Letters to the Editor: Residents Voice Support for Candidates

'A leader on public policy issues'

We're about to elect of the and a new Mayor. We need to support candidates who have the experience to lead our community forward. I know that is that kind of leader. For more than 15 years, Paul has been a leader on public policy issues working with our legislators to improve college affordability in our state. He has a masters degree in public service management, and most importantly he is listening to us and will represent us well on the council. Paul Frank is the kind of leader we need. Please vote for Paul Frank for City Council this Spring. 

Andrew Boron

A Speedy Recovery from Blizzard 2011

Thank you so much to our Highland Park City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Director of Public Works, Public Works staff members, Police and Fire Departments and Highland Park City staff who helped our City ride out and recover from the Blizzard of 2011.   The speed with which our streets, sidewalks and bridges were cleared was absolutely remarkable.  We received excellent information to prepare us for the storm and were kept up-to-date with regular reports as to the City’s condition and work plans. 

Thank you also to the countless residents who volunteered within their neighborhoods, keeping each other safe and helping with the dig out.  We truly came together as the wonderful community that we are!

Nancy Rotering

'Leadership with elegance and grace'

I support for Mayor of Highland Park.  Terri has demonstrated leadership with elegance and grace in her six years on City Council. Always opening her door and listening to people and treating them with dignity and respect. 

She has initiated programs such as Late Night Highland Park. She is a founding member of the Downtown Business Alliance and her experience on the School Board of District 112 speaks for itself!

I have lived in Highland Park for almost 50 years and have seen this town grow into a town that remembers and gives back to all of its members because of people like Terri!

Please, join me in voting for Terri Olian for Mayor of Highland Park on April 5!

Marie Conenna

Rotering 'helps us find our voice'

Councilman has advocated for traffic and pedestrian safety in our city for decades.

When her neighborhood needed a stop sign to protect children walking to school, Councilman Rotering organized her neighbors and advocated for their well-being. When a bridge on Sheridan Road was not being shoveled and kids had to walk in the street to get to school, Councilman Rotering made sure the bridge was cleared.  When a traffic island forced disabled seniors to travel in Sheridan Road in order to cross the street, Councilman Rotering worked with the City, the State and Ravinia Festival to have the island adjusted to permit safe street crossing. When the City considered its recent Snow and Ice Plan, again Councilman Rotering ensured that the St. Johns bridge would be cleared to permit safe transit of school children to school. And the list goes on.

Councilman Rotering represents us but also helps us find our voice. A perfect example was her urging the City Council to hold Neighborhood Meetings. These meetings allowed me and others to share our concerns for pedestrian safety. Councilman Rotering heard our concerns and took constructive, impactful action.   

I know that as our Mayor Councilman Rotering will continue to work to make it safer for us to walk down neighborhood streets, but it is the thoughtful process of how she will accomplish this that makes me want to vote for her for Mayor of Highland Park on April 5. Join me. 

Marliss Levin

City needs 'continuity in government'

To some, the two mayoral candidates appear similar. There are important differences, however, which even a cursory examination of their campaign material reveals. 

Nancy’s materials consist of bullet points that are elusive and without substance and well thought out positions. Being informed is not a matter of being well educated, which both candidates are; it’s about active participation and experience. 

Nancy talks about budget tightening and fiscal cuts, but her talk is only sound bites; she does not provide specific suggestions. 

Terri’s materials articulate well thought out positions and she has far greater community experience. She has a platform that discusses issues and action suggestions. She has demonstrated for more than two decades her ability to effect change under adverse circumstances. Given the current state of the economy, this is an essential quality.

We are in the midst of a major change in who represents the citizens of Highland Park, as three new city council members will join the Mayor (four, if Nancy is elected). 

While change can be very positive it also has the potential for significant drawbacks. There must be continuity in government, not a sea change. We need a mayor with civic experience, firm beliefs and substantive positions. 

The incoming administration must also be able to work with City Staff charged with running daily operations and planning for economic growth and the attendant community development. Having served on the Business and Economic Development Commission a few years ago, I appreciate balanced budgets and fiscal soundness.

When I drill down to what is important and which candidate possesses the skills and leadership now required, Terri Olian is by far the preferred choice. 

Joel Jastromb

Rotering 'has my vote'

Why am I supporting for Mayor?  

I support Nancy for Mayor for three key reasons: 1) Her ability to understand the needs of Highland Park’s many neighborhoods; 2) Her independence; and 3) Her background that includes the right mix of public and private experience.

I first met Nancy when she was a Commissioner on the Planning Commission. Many North Moraine residents were concerned about a key neighborhood issue facing Highland Park’s Planning Commission. From the start Nancy listened well, asked insightful questions, visited the area for a first hand review and followed up with residents.  When Nancy became a Highland Park Councilperson, she continued to show this ability to listen and reach out. In this case, she was instrumental in leading the Council to establish neighborhood meetings to update a decade old Master Planning process and reconnect the City Council with the many individual areas in Highland Park.

What Highland Park needs now is a skilled, independent Mayor who knows how to listen to Highland Park’s many constituencies.  Her outstanding experience combines relevant public service and meaningful private sector work.

Nancy Rodkin Rotering has my vote.

Nelson Armour