Robert "Bob" Brandt
Trustee - Village of Woodridge (2003-2007)
Action 2005 Page:
December 24, 2005 - My family and I delivered two dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts to theWoodridge Police Department and two dozen to the Darien-Woodridge Fire District Station 3 as a "thank-you" for working on the holiday.
December 20, 2005 - I sent an email to Deerfield Mayor Steve Harris congratulating him and his Village Board for passing strong smoking regulations.
December 19, 2005 - A resident sent an email to villageboard@vil.woodridge.il.us inquiing about the status of the Woodridge Smoking Ban (see RITS45).
December 15, 2005 - For the second time in two years, I expressed concern that the Village website says "The Village Board Members can be contacted at: villageboard@vil.woodridge.il.us" but those emails are received by the Village Administrator who forwards emails deemed "appropriate."
UPDATE: I suggested that all emails be automatically forwarded to Board Members, just like all written letters or phone calls; and also that Trustee's personal emails be posted on the Village website. Click here for the meeting minutes.
December 15, 2005 - I sent a letter to Oakbrook Terrace Alderman James Bojan applauding him for his proposial to make Oakbrook Terrace smoke-free. Click here for a newspaper article.
December 14, 2005 - I sent a letter to Joliet Councilman Tim Brophy applauding him for his proposial to make Joliet smoke-free. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: Click here for a response from the DMMC.
December 10, 2005 - I sent a congratulatory note to Mike Adams who will be succeeding the retiring Keith Frankland as Director of the Woodridge Park District. Click here for a newspaper article.
December 10, 2005 - I sent congratulatory notes to District 99 students Aaron Shatzer, Jim Klonowski, Dan Mueller, and Benjamin Bouwman for being named to the 2005-06 Illinois All-State Band and Choir. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: Other alderman watered down the proposal so it was tabled for future consideration.
December 2, 2005 - My wife and I attended the 2005 Village of Woodridge Holiday Dinner Dance at Bobak Signature Room at Seven Bridges. Click here for a copy of my invocation.
December 2, 2005 - I inquired if the Village would be interested in participating in a gun buy-back program similar to what other communities and counties have done in the past. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: The Village asked the Chamber of Commerce to see any of their members could provide gift certificates for the program. FYI: Lake County collected 247 guns in 2005.
December 1, 2005 - I attended the Village Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Village Hall.
November 30, 2005 - I sent an email to Chicago Alderman Burt Natarus urging him to reconsider his opposition to the Chicago smoking ban. He considers the ban an "economic issue," rather than a "health issue."
November 24, 2005 - I emailed DuPage County Board Members Tom Bennington, Kyle Gilgis and Michael McMahon urging them to support County Board Member Brien Sheahan in efforts to enact a county-wide smoking ban. Click here for a newspaper article.
November 18, 2005 - I wrote a note applauding DuPage County Board Member Brien Sheahan for proposing that DuPage County should go smoke-free. Click here for a newspaper article.
November 11, 2005 - I represented the Mayor and Village Board at a Veteran's Day observance by the Woodridge VFW. Click here for my remarks.
November 10, 2005 - I asked the Police Department to review current Woodridge dog laws to see if they needed to be strengthened in response to the latest series of pit bull attacks. Click here to see current dog-related laws.
DECEMBER 1st UPDATE: Click here for my suggestions to toughen our dog ordinances - making it easier to declare a dog "dangerous," making it easier to declare a dog vicious," and increasing fines. Click here for the Village Board meeting minutes where the dog laws were discussed.
UPDATE: Our ordinances are pretty tough right now - if a dog threatens to attack you without actually contacting you, it can be declared "dangerous" and must be muzzled and restrained when outside; if a dog bites you, they can be deemed "vicious" and must be confined or it can be destroyed.
November 8, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Carol Stream Trustee Matt McCarthy for his "Carol Stream Youth Council" proposal, which hopefully will be considered for Woodridge. Click here for a newspaper article.
November 8, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Woodridge Library Administrator Mary Sue Brown on the Woodridge Library being named in the top ten for libraries in Illinois cities 25,000 to 50,000 in population. Click here for a newspaper article.
November 3, 2005 - I inquired about two items in the 2005 audit (1) $480,506 in overtime charges attributable to the Police Department Patrol and Investigations departments, and (2) the underfunding of the police pension fund by $9,280,547 (it was actually over-funded by $100,000 in 1998).
UPDATE: Pension fund - the Village contributed what an outside actuary recommended. The fund must be fully funded by law by 2033.
Police Overtime - most hours are from calls that go past the end of a shift ("late calls"). Click here for a chart. The Police Department will be changing to 10- and 12-hour days which should help alleviate the need for overtime.
12-06-05 UPDATE: I asked for further information to verify if the overtime was spread out over many officers, or if just a few officers disproportionatly benefited from overtime (which is 1 1/2 times regular pay and an inefficient use of tax dollars).
November 2, 2005 - I gave the Village of Woodridge presentation at a Neighborhood Dialogue. Click here for a newspaper article.
October 31, 2005 - I asked the Building & Zoning Department to investigate a complaint from a store that was getting cigarette and cigar smoke filtering into from a smoke store next door.
UPDATE: The Village and the Building Manager investigated and concluded that the smoke was not coming from the smoke store, but probably was being drawn in from illegal smoking in the back hallway of the stores.
October 28, 2005 - I inquired if the Woodridge Police Department made any arrangements to monitor sex offenders handing out candy to children on Halloween.
Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: (1) A detective will be visiting each registered sex offender living in the village prior to Halloween. (2) Each registered sex offender will be given written notice explaining the new statute. (3) All registered sex offenders are currently in the Police CAD system, so in the event an officer runs the name or address, the officer will be notified of the sex offender status. (4) Two detectives will be out Halloween night visiting each registered sex offender assuring compliance. (5) All officers and supervisors will be given lists, along with current photographs of each registered sex offender, on Halloween night.
October 27, 2005 - I participated in the annual Goal-Setting meeting with the Village Board and Village Staff. Click here for a newspaper article.
October 25, 2005 - I had dinner with Patrick Reynolds, a grandson of the founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and now one of the nation's most influential advocates of a smokefree America. The dinner was at Shogun Steakhouse, a smoke-free restaurant in Naperville.
UPDATE: Click here for an update on Smoke-Free Woodridge.
October 21, 2005 - I sent congratulatory notes to Downers Grove South Student and Woodridge resident Gregory Go for being named 2006 National Merit Scholarship Finalists
October 14, 2005 - I sent congratulatory notes to Downers Grove North Students and Woodridge residents Aaron Shatzer and Jennifer Turnholt for being named 2006 National Merit Scholarship Finalists; and to Dana Caulton, Natalie Lorch, Melissa Manjarres, Smit Naik for being named Commended Students in the 2006 National Merit Scholarship Program.
October 11, 2005 - My son and I attended the "Plant a Promise to be Tobacco-Free" event at Lisle-Woodridge Fire Station #2 sponsored by the DuPage County Health Department. Click here for a newspaper article; see a photo on my Photo Gallery page.
October 9, 2005 - I sent congratulatory notes to 24 Woodridge residents who finished the Chicago Marathon today.
October 6, 2005 - I attending and participated in the 2005 Annual Woodridge Town Meeting along with Village staff and over 175 residents. Click here for a newspaper article. Click here for a summary.
October 2, 2005 - I met with several residents regarding the Tameling / Rizzi waste dump in Bolingbrook. Click here for more information.
September 30, 2005 - I wrote a note to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley urging him to support a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance for Chicago.
September 29, 2005 - I attending the first public meeting of Smoke Free Naperville to lend my support to their cause.
September 27, 2005 - I attended an informal coffee-cake reception for Woodridge Police Officer Paul Kumiega who is retiring after 31 years of service.
September 26, 2005 - I attended a meeting held by Bolingbrook officials regarding the "solid waste transfer station" on the Tameling property at Woodward & Hillcrest.
UPDATE: Click here for more information.
September 17, 2005 - I sent my concerns about a proposed road that curves in front of a park in the Smoter development to the Village Administrator for review. Click here for the proposed curve and my concerns.
September 8, 2005 - I inquired if the Village of Woodridge would be assisting in finding housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina in any of the apartment complexes in town.
UPDATE: The Woodridge Community Pantry is assisting victims (see their Press Release) and the Village is standing by if requested to find housing.
September 7, 2005 - I attended a Bolingbrook Plan Commission meeting regarding the Tameling site at Woodward Ave. & Murphy Rd. (west end of Hillcrest - click here for a map). There is a concern that the site, whichi is already an eyesore and a nuisance to the neighborhood, is going to turn into a garbage separating transfer station.
UPDATE: Click here to follow this issue.
September 1, 2005 - I proposed that Woodridge go "smoke-free" at a Village Board workshop. Click here for more information.
August 23, 2005 - I wrote congratulatory notes to Woodridge resident Allie Woodberry and Bridget Johnson (Director of the Community Resource Center) on being selected to the Board of Directors for the United Way of DuPage.
August 22, 2005 - I sent a note to Rep. Karen Yarbrough thanking her for sponsoring HB672 which enables all municipalities in Illinois to regulate smoking. Click here for more details.
August 17, 2005 - I inquired why there are three freestanding signs for the strip mall at the southwest corner of Woodward & 75th, instead of being in one sign for the entire strip mall. I think the three signs look tacky.
UPDATE: There are technically three strip malls in that corner, so three signs are allowed.
August 12, 2005 - I inquired about three $487.50 invoices paid to our Village Attorneys for underage liquor violations by Sandpiper, Clark Oil, and BP Amoco.
UPDATE: The fees were incurred because the attorneys represent the Village at the hearing for the underage liquor violations. They are paid for by the violaters.
August 12, 2005 - My daughter and I played miniature golf at the Woodridge Employee Appreciation event at Lost Mountain.
August 10, 2005 - I asked about Woodridge ordinances regarding underage drinking and proposed that we toughen the penalties against parents who allow their underage children to drink at home, including increasing the penalty from $500 per event to $500 per minor. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: No changes at the present time.
August 5, 2005 - Click here for my Letter to the Editor of the Woodridge Reporter regarding the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act. (see My Campaign Promises page.)
August 2, 2005 - My family and I attended the National Night Out event at the Woodridge Community Resource Center (see my Photo Gallery page). Also see the June 17, 2005 entry below.
July 31, 2005 - I provided a quote to the Illinois Council Against Tobacco in support of HB672 which would enable all 1,300+ communities in Illinois to go smoke-free if they wished. Click here for my quote.
July 30, 2005 - I was a judge in the pie baking contest at the Woodridge Town Picnic sponsored by KeepGreenSpaceGreen.com. All 16 entries were delicious and the winners were: Pam Perry, Susan Pierce (2 ribbons), and Brenda Bromfield (grand prize).
July 29, 2005 - I inquired whether the cost for Chevrolet Tahoes (at $40,000 apiece) for police command personnel was worth the expense as opposed to the less-expensive Impala's..
UPDATE: Click here for an explanatory email from the Chief of Police.
July 22, 2005 - My family and I attended the Woodridge Jubilee - the kids enjoyed the carnival rides as they do every year.
July 19, 2005 - I filed an informal complaint with the ICC against ComEd for frequent power outages that occured in my neighborhood (and across Woodridge). Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: (1) call ComEd at 800-334-7661 to report each and every occurrence; (2) file a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission at 800-524-0795 or www.icc.illinois.gov (click here to see a copy of my complaint) and (3) file a claim with ComEd if you suffer any damage from the outages. Click here for a flyer to print out with all of the above information.
July 19, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Illinois State Rep. Eileen Lyons on her 10 years of service as a Representative. She announced she would not be running for re-election in 2006. Click here for a newspaper article.
July 15, 2005 - I inquired if the Village is seeking reimbursement for two incidents that caused $3,165.56 and $999.99 of damage to two police cars.
UPDATE: Both claims were submitted to our insurance carrier and will be subrogated against the offenders for recovery. One offender was charged with felony criminal damage to property.
July 13, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Downers Grove South Senior Anna J. Wielgosz for being a National Merit Scholarship winner.
July 12, 2005 - I inquired whether the new law that prohibits sex offenders from living in the same apartment complex affected any of the registered sex offenders in Woodridge. Click here for the law and a current list of offenders.
UPDATE: The Police Department is reviewing the new law with the Sheriff's office and the Illinois State Police.
July 9, 2005 - My daughter and I made a "tool caddy" at the Home Depot Days in the Woodridge store.
July 7, 2005 - I sent a note to Downers Grove Councilman Bill Waldack wishing him luck with his "Crop Walk" to help the Church World Services. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: Councilman Waldack replied with additional information about the walk.
July 6, 2005 - I inquired if the Police Department was planning to paint their red ATV the "black and white" color scheme like their squad cars.
UPDATE: No plans to do so - not cost effective.
July 4, 2005 - I volunteered at the Beer Tent at the annual Fourth of July Picnic sponsored by the Woodridge Special Events Committee.
July 2, 2005 - I sent a congratulatory note to Downers Grove North senior Megan Reicher for winning a gold key and two silver keys for her artwork out of 50,000 students Click here for a newspaper article. Click here for one of her winning drawings.
July 1, 2005 - I attended the promotion ceremony for new Sergeant Bill Hoogland and new Sergeant Ray Moeller (see my Photo Gallery page).
July 1, 2005 - I responded to a resident who inquired about (1) a drainage issue in their back yard, and (2) wheelchair access over the rolled crubs in front of their house (see RITS43).
July 1, 2005 - I purchased "Gorilla Days" commerative license plates from the Woodridge Police Department (see my Photo Gallery page).
June 20, 2005 - I attended a District 99 School Board meeting with hundred's of residents, many of whom spoke and asked questions about the District 99 property.
June 17, 2005 - I urged the Village Administrator to have Woodridge participate in National Night Out on August 2, 2005. Click here for more details.
UPDATE: Yes - the police department is coordinating a program this year. Click here for more details.
June 10, 2005 - I asked for futher explanation of the "traffic stop data" as compiled by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Click here for a newspaper article and chart.
UPDATE: The data will be evaluated and discussed at a later date.
June 9, 2005 - I sent a letter to unincorporated Downers Grove resident Bill Luban thanking him for his Letter to the Editor regarding drunk driving and asking for his advice on what Woodridge can do to curb drunk driving. Click here for an email from DuPage MADD.
UPDATE: I proposed that Woodridge enact tougher Drunk Driving prevention methods to see if we can increase arrests and curb drunk drivers.
June 9, 2005 - I sent a letter of congratulations to Woodridge resident Dan Tarka for his volunteer work with the DuPage County Forest Preserve. Click here for a newspaper article.
June 8, 2005 - We donated two cakes to the Woodridge "Cakes Against Cancer" fundraiser for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. My daughter and I later returned to Village Hall, Public Works Department, and the Police Department to buy some of the donated baked goods.
June 4, 2005 - I sent a letter of congratulations to Woodridge resident Don Ferrell for being named May Employee of the Month at LaGrange Memorial Hospital. Click here for a newspaper article.
June 3, 2005 - My wife and I attended a $100-a-plate fundraiser for Family Shelter Service at Drury Lane. Notable attendees included DuPage County Board Member Kyle Gilgis, DuPage State's Attorney Joe Birkett, former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, State Senator Peter Roskam. See the Photo Gallery page.
June 2, 2005 - I sent a letter of congratulations to Woodridge resident Pam Rinella for being named Individual Volunteer of the Year for her volunteer work with the Ray Graham Association. Click here for a newspaper article.
June 2, 2005 - I sent a letter of congratulations to Woodridge resident Jeanette Meeks for being honored for her volunteer work at Hinsdale Hospital. Click here for a newspaper article.
May 31, 2005 - I attended a Community Meeting regarding the District 99 land issue at Jefferson Junior High. Hundreds of Woodridge residents attended as well.
May 25, 2005 - I attended a Neighborhood Dialogue at Seven Bridges golf club.
May 24, 2005 - I responded to a request from a resident regarding a permit / inspection problem they were having on some construction work (see RITS42)
May 23, 2005 - I sent a note to Woodridge residence Sandra Knight letting her know that I intend to introduce an ordinance to make Woodridge smoke-free as soon as HB672 is signed into law. Click here for a newspaper article.
May 21, 2005 - My daughter and I attended an Open House at the Woodridge Police Department in recognition of National Police Week.
May 20, 2005 - My son, daughter and I attended a demonstration by the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department at the Community Resource Center (see My Photo Gallery page).
May 20, 2005 - My daughter and I attended a barbeque in recognition of Public Works Week.
May 5, 2005 - I took my son and daughter to the Woodridge Community Resource Center to help celebrate diversity on Cinco de Mayo.
May 2, 2005 - I wrote a personal note to Plan Commission Davin Meiners who summarily dismissed my concerns about the safety of a proposed street that curves sharply in front of a park with a comment "my kids grew up near a curve and they survived. I guess we took better care of our kids back then." Click here for a copy of my letter.
UPDATE: Click here for Davin's response and my subsequent response to him. Mayor Murphy backs Meiners and refuses to initiate any disciplanary action for Meiners' insubordination.
May 1, 2005 - I sent an email to the organizers of Naperville's Ribfest to express my disappointment in having Ted Nugent, an extreme pro-gun activist, perform at the family-oriented, "for the kids" Ribfest event. Click here for the email. ** CAUTION - the email contains quotes by Nugent which contain explicit language - over 21 years of age only.**
UPDATE: click here for a misleading article from the Illinois State Rifle Association that incorrectly states my campaign promises.
May 1, 2005 - I forwarded concerns about a dangerous entrance-exit at the new CVS store at Boughton & Woodward to the Village Administrator.
UPDATE: The entrance has been improved with signage and street markings.
April 28, 2005- I sent a copy of our Tree Preservation Ordinance to Wilmette President Nancy Canafax in response to outcry in Wilmette about a developer clearing 40 trees from a 17 acre site. Click here for a newspaper article.
April 27, 2005 - I asked the Woodridge Police Department for a comprehensive summary of the DUI arrests in Woodridge and asked for plans to increase enforcement.
UPDATE:
April 27, 2005 - I sent a congratulatory email to to Highland Park Mayor Michael Belsky on the passage of a comprehensive smoking ban in Highland Park. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: HB672 would give Woodridge the ability to regulate smoking.
April 22, 2005 - I attended a luncheon at Carraba's to honor the volunteers at the Woodridge Community Resource Center.
April 21, 2005 - I asked if Woodridge was going to pass along the $0.20 county water rate reduction. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: Woodridge is passing along $0.10 to residents; the remaining $0.10 will be used for water supply security updates and extending water mains to unincorporated areas. Any extra money will be deposited into the Water Fund to be used for water-related expenses.
April 21, 2005 - I objected to $10,857 of taxpayers dollars that were used for legal counsel in the Electoral Board hearing that, according to the local paper, was initiated by Alice Peterson at the request of Woodridge Mayor Murphy, to benefit the ballot position of Murphy's candidates. Click here for my objection.
UPDATE: None of my colleagues joined my objection and the invoice was approved 5-1. Click here for more information.
April 16, 2005 - A residents asked me about obtaining an asphalt contractor for their driveway (see RITS40)
April 14, 2005 - I asked if Woodridge had any posts on our bikepaths that caused a tragic injury in Palos Heights. Click here for a newspaper article.
April 5, 2005 - I attended the annual "State of the Village" address with over 150 members of the business community.
April 4, 2005 - I asked District 99 Superintendent Dave Eblen if District 99 had a "hotline" that students could call if they heard about violence planned against students or teachers (to prevent a shooting like Columbine or Red Lake Senior High School in MN).
UPDATE: Yes, there is a tip-line given to students.
April 2, 2005 - I asked for assurance that none of the problems with the Village of Bensenville and their retirement money could occur in Woodridge. Click here for an article.
UPDATE: The Police Pension Board is made up of pensioners, audited yearly by the state and an independent auditor and certified yearly to comply with the rules.
April 1, 2005 - In a campaign mailer from Joel Kagann (father of Trustee Candidate Joe Kagann) that endorsed the three incumbent candidates for Trustee, some confidential information was revealed. I asked the Village Administrator if the confidential information was made public and if not, what disciplinary action the Board should take.
UPDATE: I was told that the confidential information "expired" before the mailer was sent.
March 31, 2005 - A resident wrote a note to the Mayor and Board complaining about an adult oriented store coming to Woodridge (see RITS39).
UPDATE: no response. The specific name of any offender cannot be given by law, but the number of offenders is allowable.
March 25, 2005 - I inquired whether Seven Bridges would be installing a wi-fi network for wireless computer users. Click here for an article about Western Springs.
UPDATE: The Village forwarded the information to the developer.
March 24, 2005 - I attended (as a spectator only) the "Candidates Forum" at Village Hall.
March 22, 2005 - I inquired whether Woodridge would follow the lead of Downers Grove and investigate Comcast to see if cable subscribers are being overcharged.
UPDATE: Woodridge will monitor the issue for the time being.
March 18, 2005 - I went on my 4th ride-a-long with the Police Department.
March 18, 2005 - A resident mentioned that trash was accumulated along Janes Ave (see RITS38).
March 17, 2005 - I faxed a Letter to the Editor entitled "Local smokers, local control" to IL State Rep. Lyon, IL State Rep Meyers, and IL Senator Radogno.
March 11, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to the Downers Grove South High School speech team for winning their second consecutive IHSA State Championship in speech.
March 11, 2005 - I wrote a personal note to IL Rep. Lyons and IL Senator Radogno urging them to support HB2416 which would abolish local Electoral Boards, thereby avoiding conflict-of-interest issues like in Campaign '05.
March 6, 2005 - I sent a letter to IL Rep. Eileen Lyons and IL Senator Radogno asking for legislature to allow students to carry auto-injectable epinephrine (Epi-pens) in school. Click here for federal Public Law 108-377.
March 5, 2005 - I attended the retirement party for Woodridge Police Department Deputy Chief Carl Schnibben who is retiring after almost 31 years on the job.
March 5, 2005 - I attended a six-hour budget meeting with my colleagues on the Village Board and 25 staff from the Village. I inquired how Woodridge compared to other communities regarding full-time employees.
UPDATE: Woodridge has 4.43 full-time employees per 1,000 residents. Click here for the list of all DuPage Communities.
March 1, 2005 - I sent an article to IL Rep. Eileen Lyons and IL Senator Radogno stating that Rhode Island was the 7th state to ban smoking indoors and urging Illinois to be the 8th.
UPDATE: Rep. Lyons replied by saying she preferred to let the marketplace decide. I disagreed wth her because the marketplace doesn't always do what's right or safe.
February 26, 2005 - I sent a personal note to Rep. Judy Biggert to "congratulate" President Bush on passing another milestone in his Presidency - increasing the national debt by $2 trillion dollars ($2,000,000,000,000.00) since taking office. The national debt now stands at $7.7 trillion dollars.
UPDATE: It took President Bush 2 1/2 years to increase the debt by $1 trillion. It only took him 1 1/2 years to increase the debt by a second $1 trillion.
February 25, 2005 - I asked Rep. Jim Meyer (R-48th) if he voted FOR or AGAINST HB672 which would give local municipalities the ability to regulate smoking.
UPDATE: Rep. Meyer called and explained his "no" vote.
February 24, 2005 - I emailed Rep. Patti Bellock (R-47th) urging her to support several bills designed to help reduce death and injury from guns in Illinois and do more to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. (HB1098, HB1060, HB506, HB990, HB1349).
February 22, 2005 - I inquired if the Village was considering IP surveillance cameras for public safety, public works, etc.
UPDATE: There are no plans for cameras in the near future.
February 19, 2005 - I sent a note to IL Rep. Deborah Graham (D-78th) thanking her for sponsoring HB991 which would allow children to carry Epi-pens at camp.
February 18, 2005 - I sent a congratulatory note to Jay and Claudia Halfpenny on their wedding, which was at the Dupage County Courthouse, which is a popular and less expensive alternatve to traditional ceremonies. Click here for a newspaper article.
February 17, 2005 - I enjoyed the 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff, sampling nearly 20 different chilis from village employees. I chose entry #1, which took 2nd place.
February 13, 2005 - I inquired whether our Police Department used Taser Guns, which have been subject of scrutiny lately.
UPDATE: The Police Department has ordered 6 Taser Guns for "less than lethal" force.
February 13, 2005 - I wrote a personal note to IL Rep. Lyons and IL Sen. Radogno urging them to vote against HB222, SB43 and SB44. Click here for my letter and copies of the proposed laws.
UPDATE: Click here for my Letter to the Editor (not published).
February 10, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Woodridge Park District President Fred Hohnke on being awarded the 2005 IAPD Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award. Click here for a newspaper article.
February 6, 2005 - I responded to a resident who sent an email to villageboard@vil.woodridge.il.us regarding coyotes in the neighborhood. Click here for the response from the Village Administrator.
January 29, 2005 - I sent a congratulatory note to Woodridge resident Tim Rahn on his involvement with the Explorers program. Click here for a newspaper article.
January 29, 2005 - I inquired as to what the Police Department is doing regarding a sex offender who was listed as "non-compliant" on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry. Click here for more information on sex offenders in Woodridge.
UPDATE: A paperwork error caused the non-compliance. Once cleared up, the offender will be taken off the registry since he has completed the 10-year mandatory reporting period.
January 28, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Meadowview School Principal Sandra Duran and her students for "Banding Together" and raising money for the Tsunami victims. Click here for a newspaper article.
January 26, 2005 - I wrote a congratulatory note to Woodridge resident Jacob Acevedo for being selected for the People to People Student Ambassador Program where he will travel Europe for three weeks this summer. Click here for a newspaper article.
January 24, 2005 - I responded to a resident who emailed villageboard@vil.woodridge.il.us regarding a problem with cars cutting through the neighborhood to avoid a stoplight (AA12).
UPDATE: The Police Department has increased police presence in the area.
January 18, 2005 - I sent an email to Oak Park President Joanne Trapani congratulating her on considering a ban on smoking in Oak Park. Click here for a newspaper article.
UPDATE: Oak Park voted down the smoking ban on March 8, 2005.
January 12, 2005 - I attended a Neighborhood Dialogue at Edgewood School.
January 8, 2005 - I made a 2nd request to receive the names of residents who requested help on issues raised in the 2004 Community Needs Survey (I made this request back in September). I intend to contact random residents to ensure proper follow-up was performed.
UPDATE: The names will not be revealed to me so I cannot personally follow-up to see if problems raised were taken care of properly.
____________________________________________________________________
