DGCA Announces Endorsements for Village Council, District 99

The Downers Grove Community Advocates have announced their endorsements for the upcoming consolidated election.

Earning endorsements Saturday in the race for Downers Grove Village Council were incumbents Robert "Bob" Barnett and Marilyn J. Schnell and newcomer Greg Hosé.

READ: Get to Know the 2013 Downers Grove Village Council Candidates 

In the race for the Community High School District 99 School Board, the DGCA endorsed incumbents Teresa "Terry" Pavesich and Julia Kennedy Beckman and newcomers Henry P. Jakobsze and Rick Pavinato.

READ: Get to Know the 2013 District 99 School Board Candidates 

The endorsements were made following a public caucus Saturday morning at Downers Grove Fire Station No. 2. Candidates were invited to make brief presentations, then participate in a question-and-answer session. All candidates were asked the same questions in the same order, and were allotted the same time.

According to a statement from the DGCA, District 99 candidates Martin Gorski and Jakobsze were unable to attend the caucus, but submitted all requested information for endorsement consideration.

District 99 incumbent Deborah "Debbie" Boyle did not respond to the DGCA's invitation to appear before the caucus, nor did she provide any information on her positions, according to the release.

Village council candidates not receiving endorsements were David S. Olsen, Don Jankowski and Susan Walaszek.

Barnett and Beckman are both listed as "founding and past members" of the DGCA.

"The DGCA believes that our endorsed candidates best embody (our) purpose and will serve the Village with integrity, objectivity and careful consideration of all sides of all issues before reaching decisions which best meet the needs of the citizens of Downers Grove," the release said.

The DGCA has been endorsing local candidates since 2004. It is comprised of a "diverse and experienced group of residents who are committed to Downers Grove," according to DGCA representatives.

Members of the Advocates are a politically diverse group with many years of community service in government, the library, the schools and other civic groups. Their goal is "to promote the best attributes of the village and to explore and inform citizens about those issues facing the community that will have an impact for many years to come."

The consolidated election will be held April 9.

Related Stories:

• District 99 Board President Withdraws from Upcoming Election

• April 2013 Consolidated Election: Downers Grove Voter Guide

• Seven File for District 99 School Board; Four in District 58

• Ballot Order Set for Downers Grove Council Race; Barnett Gets Top Billing

• Downers Grove Commissioner William Waldack Will Not Seek Re-Election

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