Typically my blog involves medical issues, insurance issues, social security and medicare. Back in March I was asked to say a few words about the importance of a "yes" vote for facilities and a "yes" vote for programs. Both votes failed by a handful of votes. I have since come to know that due to "ballot irregularity" in the March vote, some of the ballots didn't even have the referendum listed on them. As a property owner, here in Niles, with concerns going forward, I attended the October 17th Golf Middle School "Open House" to learn about the Referenda. I spent nearly 3 hours there. During that time, I could count the attendees on one hand. The organizers indicated it had been the same low turn out at the other two "open houses." (They have one more to go on the 29th at Hynes Elementary School from 5PM to 8:30PM) Just as our presidential election has folks strongly going one way and strongly going the other, this blog entry focuses on those "on the fence" who can and will make the difference. An inspirational, young 14 yr old Pakistani girl was recently shot in the head, defying the Taliban, and encouraging other children to attend school. It shouldn't have to come to that here. As a chess player for over 50 years, I will always consider two or three moves ahead. I spoke with the officials at the open house about what would happen if we continue to vote "no." (In other words, they can't force a "yes" vote). When it got bad enough, the government would ultimately step in with their own people, dictating curriculum, hours etc. Is that what we want? According to a recent Patch article, Morton Grove and Niles spend over $97,000 on Halloween costumes. That averages to well over $1,000 per family which dwarfs what the tax increase would call for. A "yes" vote would benefit village residents in countless ways, with lasting effects, for far less money than they now pay for costumes to trick or treat and party ONCE a year. Our kids dont have a fire suppression sprinkler system. What if there is a fire? Money? The Golf District 67 Superintendent is the third lowest paid in the entire county. Wake up. I'm not talking to those of you already voting "yes." I'm not talking to those of you who will continue to vote "no" until the govt steps in (I realize your elevator stops at "5"). I'm talking to those of you still "on the fence." Personally, I'd rather cut back on Halloween costumes than cut back on the education for our young people. Are our schools worth saving? We all have skin in the game, whether parents, grandparents or homeowners. There is no other "new world" to which we can sail. In an environment of name calling, finger pointing and denial, this is a terribly important vote, not to be skipped or taken lightly. Instead of you paying $200 just so YOUR child can play in a sport, why not have a tax so EVERYONE'S child can participate? Instead of half day kindergarten which messes up the child's day and the working parent's day, why not go back to full day kindergarten? **Please visit www.golf67.net for further breakdowns, descriptions and explanations of what's at stake. Remember T.E.A.M. (TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE). Am I angry? No. At 65 years of age I find anger to be a wasted emotion. Disappointed? Embarassed for the villages of MG & Niles? You betcha. You have another shot folks. Don't blow it this time.
Referenda Referenda Referenda....Back Again
An Important Vote Besides The One For President
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Pam DeFiglio (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Hi Comment Guy,
Thanks for asking! I was finding that we would get a lot of people guessing for…Read More some restaurants (usually when there was a payoff of free pizza), and not very many people entering for other restaurants. Do you think we should bring them back? I'm open to people's opinions. --Pam
Comment Guy June 13, 2013 at 11:35 pm
Hi Pam, Yes, I thought it would be great if we brought it back. For me personally, whenever I would…Read More seed the contest on my Twitter timeline, I would immediately go to the site. And if there is an offer of free food even better. It does not even necessarily be a restaurant as it can also be any other type of business, i.e., bakery, retail, gym, car services, etc.
Pam DeFiglio (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 03:31 pm
It starts Friday, June 7 at 4pm and continues through Sunday June 9. Free hot dogs, free breakfast…Read More Saturday, chances to win an iPad mini, lots of fun things for adults and kids. Plus, of course, the summer reading program.
Niles Public Library June 4, 2013 at 03:39 pm
Click here for day-to-day activities throughout the weekend:…Read More http://library.booksite.com/6392/nl/?list=CNL1&group=EB138 Hope to see you there!
My focus was on the "undecideds." Those are the responses that would be of interest to us all. For your information, $910,000 in "cuts" were implemented without a yes vote, after the last referendum. What difference does it make who asked me to comment on this important issue? I am my own man, sensed the urgency and did my own "investigation" attending an open house. Again, it is a waste of time to argue with no voters, just as it is to reaffirm yes voters. My words were targeting those "on the fence" to step back and look at the far bigger picture. Instead of mud slinging between yes and no voters which gets no one anywhere, the intent was to have fence sitters take a second look at what's at stake. If I accomplished that, that's all I could ask for.
You are the last person that should be explaining the definition of an average. Wacko
If we can't trust you to get that right, why should we consider any of your other assertions?
I am sure that the "pro-referendum" folks are full of good intentions, but remember what is paved with those.
I have been self employed ever since I was honorably discharged from the military, after serving 6 years...(3 active and 3 reserve). My clients have been "my boss." If I don't put them first, I'm out of work. We all make choices in life. Some good. Some bad. We enjoy the good, but we must also learn from the bad. Once again, I'm not into arguing with you or anyone. Go to the Open House. Educate yourself. THEN vote. The officials present at the Open House I attended felt it was apathy more than money that resulted in the no vote last time. (That, coupled with the fact that the referenda was not even on some ballots). After spending nearly 3 hours there, studying, listening, watching the messages and realizing only a handful of people showed up, during that entire time, I concur. Apathy indeed. Did you think that a deteriorating school system would increase property values? This is not for us Grandpa. We are to long in tooth. This is about our kids.
We disagree on the cause for the defeat of the referendum in the spring. I contend that folks are just sick and tired of government at all levels, but especially the school boards showing lack of fiscal responsibility. And sometimes, adults need to say no to childish profilgacy by elected bodies and demand accountability. As you are a voice, (some might say a shill), for the pro-referendum position, you have a right to your opinion. As a voice for those who believe that throwing money at a problem we have thrown money at unsuccessfully in the past, I have a right to mine, and I will continue to voice it.
Threats of strikes are not about children, they are about money. While we have great teachers they are recompensed well for what they do, (in many cases considerably more than the taxpayers who are paying their salaries). Back in the day, we had a fire suppression system when I was in school. It was called a fire hose and the backup to it was called the fire department. Perhaps if the school board would have set their priorities straght in the past we wouldn't be treated to the current "Henny-Penny the sky is falling" routine. If, indeed, a fire suppression system is the number one priority, it is up to the board to figure out what can be eliminated to make that happen. In my case, my tax bite is larger than my principle and interest payment on my house. I am in no position to absorb another increase by the schools or any other governmental entity. For those who believe their taxes are too low, I suggest that there is nothing preventing you from sending in an additional amount to the schools as a donation, (and God bless you if you are in the position to do so). Us old fogeys are basically taxed to death.