League of Women Voters of Highland Park Candidates' Forum for the City of Highland Park, the Park District of Highland Park, and School Districts 112 and 113

Susie Millie March 6, 2011 at 02:37 pm

I would hope each mayoral, council and school board candidate would clarify their position on the District 113 referendum. The cost per square foot the school board seeks is MUCH higher than the most expensive mansions on the lake. Calculate it yourself. We need to elect fiscally responsible candidates.

phylis bagan March 7, 2011 at 12:59 am

I second!

David Greenberg March 7, 2011 at 04:00 am

My position has been consistent: I am opposed to the $133 Million referendum because it's not well-thought out, too expensive, and focuses on WANTS rather than necessities. I believe that it's a bad plan and everyone should vote NO on the Referendum April 5.

forest barbieri March 9, 2011 at 03:21 pm

Forest Barbieri Candidate for Park District. One of the sound bites of the LOWV Park District Q & A was, “So, Mr. Volpe, Mr. Swan, Mr. Harris, if you're listening, we're coming for our money back." I applaud the thought and words and would love to see the world work in that fashion. However, reality makes recovery unlikely unless some sort of collaborative fraud took place.
More likely, if we really are on a serious mission of recovery, we might consider a look at the consultants and attorneys that crafted these contracts as well as Mr. Werhane & company for potential severe neglect of the public and fiscal duty that we entrusted them to do. I would further look into the circumstances wherein Mr. Harris, under rumored pressure to resign, was able to negotiate a $330,000+ separation agreement and given a Public owned vehicle for 8 months of work. The board then signed a non disclosure agreement with Harris which does not allow them to discuss any details with the public. This took place prior to the pension spiking becoming public. Regardless, we need to look at any options available to the Highland Park Shareholders that were taken advantage of to the tune of about $1,000,000 in unjustified pay. Much, much more than Park District property tax reduction. How far would those dollars go to pay for programs and staff? We need to continue cleaning up the mess and we need NEW LEADERSHIP, INTEGRETY, TRANSPARENCY and a PLAN. We need fresh vision and a new direction.