the candidate. I am sure there will be more in the coming months.
SJaye333
4:59 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
"Drury responds by saying that only in Highland Park could he have been a 150-pound football linebacker. Children of our soldiers should be welcomed into our community, Drury says, embraced for the service and sacrifice their families make; yet here in Highland Park, their presence in some schools is seen as a detriment."
What?!?! What does one thing have to do with another? 150 lb linebacker? Is that an allusion that Highland Park is of limited organic ethnic diversity? And how does that lead into a direct conversation about Military students?
I am unaware of any instance where students of Military families have been made to feel unwelcome at any school. The issues are of impact aid (of which there will be none going forward), the proportions of in-building populations (including, but not limited to proportions of mobility), and equalization of curriculum across the District are real issues.
Ed Brill
9:13 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
SJaye333 - welcome to Patch (at least it appears this article is your first time commenting).
I'm not sure why you made the earlier assertion that Drury's children must attend one of the schools recognized by ISBE...or why that is relevant. Any of us living in D112 know the issues in the District, and yes, one of them - which I have written about previously and interviewed several people about - is that in some of the schools, the area residents would prefer that the military children not be bussed to those schools. That is a challenging issue and I see both sides of it. But Scott Drury is not running for District 112 board, he is running to represent Highland Park, Highwood, Deerfield, Lake Forest, etc. in Springfield.
SJaye333
9:28 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
"Drury notes that all the schools are producing successful students"
Not all schools are producing successful students. Oak Terrace, Red Oak, and Northwood Jr. High are not being recognized my the ISBE for Academic Excellence, therefore can one deduce that these schools have a lower success rate than the other 7 elementary schools in the District?
And "the area residents would prefer that the military children not be bussed to those schools." Really? What makes you think the Military families want their children bussed to those schools? How dare you make that blanket statement as if to accuse parents of some sort of elitism? From my understanding, there are a number of Military families who have removed their children who were in attendance at 112 and opted for home schooling instead.
Mr. Brill - you chose to focus the bulk of your article on Mr. Drury's stance on District 112 issues. Don't blame this on the Commenters.
Ed Brill
9:40 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Two paragraphs out of an 850 word column do not make it a "focus". but ok.
""the area residents would prefer that the military children not be bussed to those schools." Really? What makes you think the Military families want their children bussed to those schools?"
I didn't say that it is what the military families want. I said that for some of the Highland Park schools, the residents of the areas around those schools have indicated a desire for their school to encompass contiguous, neighborhood students.
A
5:38 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I suggest everyone stop doing Mr. Drury's homework and let him figure out the real issues, and let him tell us how he will solve them. If his only issue is educating and/or welcoming of students from the Fort he is a one-topic, narrow-minded and out-of-touch candidate who will do nothing but forward what we can all now see is indeed, an agenda. A Highwood agenda. I have yet to see how this candidate understands the issues of the taxpayers of Highland Park, its school, its community and its children.
Ed Brill
9:14 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I suggest you talk with Scott. He understands the entire district very well, and yes, that includes Highland Park where he grew up and has lived.
kim53
9:20 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Since there are such strong, educated opinions presented on the candidate here, I am CERTAIN that everyone who has commented above has taken the time to visit Scott Drury's website, www. drury2012.com, to see what HIS stances on the issues are, rather than use a Patch columnist's opinion of Scott to make their decision on who to support in the coming election.
I for one am delighted that there is finally a candidate who is in touch with reality and who on a multitude of issues recognizes the need for change. Illinois didn't get the honor of being listed the most corrupt state because things are running wonderfully the way they currently are.
Check out the website www.drury2012.com and THEN make your own decision. Don't be naive and leave your research to someone else.
SJaye333
9:37 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I took the time to visit Mr. Drury's website and it mentions 3 things about education:
1) ensure local schools remain among the best in the state (what?!?!)
2) strengthen our children’s education (how?!?!)
3) 2 children enrolled in the Highland Park public school system (huh?!?!?)
I see no "stances" on local public education and oh, Mr. Drury, it's the "Highland Park/Highwood" public school system. You're not forgetting your neighbors to the north, are you?
Once again, Mr. Brill, you CHOSE to focus this article about Mr. Drury and District 112.
Charlie
7:48 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Scott, you just should have gone to work.
SJaye333
8:57 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Since Mr. Drury is presumed to be the Democratic candidate for State Representative, I suggest he sits down with the well-respected and honorable Representative Karen May to find out what the real issues are. She seems to have a real pulse on her constituents concerns.
He will have some very big shoes to fill....
A
11:10 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Perhaps, the issue is less to do with Mr. Drury and more to do with the lousy soundbites Mr. Brill decided to include. With friends likes these....
If Mr. Drury has the endorsement of Karen May, whom I trust, I am going to keep an open mind. However, I would hope and expect this candidate develops several talking points that he is able to back up with facts, conviction, determination and commitment to change that affects the livelihood of several communities.
Louis G. Atsaves
8:44 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
It would appear from most of the comments that appeared following this love note for Drury that many questions remain about him and his stances.
What bothers me most about this fellow is his tough talk about "cleaning house" and "corruption" over at the Lake County State's Attorneys Office when he originally announced his run for that office, then his sudden change of heart after discussions with Democratic party leaders and suddenly deciding to run for Karen May's seat in Springfield. I've never seen a corruption fighter run away from corruption, unless his comments were exaggerations. Or is he really a political opportunist?
If he is truly "independent" and above reproach, he will need to decide what to do with his very first vote in Springfield if elected. Will he vote for Michael Madigan for Speaker of the House and the three decade continuation of the same old tired politics that has bankrupted this state, and disrupted services to its residents and schools? Even "independent Democrat" Karen May voted for Madigan after every election.
It's not how a candidate labels himself or how much of a love note a columnist writes about him. Peel away that label and see what is underneath. Someone who will continue the unsustainable status quo or someone who will truly represent everyone in the District. The love note is too superficial to be taken seriously right now.
Daniel Krudop
9:25 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Sorry, Mr. Drury. You may want to be independent but if your election as a Democrat keeps the State House controlled by the Democrats, we will still have Mr. Madigan in charge. I am not sure but some of the emails I got from Rep. May suggested that she was leaving office because she was frustrated with her own leadership when trying to introduce meaningful reforms.
I wonder if Mr. Drury would be willing to put forth a proposal to amend our Constitution to repeal the following:
Article XIII — General Provisions
Section 5. Pension and Retirement Rights
“Membership in any pension or retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.”
Or, we could emulate our current National Government and ignore set laws in regard to contractual relationships as they did with the bond holders in the automotive industry. That way we could better deal with the unfunded pension liabilities.
Evidently the Governor is proposing to cut State programs, including healthcare for seniors, and can't use the tax increase he got for these. Every penny has to go to pensions. As long as that provision is in our Constitution we will one day be paying so much money to retired public employees and teachers that we won't be able to afford working public employees and teachers.
A. E. Sachs
7:44 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Scot Drury was hand picked by Mr. Madigan who has cornered, accrued and mishandled too much power downstate. If any one has any real questions or concerns for Mr. Shaw I know for a fact he will call you if you leave a message with his campaign office. If you go to his office his personal cell phone is on his campaign business cards. If you have a serious inquiry or concern please address this man who is positioned to win and he will respond to you promptly. It is our responsibility to assert our will on him, republican or democrat. He is ultimately our representative and understands that his own political beliefs take a backseat to those of his constituents. Point fingers or make a point. the choice is yours!
electmarkshaw.com
Citizens for Shaw
2699 S. Waukegan Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
M-TR 10am - 8pm
F & S 10am - 4pm
Sun - Closed
Walter White
7:50 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Yes, I have been asking for Mr. Shaw and the other GOP candidates to answer this question for weeks. What is your DETAILED plan for returning the state to a balanced budget. So far, the only thing I've seen from anyone is to repeal the tax increases. So the first step in balancing the budget is reducing revenue. How will you replace that revenue? What SPECIFIC spending cuts do you propose? These are the questions voters need answered and these are the questions Mr. Shaw and Mr. Friedman are not answering. They would rather bash the Springfield establishment in the hopes that will get them elected.