Robert "Bob" Brandt
Trustee - Village of Woodridge (2003-2007)
Action 2004 Page:
December 24, 2004 - My daughter and I delivered three dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts to theWoodridge Police Department and three dozen to the Darien-Woodridge Fire District Station 3 as a "thank-you" for working on the holiday.
December 11, 2004 - I responded to a request from a resident for a sound barrier along I-55 between Lemont Rd. & I-355 (see RITS35)
December 10, 2004 - I sent congratulatory notes to Naperville Mayor George Pradel and Lemont Mayor John Piazza for being voted "sexiest mayors" by WTMX radio.
December 10, 2004 - I inquired whether Woodridge charges businesses a tax for being based in Woodridge (Highland Park charges all businesses $35 every year).
UPDATE: Woodridge licenses most businesses in town but it is not a revenue-raising activity.
December 10, 2004 - I attended the 2004 Village of Woodridge Holiday Dinner Dance at the Signature Room at Seven Bridges. I sent congratulatory notes to the recipients of Outstanding Citizen, Youth Citizens, Advisory Commissioner, Business, and Association of the Year.
December 7, 2004 - I responded to a resident who inquiried about a sound barrier for I-55 between Lemont Rd. & I-355 (1.1 miles). Darien recently received $1.4 million in federal money from Rep. Judy Biggert to construct a barrier from Cass Ave. to Lemont Rd (2.7 miles). Click here for more information. Click here for soundwall guidelines.
05-05-05 UPDATE: Click here for a letter sent to IDOT.
UPDATE: I've pressed this issue since 1997 (click here and search for "sound") and most recently as April 30, 2003 (see My Action Page). The Village is checking to see if funding is available from the I-355 extension project.
December 4, 2004 - I responded to a Woodridge resident who complained about having to remove their basketball hoop from the right-of-way (i.e. parkway area, sidewalk or street).
December 3, 2004 - My daughter and I attended the Woodridge Tree-Lighting Ceremony at Village Hall. (see My Photo Gallery page).
December 3, 2004 - I attended the promotion ceremony for two new sergeants in the police department - Kerry Richards and Tom Stefanson. Congratulations to Sgt. Richards and Sgt. Stefanson (see My Photo Gallery page).
December 1, 2004 - I inquired about the cost of the automated calls made by Public Works informing residents about the tree branch pick-up.
UPDATE: It took less than 1 hour of staff time and only cost $56.00 to make the 5,600 calls.
November 29, 2004 - I inquired about a $3,000 payment to an individual in this week's check register.
UPDATE: The payment was for a study of the staffing in the Public Works garage.
November 27, 2004 - I sent a congratulatory note to Downers Grove North High School football coach John Wander on the Trojans winning the 2004 IHSA 8A State Championship.
November 22, 2004 - I sent an article about the Wisconsin hunting tragedy to my colleagues - the hunter used what is classified as an "assault weapon" (a semiautomatic rifle with a 20-round clip) to kill 6 hunters and wound 2 others. Assault weapons turn murderers into mass-murderers. These are the types of weapons that I believe should be banned - five of my seven colleagues on the Board disagree with me. (see my Campaign Promises page). Click here for a newspaper article.
November 18, 2004 - I inquired about the penalties for stores selling liquor or tobacco to minors.
UPDATE: Click here for the progressive fine schedule.
November 11, 2004 - I represented the Mayor and Village Trustees at a Veteran's Day observance by the Woodridge VFW. Click here for my remarks.
November 10, 2004 - I sent a fax to the Woodridge Progress newspaper indicating my disappointment with their decision to allow gun ads in the paper.
UPDATE: The same gun ad appeared in the following paper.
November 7, 2004 - On behalf of the Mayor and Village Board, I congratulated the Downers Grove South boys soccer team for being 2004 Illinois State AA Soccer champions. Click here for my remarks.
November 3, 2004 - I sent notes of congratulations to U.S. Representative Judy Biggert, Illinois State Senator Christine Radogno, Representative Patti Bellock, Representative Brent Hassert, Representative Eileen Lyons, Representative Jim Meyer, County Board Member Michael McMahon, and Forest Preserve Commissioner Wally Brown on their successful re-election on November 2nd.
November 3, 2004 - Click here for my questions (and answers) regarding the 2004 Village of Woodridge audit.
October 31, 2004 - I sent a personal email to Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard chiding him for suggesting that stealing campaign signs should be classified as a "hate crime." Crime - yes, hate crime - no.
October 28, 2004 - I attended a 3 1/2 hour goal-setting workshop with the Village Board and Department Managers. I brought up three issues: (1) increased police patrols, especially for beats 5 and 6 in southern Woodridge which are often combined; (2) increased street lights for the older section of Woodridge; and (3) increased annexation of unincorporated areas in southern Woodridge.
October 15, 2004 - I wrote an email to Western Remac, a Woodridge-based sign company to ask if they could provide a sign for the Community Resource Center on Janes Ave.
UPDATE: The company responded and would be happy to provide a sign at no- or low-cost when requested from the Village.
October 10, 2004 - I wrote congratulatory notes to the 36 Woodridge residents who completed the 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon today.
October 7, 2004 - I signed up for the Village of Woodridge direct debit program for my water utility billing. No more writing checks!
September 30, 2004 - I attended my 2nd Annual Woodridge Town Meeting. Click here for topics discussed by my table.
September 24, 2004 - I wrote a "welcome home" note to Officer James Guerra who has returned safely from a lengthy deployment as a member of the National Guard in Iraq.
September 23, 2004 - I inquired if the Woodridge Police Department was utilizing DNA evidence to solve old crimes. Click here for newspaper articles.
UPDATE: The Police Department keeps meticulous DNA evidence but unfortunately has to destroy evidence when it no longer has evidentiary value.
September 21, 2004 - I went on my 3rd ride-along with the Woodridge Police Department.
September 17, 2004 - I wrote a note to Woodridge resident Cynthia Summerville for winning the Woodridge Park District landscaping contest.
September 16, 2004 - I met with a resident regarding a request for street lights (see RITS34).
September 14, 2004 - I asked for the names of residents who requested help on issues raised in the Community Needs Survey. I intend to contact random residents to ensure proper follow-up was performed.
UPDATE: The Village Administrator has refused to hand over that information.
September 8, 2004 - I inquired if Woodridge should consider prosecuting it's own DUI's, instead of using a States Attorney.
UPDATE: This was an idea I proposed in February 2004. Several other communities prosecute their own DUI's.
UPDATE: Click here to follow the issue.
Election Results: The referendum was defeated 31,463 to 14,341 (68% to 32%)
September 3, 2004 - I wrote a note to a Woodridge resident agreeing with her comments about the District 99 tax referendum and 44-acre land sale.
September 3, 2004 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Woodridge resident Jeff Kurinec on the completion of his Eagle Scout project.
September 2, 2004 - I inquired if the Village had any remedies to force ComEd to improve delivery of electricity (there have been numerous blackouts this year).
UPDATE: The Village is meeting with ComEd to discuss reliability issues.
September 1, 2004 - I wrote a Letter to the Editor to the Woodridge Progress regarding the federal assault weapons ban.
August 28, 2004 - I donated some old furniture to the "resale shop" in Carol Stream for Family Shelter Service, which provides shelter, counseling, support and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse in DuPage County. I encourge you to donate old items to them as well.
August 21, 2004 - I wrote a letter of support to Elmwood Park Police Chief Tom Braglia. President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, for his comments supporting the federal ban on assault weapons.
August 19, 2004 - I proposed my resolution urging the extension of the federal ban on assault weapons.
August 19, 2004 - I corresponded with several Woodridge residents regarding my assault weapons ban resolution.
August 9, 2004 - A resident contact members of the Village Board regarding concerns of a nearby pending development (see RITS33).
August 6, 2004 - My daughter and I attended the Woodridge Employee Safety Picnic at Castaldo Park.
July 31, 2004 - My daughter and I built a "rolling bank" at the Home Depot Days sponsored in part by the Building & Zoning Department of the Village of Woodridge.
July 28, 2004 - I inquired if there was anything we could do to assist Woodridge residents who lost power for more than 48 hours from last week's storms.
UPDATE: The Village is constantly reviewing utility issues. Click here for a ComEd Claims Form if you suffered damage or loss i.e. spoilage, etc.
July 22, 2004 - I inquired how the Police Department was adapting its patrol sectors in southern Woodridge which is expanding due to annexations.
UPDATE: This will be discussed at an August 19th workshop.
July 21, 2004 - I inquired how many sworn police officers were women and what the Village does to recruit female officers.
UPDATE: 4 of our 54 police officers are women, which is slightly lower than the average in DuPage County. The Village extensively promotes recuitment to women and minorities. I would like to see that number double.
July 20, 2004 - I proposed a Village resolution urging President Bush and Congress to extend and strengthen the assault weapons ban and urging Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois Legislature to enact a strong assault weapons ban. My resolution will be considered by the Village Board on August 19, 2004. Click here for a copy of my proposal.
UPDATE: I sent a copy of my resolution to Lisle, Bolingbrook, Darien, Lemont and Downers Grove. Follow this issue on My Campaign Promises page.
July 17, 2004 - I worked the beer tent at the Woodridge Jubilee.
July 17, 2004 - My daughter and I handed out candy in the Woodridge Jubilee parade (see My Photos page). Click here for a Letter to the Editor.
July 15, 2004 - I emailed Naperville Councilman Doug Krause asking about "presence tickets" where non-drinking teenagers can be ticketed for remaining at a party where there is underage drinking. Click here for a newspaper article and a copy of the ordinance.
July 12, 2004 - I corresponded with six residents who had concerns about a potential upcoming development in their neighborhood.
July 6, 2004 - I emailed Skokie Trustee Michael Gilder encouraging him to keep Skokie's smoking ban strong. Click here for a newspaper article.
July 4, 2004 - My daughter and I went to the "Gorilla Days" car show sponsored by the Woodridge Police Department. (see the Photo Gallery page).
July 2, 2004 - I wrote a letter to Itasca Trustee Tom Reynolds supporting his objection to political favoritisim to an appointment to a Itasca Commission. Click here for a newspaper article.
July 1, 2004 - I purchased "Gorilla Days" commerative license plates from the Woodridge Police Department (see the Photo Gallery page).
June 20, 2004 - I responded to a resident complaint about a street work project (see RITS 32).
June 17, 2004 - I emailed Forest Preserve Commissioner (District 3) Wally Brown urging him to vote against a pistol / rifle shooting range on Forest Preserve land. Click here for newspaper articles.
UPDATE: Follow the issue on the November 8, 2003 entry on my "Action" page.
June 16, 2004 - I emailed DuPage County Board Member Brien Sheahan praising him for proposing to put more DuPage County government information online. Click here for a newspaper article.
June 15, 2004 - I wrote a letter to Evanston Mayor Lorraine H. Morton urging her to support a stronger smoking ban than the one they are considering. Click here for a newspaper article.
May 31, 2004 - I responded to a resident inquiry about a pending development (see RITS 31).
May 21, 2004 - I attended a luncheon at the Public Works building celebrating Public Works week.
May 19, 2004 - I responded to an inquiry by a resident (see RITS30).
May 7, 2004 - I wrote personal notes of congratulations to the five high school students who were awarded Village of Woodridge / Catellus Foundation scholarships this year.
May 6, 2004 - I voted for the appointment of Richard Wood to fill a vacancy on the Village Board created by the resignation of Trustee Gina Cunningham despite several reservations (click here for information about my 1999 campaign for Trustee wherein Richard had me kicked off the ballot).
UPDATE: I will work with whoever is on the Board to further the interests of Woodridge residents. I will not let personal political fights get in the way of my objectives as Trustee: to keep Woodridge safe, to keep our taxes low, to improve the quality of life in Woodridge, and to put residents first in the minds of elected officials. Click here for a newspaper article.
May 6, 2004 - I inquired to see how much the Village has spent to prevent our 8 police sergeants from forming a union.
UPDATE: The Village spent $82,452 in legal fees last year. The goal is to keep sergeants as managers which will better serve the residents and the Police Department.
May 6, 2004 - I responded to two residents who emailed the Village regarding property taxes and zoning ordinances (see RITS 28 and RITS 29).
April 29, 2004 - I reponded to a inquiry made by a resident (see RITS 26).
April 29, 2004 - I attended my 3rd "Neighborhood Dialogue" at Willow Creek school.
April 27, 2004 - I responded to a resident about a building and zoning issue (see RITS27)
April 23, 2004 - I participated in a recognition program for volunteers at the Community Resource Center on Janes Ave.
April 21, 2004 - I responded to a resident regarding a building permit problem (see RITS26)
April 20, 2004 - I inquired about a Police Department follow-up complaint on a comment card. It was the 2nd complaint of the Police Department's lack of follow-up to vandalism that I have seen in a month.
UPDATE: The Police Department is constantly looking for ways to improve its service to Woodridge residents.
April 19, 2004 - I attended my 2nd "State of the Village" address. Notable attendees included Congresswoman Judy Biggert, State Senator Kirk Dillard, State Representative Patti Bellock, DuPage County Board Members Kyle Gilgis and Tom Bennington. Click here for a newspaper article.
April 17, 2004 - I inquired about a fight at a neighborhood park and whether weapons were involved.
UPDATE: The police found bats and a sword in the cars of the offenders, but they were apparently not used in the altercation.
April 15, 2004 - I applauded Mayor Murphy for activating the "Quality Community Task Force" to investigate the beating of a young Woodridge resident that his family considered to be racially motivated. Click here for a newspaper article.
April 15, 2004 - I "abstained" from voting to re-appointment 8 members of the various boards and commissions in Woodridge as submitted by Mayor Murphy. I don't disapprove of the individuals involved, however I do disapprove of the automatic re-appointment of those positions without opening them up to other Woodridge residents who are interested in serving the community (one of My Campaign Promises).
April 15, 2004 - Woodridge resident Wayne Lela wrote an extremely anti-gay Letter to the Editor to the Daily Herald. I don't tolerate discrimination of any kind. I sent him a Letter to the Editor from a few months ago in the Chicago Tribune for his enlightenment.
UPDATE: Wayne replied with a website for a group in Downers Grove to which he belongs.
April 14, 2004 - I e-mailed Naperville Park District Commissioner Scott McKibbin and applauded him for objecting to Park District expenses that he felt were frivolous and unwarranted, something that I have done on the Woodridge Village Board several times. Click here for a newspaper article.
April 14, 2004 - I congratulated Woodridge Jaycees President Jim Cihak on the growth of the Jaycees over the past year and for all of their charitable events that help the community.
April 13, 2004 - I responded to a Naperville resident who contacted all Board members whose son was involved in a minor incident with a Woodridge Police officer that resulted in some property damage.
April 10, 2004 - I inquired to see if Woodridge could do anything to help Todd Waller, a National Guardsman just finishing a 15-month tour in combat in Iraq who lost his police officer job in Cary because of his tour.
UPDATE: I referred him to the job openings page on the Village website. However, his tour is being extended so he does not know when he is coming back.
April 7, 2004 - A resident inquired about outdoor weather sirens (see RITS25)
April 2, 2004 - I corresponded with Woodridge resident Michael Kelley who inquired about bike paths in Woodridge and Downers Grove.
UPDATE: I forwarded him the contact information for elected officials in Downers Grove, as well as the Downers Grove 2003-2004 budget for bike paths.
April 1, 2004 - I visited a Woodridge resident in the hospital who was the victim of a brutal battery.
March 31, 2004 - I attended the visitation for a young Woodridge resident who lost a lengthy battle with cancer.
March 20, 2004 - I responded to a resident about the maintenance of open areas (see RITS 24).
March 10, 2004 - I proposed using NetPost from the US Post Office to save money when notifying residents on issues such as the water billing error (see March 3, 2004). UPDATE: NetPost would have cut the cost of the mailing by 45%.
March 6, 2004 - I responded to a resident about vandalism in his neighborhood (see RITS 23).
March 3, 2004 - I asked what happened to cause duplicate water bills to be sent to residents south of 75th St.
UPDATE: The error was caused by accidently sending an old file to the bill processing vendor, which was not confirmed properly confirmed by the vendor. Total cost for the duplicate mailing and follow-up to residents was $3,480.
February 28, 2004 - I participated in a six-hour Budget Workshop with my colleagues on the Board and all department heads. I made two suggestions: (1) make the fines for violating ordinances progressive (1st time violation $25, 2nd time $50, 3rd time $100, etc.); and (2) have the Village Prosecutor handle DUI's and assess a $1,000 municipal fine for convictions. Neither suggestion will be implemented as this time. Click here for a newspaper article.
February 22, 2004 - I wrote a letter to the Daniels' family in Woodridge congratulating their daughter Tracey and her skating team for being chosen to represent the United States in the Spring Cup in Italy. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: Her team placed 1st - click here for a newspaper article.
February 22, 2004 - I wrote to State Senator Radogno and State Representative Lyons urging their support of HB3996 (regulating smoking) and SB2368 (CASA); and urging their opposition to SB2165 (regulating firearms).
UPDATE: Sen. Radogno called with her support of HB3996 and SB2368. Rep. Lyons called that she opposed HR2165 and will consider the other bills.
February 21, 2004 - I gave 1 pint of blood in 10 minutes at the Village of Woodridge Blood Drive sponsored by Heartland Blood Services.
February 20, 2004 - The Village website says "The Village Board Members can be contacted at: villageboard@vil.woodridge.il.us" but I have never received any emails via the website. I asked where those emails go and why don't they get forwarded to all Board members.
UPDATE: Emails are now forwarded to Board Members.
UPDATE: Those emails are sent to the Village Administrator, who decides whether to forward them to Board Members. I find that unacceptable. I will pursue this issue.
February 16, 2004 - I wrote a letter to the Plan Commission praising Village staff for drafting extensive Tree Preservation regulations and encouraging the Plan Commission to recommend passage to the Village Board.
February 14, 2004 - I asked how the Village was going to address our apparent police manpower shortage (according to national averages, we should have 71 officers, we currently have 52).
UPDATE: The "71" figure included large cities (L.A., Chicago, New York, etc.). The report did not include just a suburban ratio, which is comparable to our ratio.
February 6, 2004 - I sent an email to Villa Park Trustee Joyce Stupegia applauding her for pursuing municipal prosecution for various ordinance violations (see My Campaign Promises page). Click here for her reply.
February 5, 2004 - I asked if the Woodridge Police Department procedures were adequate to prevent a tragedy that happened to the Riverdale Police Department. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: As I found out during my police ride-alongs, Woodridge police officers securely store their weapons, and keep suspects handcuffed, at all times while processing arrestees.
January 31, 2004 - I sent an email to Village Administrator Perry encouraging him to support a Family Shelter Services facility in Woodridge if it was requested. Click here for a newspaper article.
January 29, 2004 - I attended my third "neighborhood dialogue" at Woodridge School.
January 29, 2004 - I responded to a inquiry about water shutoffs (see RITS 22).
January 24, 2004 - I sent an email proposing that the Village maintain a "job bank" on its website for job openings for all Woodridge businesses. See My Campaign Promises page.
January 23, 2004 - I sent an email to Woodridge Mayor Murphy supporting the quotes he gave in a newspaper article about the DuPage Water Commission.
January 23, 2004 - I sent an email to County Board Member Tom Bennington thanking-him for his leadership in preventing the firing range / auto impound lot in the Greene Valley Forest Preserve.
January 17, 2004 - I sent an email to Oak Park President Joanne Trapani asking for information about Oak Park's existing assault weapons ban.
UPDATE: I received information about their handgun ban as well.
January 16, 2004 - I sent a letter to Sen. Durbin and Sen. Fitzgerald encouraging them to block the 2004 Omnibus Bill that weakens gun laws.
January 14, 2004 - I sent a newspaper article to Village Administrator Perry reporting that Chicago was going to broadcast its Board Meetings on the Internet and urged him to consider it for Woodridge as well (see my Campaign Promises Page).
January 12, 2004 - I sent an email to Arlington Heights Trustees Daday and Stengren applauding their leadership and efforts to ban smoking in Arlington Heights. Click here for a newspaper article. Click here for their replies.
January 10, 2004 - I asked if the Woodridge Police Department would consider distributing radar guns to residents to combat speeding in their neighborhoods. Click here for my email and a newspaper article.
UPDATE: Such a program was not included in this year's budget but may be considered in the future.
January 9, 2004 - I sent an email to Wilmette President Canafax applauding Wilmette's handgun ban. Click here for a newspaper article and a press release from the Wilmette Police Department. Click here for her reply..
UPDATE: The court has upheld the municipal law banning handguns.
January 5, 2004 - I asked why the Village had a total of $145.86 in "past due" amounts for SBC and whether they were late checks or penalties.
UPDATE: Approximately $113 of the amount were from balances on old accounts; $32 were late fees that will be credited.
January 1, 2004 - I sent a note to the Trinity Dancers of Chicago congratulating Woodridge resident Kailey Carol for qualifying for the World Championship of Irish Dancing in Ireland in April 2004. Click here for a newspaper article.
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