Former Mayor Thanks Former Councilman for 12 Years

Former Highland Park Mayor Mike Belsky describes working with Jim Kirsch, who just ended 12 years on Highland Park's City Council.

Former Mayor Pays Tribute to Late Cal Tobin

Former Highland Park Mayor Mike Belsky writes about Cal Tobin, a Highland Park Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem who recently passed away.

Former Highland Park Mayor: 'Let's Eliminate Townships'

Mike Belsky explains his case for why it's time to consider getting rid of what he calls an anachronism in local government.

Former Mayor Blogs About District 113 Referendum

Former Highland Park Mayor Mike Belsky describes a financing technique that can reduce the tax impact on Highland Park High School district residents.

Highland Park Mayors Celebrate Fourth of July

Current Mayor Nancy Rotering was joined by three former mayors at the city's Independence Day parade.

In keeping with the city's theme of "A Look Back in Time," Mayor Nancy Rotering invited former Mayors Ray Geraci, Dan Pierce and Michael Belsky to serve together as honorary Grand Marshals of the Highland Park July 4th parade. Former Mayor Ray Geraci held office from 1970 to 1975 and from 1995 to 1999, according to the City of Highland Park. Former Mayor Daniel Pierce held office from 1987 to 1995 and again from 1999 to 2003.  Former Mayor Michael Belsky held office from 2003 to 2011. "Bringing this group together represents all of the civic leaders who helped shape our past and set our course for the future," Rotering said. Special thanks to Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) for taking the photo and Patch reader and City Council candidate …

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Belsky Denies Candidacy for House Seat

Former Highland Park mayor said his name was used in a poll without his knowledge or permission.

Former Highland Park Mayor Mike Belsky strongly denied today he is a candidate for the Republican nomination to succeed retiring state Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) left vacant this week by Lauren Turelli’s withdrawal from the race. Belsky’s name was one of eight mentioned in a telephonic poll conducted Thursday night seeking public opinion on a preference for Turelli’s replacement, according to Moraine Township Republican Chairman Lou Atsaves. Earlier: Republicans Begin Search To Replace Turelli “My name was used without my knowledge or permission,” Belsky said. “I have always been a registered Democrat. I am supporting Scott Drury.” Drury is the Democratic candidate for the seat. Two people who were listed on the poll have already …

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Letters to the Editor

Former Mayor Praises Rotering's Theater Response

Though he thinks the closures of the Highland Park Theatre and the Port Clinton Parking Garage could have been avoided, Mike Belsky credits the current mayor and city coundil for a swift, transparent response.

Mayor Rotering and the City Council should be commended on their swift action in closing the Highland Park Theatre and the Port Clinton Parking Garage due to violations of the fire code. I also commend their efforts to inform the public through a community meeting. Public safety is and should be the priority of any city government. Want Highland Park news in your inbox every morning? Subscribe to Patch's newsletter. However, what I do object to, as I have in the past, is the previous City Council's insistence on cuts instead of using available resources to sustain services in the aftermath of the "Great Recession." One of the casualties in this effort to cut the budget, (led by then Council Members Rotering and Mandel), was fire and …

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Former Mayor Offers Insight on Theater's Fate

Patch chats with Mike Belsky as the fate of the Highland Park Theater remains uncertain.

As current city officials weigh what to do with the Highland Park Theatre, residents have raised questions about the council's effectiveness in maintaining the facility. The city purchased the building for just under $2 million about two years ago after the then-owner said it was going to be turned into an office building, according to former mayor Mike Belsky. Earlier: Officials Await Final Inspection Results of Theater, Garage "We had many art groups and groups in the entertainment field that were looking for a home and thought we’d be able to provide that," Belsky said. "Worst-case scenario, if we couldn't find the right developer, we thought we could expand the parking lot." While Belsky agrees with the current city council's decision …

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City Manager Will Not Be the Retiring Type

Dave Limardi will continue to work after he resigns Jan. 1, 2012.

With no specific professional plans after January 1, outgoing Highland Park City Manager Dave Limardi made one thing clear about his future during a news conference Tuesday morning at City Hall.  He is not retiring. With plans to stay in Highland Park and marry Kris Slattery October 22, Limardi said he will remain professionally active in some way. Though he feels he is at the top of his game, he has no plans to manage another municipality.  “I’m as good as I’ve ever been. I have a thought to do something else,” Limardi said. “It won’t be directly in the public service.”  After 34 years in municipal management guiding and taking direction from elected officials, Limardi said it was unlikely he would seek elective office himself. He has …

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City Manager Dave Limardi Resigns

Highland Park's longest serving city manager will step down Jan. 1, 2012.

Longtime Highland Park City Manager Dave Limardi, 58, announced his resignation Monday effective January 1 in a letter to Mayor Nancy Rotering and the City Council.  Limardi, who has held his position for more than 18 years, is the longest serving city manager in the Highland Park’s history. Though he had no comment at Monday’s regularly scheduled Council meeting, he has scheduled a news conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall.  “Dave Limardi has served our city very well during his 18 years on the job,” Rotering said Monday. “His professionalism and thoroughness as well as his creativity have given us a tremendous foundation and continuity.”  Three-term City Councilman Jim Kirsch has worked closely with Limardi for more than 10 years. …

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Bitter Jester Creative, inc.

11:38 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Lee, if Councilman Mandel lists "City Councilman" as his occupation and if he is getting paid to do the job, then he not unemployed. Perhaps you are confused as to what it means to be "unemployed." Also, being a City Councilperson is *not* a full-time job. If a councilman chooses to spend their full time *on* the job, however, I don't see why that is something to chastise. Personally, I wish all …   more ›