News
** ENDORSEMENTS 2013**
Downers Grove Community Advocates Endorse Candidates for Village Council and Community High School District 99 Board of Education
March 2, 2013
The Downers Grove Community Advocates are pleased to announce their endorsements for the Village of Downers Grove Council and Community High School District 99 Board of Education candidates in the April 9th election. At a forum on March 2, held at Downers Grove Fire Station #2, 5420 Main Street, each candidate was given the opportunity to make a brief presentation and then participated in a question and answer session followed by a closing statement. All candidates were asked the same questions in the same order and were allotted the same time.
The following candidates were endorsed for the Village Council:
Robert "Bob" Barnett
Marilyn Schnell
Greg Hosé
The following candidates were endorsed for the Board of Education:
Henry P. Jakobsze
Teresa “Terry” K. Pavesich
Julia Kennedy Beckman
Rick Pavinato
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** ENDORSEMENTS 2011**
Downers Grove Community Advocates
Endorse Candidates for Village Council and Park Board
The Downers Grove Community Advocates are pleased to announce their endorsements of Downers Grove Village Council and the Downers Grove Park Board candidates in the April 5th election.
At a forum on February 26, held at Downers Grove Fire Station #2, 5420 Main Street, each candidate was given the opportunity to make a brief presentation and then participated in a question and answer session followed by a closing statement. All candidates were asked the same questions in the same order and were allotted the same time.
In addition, candidates submitted answers to a brief questionnaire prior to the forum. The DGCA's decision to endorse these candidates was based on the responses to the questions asked, both written and verbal. Factoring in to the decision was the experience and knowledge DGCA members have of current and historical village issues. It is the policy of the DGCA to endorse for the number of positions available.
The following candidates were endorsed for Village Council:
Geoff Neustadt
Sean Patrick Durkin
Becky Rheintgen
The following uncontested candidate was endorsed for Mayor:
Martin Tully
The following candidates were endorsed for Park Board:
Mark Roman
Robert Gelwicks
Cathy Mahoney
The following uncontested candidate was endorsed for Park Board:
Matt Cushing
The DGCA’s purpose is as follows: “We are a diverse and experienced group of residents who see the awesome opportunities before our great community. We are here to provide a positive, constructive and independent voice in the discussions that will shape our community’s future. Because we are a politically diverse group of people with many years of community service in government, the library, the schools and other civic groups, we believe we are uniquely capable of helping to meet this need. Our goals are to promote the best attributes of our village and to explore and inform citizens about those issues facing our community that will have an impact for many years to come.”
The DGCA believes that our endorsed candidates best embody this purpose and will serve the Village with integrity, objectivity and careful consideration of all sides of all issue before reaching decisions which best meet the needs of the citizens of Downers Grove.
Two Village Council candidates, Michael Maley and Dominic Scalzetti, declined the DGCA’s invitation to appear before the caucus or to provide information on their positions.
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** Endorsements 2009 **
The Downers Grove Community Advocates announce their endorsements of Downers Grove Village Council candidates in the April 7th election. At a forum on February 8, held in the Community Room at the Administrative Service Center, 6301 Springside, each candidate made a presentation followed by a question and answer period.
The following candidates were endorsed for Village Council:
Robert "Bob" Barnett
Marilyn Schnell
William Waldack
The DGCA’s purpose is as follows: “We are a diverse and experienced group of residents who see the awesome opportunities before our great community. We are here to provide a positive, constructive and independent voice in the discussions that will shape our community’s future. Because we are a politically diverse group of people with many years of community service in government, the library, the schools and other civic groups, we believe we are uniquely capable of helping to meet this need. Our goals are to promote the best attributes of our village and to explore and inform citizens about those issues facing our community that will have an impact for many years to come.”
The DGCA believes that our endorsed candidates best embody this purpose and will serve the village with integrity, objectivity and careful consideration of all sides of all issue before reaching decisions which best meet the needs of the citizens of Downers Grove.
A fourth Village Council candidate, James Norris, declined the DGCA’s invitation to appear before the caucus or to provide any information on his positions.
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Downers Grove Community Advocates Endorse Candidates for Park Board
The Downers Grove Community Advocates announce their endorsements of Downers Grove Park Board candidates in the April 7th election. At a forum on February 28, held in the Community Room at the Administrative Service Center, 6301 Springside, each candidate made a presentation followed by a question and answer period.
The following candidates were endorsed for Downers Grove Park Board:
Ron Smith
Fred Gusel
The DGCA’s purpose is as follows: “We are a diverse and experienced group of residents who see the awesome opportunities before our great community. We are here to provide a positive, constructive and independent voice in the discussions that will shape our community’s future. Because we are a politically diverse group of people with many years of community service in government, the library, the schools and other civic groups, we believe we are uniquely capable of helping to meet this need. Our goals are to promote the best attributes of our village and to explore and inform citizens about those issues facing our community that will have an impact for many years to come.”
The DGCA believes that our endorsed candidates best embody this purpose and will serve the village with integrity, objectivity and careful consideration of all sides of all issues before reaching decisions which best meet the needs of the citizens of Downers Grove.
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** ENDORSEMENTS 2007 **
The Downers Grove Community Advocates announce their endorsements of Downers Grove Village Council and mayoral candidates in the April 17th election. At a forum on March 11, held at the Community HS District 99Administrative Service Center, each candidate made a presentation followed by a question and answer period.
The following candidates were endorsed:
Endorsed Candidate For Mayor:
- Ron Sandack
Endorsed Candidates For Village Council:
- Bruce Beckman
- Geof Nuestadt
- Sean Patrick Durkin
The DGCA's purpose is as follows: “We are a diverse and experienced group of residents who see the awesome opportunities before our great community. We are here to provide a positive, constructive, and independent voice in the discussions that will shape our community's future. Because we are a politically diverse group of people with many years of community service in government, the library, the schools, and other civic groups, we believe we are uniquely capable of helping to meet this need. Our goals are to promote the best attributes of our village and to explore and inform citizens about those issues facing our community that will have an impact for many years to come.”
The DGCA believes that these endorsed candidates best embody this purpose and will serve the village with integrity, objectivity and careful consideration of all sides of an issue before reaching decisions which best meet the needs of all the citizens of Downers Grove.
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Downers Grove Sun asks
"...How much money does it take..."
PRESS RELEASE February, 2006
The Downers Grove Sun Newspaper has begun to follow up on the serious questions raised by Marilyn Schnell regarding campaign finance in Village council races. "...members of the Village Council are questioning where to draw the line when accepting campaign funds. The Illinois ethics ordinance sets no guidelines for limits on campaign contributions, which can pit candidates with hundreds of thousands of dollars against candidates scrambling for a few thousand.
At the Feb. 6 Village Council meeting, Commissioner Marilyn Schnell read an e-mail she received earlier that day. The letter said engineering firms bidding to work on the Stormwater Master Plan contributed to the campaign of an unnamed person running for a seat on the council..."
We urge residents to pay close attention to this issue. Our recent survey results indicate the issue of campaign finance is high on residents watch list.
Downers Grove Reporter Newspaper says
"...Vote No..."
PRESS RELEASE March 15, 2006
The Downers Grove Reporter Newspaper has endorsed the RETAINING of HOME RULE. Below is part of the text of the article:
"In our view, no sound basis exists to strip Downers Grove municipal government of home rule authority. No DuPage County community has done so since 1981. The issue would not have come up now, absent a political vendetta doggedly pursued by a tiny fraction of the village's population.
We are not thrilled with every action taken by the current mayor and Village Council -- but dumping home rule does nothing to brighten the future of Downers Grove and in fact, does just the opposite.
We urge residents to vote no on the home rule referendum question.
Downers Grove FOP Lodge
says "...Vote No..."
PRESS RELEASE March 15, 2006
The Downers Grove FOP Lodge has endorsed the RETAINING of HOME RULE. Below is part of the text of the article:
There are real-world implications of the village losing its home rule status. We lose local law enforcement control on issues like preventing the licensing of certain businesses that tend to attract more criminal activity, such as adult entertainment establishments; preventing the expansion of liquor licenses and hours of operation for establishments that serve and/or sell liquor; and imposing stiffer fines on DUI violators. The no vote you cast March 21 will have a bigger local impact on protecting our quality of life in Downers Grove ..."
DGCA Reminds Residents Early Voting Ends Thursday March 16th, 2006
PRESS RELEASE March 3, 2006
On Friday, March 3, 2006, the Downers Grove Community Advocates issued a statement to remind voters that the "Your Choice. Your Time" Early Voting opportunity comes to a close at 4:30 on Thursday March 16th.
Early Voting for Downers Grove takes place at Village Hall.
DGCA Encourages Residents to VOTE NO! on Tuesday, March 21st, 2006
PRESS RELEASE March 10, 2006
On Friday, March 10, 2006, the Downers Grove Community Advocates issued a press release encouraging all citizens to exercise thier right to vote.
The link above will allow you to find your polling place through the DuPage Election Commission.
The Home Rule issue will appear as the last question on the ballot so please remember to vote all the way to the end.
It only takes a few minutes so above all, no matter where or when, we encourage citizens to participate in the process. It's your right ... don't ever give it up.
DGCA Announces Candidate Endorsements
PRESS RELEASE March 5, 2005
On Friday, March 4, 2005, the Downers Grove Community Advocates announced the candidates they have endorsed for the election on April 5th. "After listening to the candidates' presentations and answers to our questions at our caucus, studying background questionnaires submitted by each candidate, and discussing each candidates position on the issues, our choices were unanimous," said Stephen Daniels, DGCA President.
Candidates were evaluated on the ability to serve, the knowledge of issues, and the committment to represent the entire community faily and honestly.
Endorsed candidates for Village Council include:
- Martin Tully
- Marilyn Schnell
- William Waldack
Endorsed candidates for Park Board include:
- Bob Gelwicks
- Catherine Mahoney
The Downers Grove Community Advocates is hosting a reception for the endorsed candidates, and the candidates endorsed by the School Board Caucus on Sunday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.
Reporter/Progress Endorsements Mirror Those of the DGCA
The Downers Grove Reporter/Progress Newspaper has announced their endorsements for the April 2005 election.
These endorsements mirror those of the Downers Grove Community Advocates which were released almost one month earlier on March 5th.
Reporter/Progress Announces Endorsements
PRESS RELEASE April 1, 2005
DOWNERS GROVE (IL) – The Downers Grove Reporter/Progress Newspaper has announced their endorsements for the April 2005 election.
These endorsements mirror those of the Downers Grove Community Advocates which were released almost one month earlier on March 5th.
Said the newspaper, " After completing the interview process in contested local races of interest in the Tuesday, April 5, consolidated election, our editorial staff has endorsed the following candidates."
DGPFA Announces Candidate Endorsements
PRESS RELEASE March 28th, 2005
DOWNERS GROVE (IL) – The Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association endorses Marilyn Schnell, Martin Tully, and William Waldack for village commissioner. “Our organization is committed to providing the best possible service to the residents of Downers Grove. We have endorsed the candidates we feel will help us achieve that goal” said DGPFA President Joel Mains.
DGPFA Secretary Rob Pekelder, who moderated a forum held on March 24th hosted by the village’s firefighters, cited funding for public safety and village infrastructure as issues that most concerned the firefighters. “We look forward to working with the next council on improving or replacing our current firehouses and hopefully putting more firefighters and paramedics on the street.”
There is no relationship between the DGCA and the DGPFA. This information and link are provided as a service from the DGCA.
DGCA Announces Candidates Reception
PRESS RELEASE March 16th, 2005
On Wednesday, March 16th, 2005, the Downers Grove Community Advocates announced a reception for DGCA endorsed Village Council and Park District candidates as well as School Caucus endorsed School Board Candidates to be held on March 20th, 2005 at the Emmett's Ale House on Main Street from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
The purpose of this reception is to allow candidates an opportunity to meet, greet and interact with the general public as well as directors and members of the DGCA.
This event is NOT A FUNDRAISER. As the DGCA has endorsed candidates in the Village Council and Park District elections as noted in the March 5th Press Release.
click [HERE] for more information
DGCA Announces Candidates Forum
PRESS RELEASE February 21, 2005
On Monday, February 21, 2005, the Downers Grove Community Advocates announce a caucus for Village Council and Park District candidates to be held on February 26th, 2005 at the High School District 99 Administration Building, 6301 Springside Avenue (just West of Downers Grove South High School).
The purpose of this caucus is to allow candidates an opportunity to educate the general public as well as directors and members of the DGCA as to their candidacy and platform.The question and answer sessions will be moderated by Stephen Daniels, president of the Downers Grove Community Advocates. Candidates will be scheduled in ½ hour increments in alphabetical order by last name beginning at 9:00 am.
As the DGCA plans to endorse candidates, these interviews will serve to better inform members and the public.
click [HERE] for more information
DGCA Stops Potentially Destructive Home Rule Referendum
PRESS RELEASE January 28, 2005
On Thursday, January 27, 2005, the Downers Grove Municipal Officers Electoral Board upheld an objection to a proposed referendum that would have asked residents to repeal the Village’s Home Rule Authority in the April 5, 2005 General Election.
Objection to the proposed referendum was filed by the Downers Grove Community Advocates. The objection sought to invalidate the proposed Home Rule measure on the grounds that the petition did not contain the required number of signatures for the question to appear on the ballot.
The Board determined that the 2,031 signatures collected by the proponents fell short of the 3,247 needed to validate the petition. Under Illinois Statutes, signatures are required from 10% of all registered voters within a municipality for propositions to be placed on the ballot. As of October 16, 2004, which is when voter registration closed prior to the last election, there were 32,470 registered voters in Downers Grove.
The Electoral Board sustained the objection and ruled that the proposition regarding whether the Village of Downers Grove shall cease to be a Home Rule unit will not appear on the ballot for the April 5, 2005 General Election.
click [HERE] for more information
DGCA Pressure Results In Withdrawal of Strong Mayor Referendum
PRESS RELEASE February 1, 2005
On Tuesday, February 5, 2005 the The “Strong Mayor” question was withdrawn at a hearing before circuit court Judge Bonnie Wheaton on February 1, 2005. The Downers Grove Community Advocates and other citizens filed objections to the “Strong Mayor” and “Retain Managerial Form” petitions with the court.
The withdrawal action confirms the DGCA positions that the issue was not a good solution for the village and was put forth without the appropriate involvement of the community at large through public debate.
“We are pleased that the “Strong Mayor” question will not be on the ballot in April,” said Stephen Daniels, Downers Grove Community Advocates president. “The community will now have the opportunity to fully discuss the form and function of our village government. We agree with Mayor Krajewski that withdrawal was in the best interest of the community.” The Downers Grove Community Advocates plans to hold a forum for the candidates in the April 5 election. DGCA, a group of community leaders, will continue to encourage public debate on important community issues.
Copyright DGCA 2006
People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news.
A. J. Liebling - (1904 - 1963)
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