As a news junkie and history buff, trying to keep facts straight in this whole wide world is a passion that challenges this outspoken mind.
I continually remind myself that paying attention to local issues matters most.
Fortunately, our schools (where approximately 75 percent of our property tax dollars go), parks (where our property tax dollars regularly increase) and our City (where our property tax dollars slightly went down this year) mostly are transparent. Public meetings where budgets and public policies are approved are videotaped and archived online for folks unable to attend in person, likely providing more information than many residents want to know.
Yet, much ado is given to government spending. PN got an earful from residents when property tax bills arrived last month with payments due in two installments, June 1 and Aug. 31 in DuPage County and June 4 and Sept. 4 in Will County. But that’s a story much better covered by daily newspapers than a monthly publication focused on can-do community spirit and upcoming events.
That said, I like to consider myself a practical and thrifty capitalist, mindful to set limits to avoid wasting money.
Before every purchase I usually ask myself, “Will it fulfill an unmet need and will it make a difference?”
While serving on numerous nonprofit boards and foundations over the years, I’ve also found that question assists my being a good steward of other people’s financial contributions, even though I’m sometimes overruled.
Our youngest child was probably the most critical of how I justify spending for wants and needs. Back in the 1990s, Jeff was in awe of Michael Jordan and he had to have his Nikes.
I recall shortly after our move to Naperville the ease with which this nine-year-old made new friends. Jeff’s always been gregarious. His attitude is the more the merrier. Soon sleepovers with his buddies became routine. Every experience taught him that different families have different priorities.
One time Jeff came home from a weekend getaway with a keen observation and lesson learned.
“Mom,” he said, “I just want to thank you for always buying soft toilet paper.”
Speaking of standards…
If you’ve followed a local citizens’ effort this past year to save from the wrecking ball old Nichols Library at 110 S. Washington Street, you likely noticed that this publication promoted the campaign in print and online. We supported the aim to adapt the now-landmarked building into a new design that puts the historic structure on the city’s tax rolls for the first time in history.
Last month new renderings for a $21 million redevelopment were introduced, showing that the north, west and south sides of the building originally designed by nationally-renowned architect M.E. Bell will be saved. In fact, the structure literally will be set in stone (and concrete) never to be moved.
The process to save old Nichols gave our community a chance to take an honest look at the history and the heart of the principles that grew out of a structure that has stood since 1898 for culture, education, literacy entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
Individuals came together quickly to listen, learn and solve pressing and unusual conditions pertaining to a landmark and private property. Common goals turned a large group of strangers with a wide variety of opinions into a nimble-thinking team that responded, met and adapted.
Patience paid off and the developers presented a new design proposal for the property that was unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Here’s hoping the concerted efforts to get it right will be an example for other challenges that unite us.
Let’s interpret every process for all it’s worth.
– PN
