Above / Once a year, the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation devotes time to host a panel of state legislators that serve Naperville in Springfield. (Updated PN Photo, Jan. 20, 2018)
Above / NAHC Board President Steve Grosskoph, standing far left, introduced State Sen. Linda Holmes, State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, State Sen. Mike Connelly, State Rep. Jeanne Ives, State Rep. David Olsen, State Rep. Grant Wehrli and State Sen. John Curran at the beginning of a one-hour Q&A panel discussion.
Updated Post, Jan. 20, 2018 / The elected officials that serve Naperville in Springfield participated in a panel discussion where questions mostly centered around how to solve the financial challenges of school funding and pensions in the State of Illinois, a Midwestern treasure with many valued resources.
Though “out-migration” needs constant addressing, it’s no secret that many residents and businesses remain in Illinois because of first-class healthcare, transportation and an educated workforce, as well as many attractive assets and natural resources that benefit from the changing seasons. Furthermore, Illinois is home of the world headquarters for 36 Fortune 500 companies.
Above / The question presented by the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation was projected on the wall behind the panel, serving as a backdrop during the entire discussion.
Finding a way to fairly represent in words such a panel discussion among seven public officials is nearly impossible, especially when considering that most expect to be on the ballot during the next election cycle that begins with the Primary on March 20, 2018.
Let me think about it…
In recent years, your PN editors have developed a policy to consider five words before rushing to make news via social media: “Let me think about it.”
We have work to do…
During today’s NAHC bi-partisan program, a number of elected officials admitted they didn’t understand all the nuances of finances and tax assessing. They expressed appreciation that Naperville Township Tax Assessor Warren Dixon was in the audience.
Listening to the challenges of both parties representing both chambers of the State House, PN also wondered that if this state is to solve its financial woes, perhaps another important five words might be considered for all concerned: “We have work to do.”
No matter where you sit on the issues, Illinois must create a stable environment for business with good public policy and a level playing field. As a small, independent business, Positively Naperville is keenly aware that economic growth is critically important for the benefit of all who live in Naperville as well as Illinois and the United States of America.
2018 Primary Election is March 20 / 2018 General Election is Nov. 6
The next election campaign cycle has begun. The 2018 General Election Primary is Tues. March 20, followed by the 2018 General Election on Tues., Nov. 6.
The questions addressed at the January NAHC meeting likely will be among the key issues in 2018 with all House seats up for election in November as well as the Primaries for both parties adding to the competitive race for governor.
Take advantage of opportunities during this campaign season to meet and greet candidates up close. Appreciate that politics is local. Thank you for planning to be an informed and solution-seeking voter before heading to the polls. The NAHC again will host candidate forums prior to the November elections. Stay tuned in the event candidate forums for the Primary are scheduled.
—PN
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. — Plato, Greek Philosopher
Original Post, Jan. 3, 2018 / The Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation will host its monthly meeting beginning at 8AM on Sat., Jan. 20, for coffee and networking, followed by the official start of the meeting at 8:30AM in Meeting Room B of the Naperville Municipal Center.
To help foster communication between member associations, homeowners and government officials, a panel of area State Senators and Representatives will be introduced to address questions and concerns from the Confederation and members in attendance. Typically meetings run until 10AM.
“We expect an interesting and lively bi-partisan discussion as RSVPs have already been received from Senators Connelly and Holmes, and Representatives Ives, Kifowit and Olsen,” noted NAHC Director Rick Strawbridge. “Questions we typically ask cover topics homeowners want to hear more about including taxes, school funding, pensions, budgets and more.”
Coffee and networking for this meeting will be sponsored by Naperville Bank and Trust.
The public is welcome to attend.
Above / The NAHC blue banner is sure to be prominently placed during upcoming candidate forums hosted by the all-volunteer group and planned in the coming months prior to the Illinois General Primary Election on March 20, 2018.
Through monthly meetings, September through June, NAHC creates time to address relevant and hot topics with opportunities to network, giving residents a chance to stay abreast of community affairs that will impact the community’s future.
The Naperville Municipal Center is located at 400 S. Eagle Street. Meeting Room B is on the lower level.
