From the campaign of Becky Rheintgen for Downers Grove City Council…
The campaign has provided opportunities to meet many new people and discuss the challenges we all face with a wide variety of residents. The election is only a couple weeks away and I want to take another opportunity to share with you the things that are important to me.
- A calming voice in times of differing opinions. A concern for all, seems to be the lack of cooperation and division of the current Village Council. My career experience provided me with the skillset that will help encourage collaboration amongst council members. Working with Parent Volunteer Organizations, Staff Committees, and Community Wide Organizations taught me to listen first and always to engage in respectful dialogue in an effort to reach consensus. It will be important to look for the logic while not being swayed by the loudest voice.
- Doing more with less and finding ways to live within our means. The economic challenges that have faced our village are far from over. The recently released 2010 Annual Report presents that the Village didn’t cover all of its costs in 2010. Even with all the cost reductions and elimination of special events, still, over $300,000 was used from reserves in order to operate. That’s the same as using your savings account for groceries – borrowing from our savings to pay for daily operations cannot be an option.
- Continued Infrastructure Improvement. Despite all our economic challenges, too many of our streets are in a condition that can only be described as embarrassing and when it rains, too many of our friends and neighbors still collectively hold their breath wondering if the flood waters are coming. With calm budgeting and planning we can restore the solid foundation that a long term future can be built upon.
I look forward to meeting many more of you along the campaign trail. If you’d like to learn more about my campaign, visit my website at DGPFFA) and the Downers Grove Community Advocates (DGCA).