Letters to the Editor: Residents Voice Support for Mayoral Candidates

Rotering will do a better job with less

For the past several years I have found myself nodding my head in agreement as I've opened the e-newsletter's I receive from Councilwoman . She has educated me on the work of municipal government and engaged me in the issues facing our community. Her careful, thoughtful commentary and her leadership when it comes to making hard choices is evidenced each time I see how she votes.  She is connected to our community and she helps me to better connect to our community.

Nancy's willingness to question the status quo and her capabilities to lead will allow Highland Park to do a better job with less and without continuing to use our financial reserves to balance our budget.

This is an exciting time in Highland Park's political landscape and if you, like me, are looking for the best to be our Mayor, you'll vote for Nancy Rodkin Rotering on April 5th. 

Beth Olderman

City needs a responsive mayor

In mid-October of 2010, Marilyn Straus and I met with at her request to discuss handicapped accessibility problems that exist in Highland Park. I have Multiple Sclerosis and use a walker or wheelchair to aid my mobility and Marilyn Straus,who recently passed away,also used a walker or wheelchair. Nancy Williams was also present at this meeting. Nancy Rotering told us that she would propose to the City Council that a public/private commission be formed to determine what problems exist and what could be done to correct them. She told us that planning for modifications was needed because Highland Park's population was aging, and that physical limitations do occur as a result of the aging process.  She told us that she would  contact us again in November. Neither Marilyn nor I ever heard from her. I called her office twice and emailed her. I did not receive a response. 

At that meeting I also asked her to  look into having the curb cut fixed at the corner of Roger Williams and St. Johns.  I also wanted to know the process of having one of the spaces designated as a Handicapped space since the only ones existing in that area are at the train station and in the parking lot east of the railroad tracks.

She told me that would be done but neither modification has been made.

I think it is important for a public official to respond to the needs of  the citizens they represent. I don't understand why she solicited my input if she wasn't going to follow through.

I do not want a Mayor who says they will do something and then does not do it. I also do not want a Mayor  who does not have the courtesy to respond to telephone calls or emails.

Broucka Sarnoff

Rotering will strike balance between needs and wants

While there are areas of Highland Park that require substantial infrastructure upgrades, those needs don't stop Highland Park residents from desiring to keep the arts and social services that we have here in our community. We need to elect a mayor who is intelligent, fiscally responsible and capable of leading the City Council to strike a balance between the city’s needs and its wants. is that candidate.

Through her years of service to our community, Nancy has demonstrated her desire and ability to make our town a better place. Nancy has held a wide range of leadership positions in our community. Rotering has stood out as an active contributor and levelheaded leader wherever our community needed her most. From her current seat as Highland Park City Councilman to service to the Braeside PTO, Moraine Township Grant Advisory Committee, Ravinia Women’s Board, HP Environmental Commission, HP Plan Commission, HP Community Family Center and AYSO, (and the list goes on), Nancy’s talents shine through.

Her regular communications with citizens, which began long before she decided to run for Mayor, have engaged our community and encouraged us to openly and collaboratively explore solutions to the ever-growing list of challenges we face. When you vote for Highland Park's next Mayor, I hope you'll join me in voting for the candidate who best strikes the balance between what our local government needs to be providing and what we want for it to provide – Nancy Rodkin Rotering is that candidate.

Lisa Mann

Olian an analytical thinker

On April 5, Highland Park residents will have the opportunity to vote for a new mayor.  It is my pleasure to recommend a vote for .  She stands out for many reasons:

First, Terri has extensive local government experience—she has served on the City Council since 2006 and on the Board of Education of the North Shore School District for 6 years. In addition, she has been the Council liaison to at least ten city commissions and task forces.  She will be able to take a running start if elected mayor.

Secondly, Terri is an analytical thinker.   Her “white papers” attest to her thoughtfulness and her knowledge of Highland Park.  Whether the issue is consolidation with other units of government, master planning for youth and senior services, or economic development, Terri is able to articulate her position clearly and develop a strategy for action.

Third, Terri is a leader.  She knows how to bring people together, build consensus and to be a mentor.  After the election in April, three of the seven members of the Council will be new.  The first order of business for the new mayor will be to create a team that is able to work together.

Like other cities across the country, Highland Park is likely to receive less state and federal money than in the past. Moreover, the cost of government services will continue to rise. We need a mayor who understands the complexity of these issues and can find solutions for them. 

Please vote for Terri Olian.

Joyce O’Keefe

Rotering will challenge from the outside

We have heard from the candidates and are ready to vote. While both want Highland Park to thrive and remain a place we are proud to call home, there is a real difference between the candidates and it is not subtle. One is prepared to challenge from the outside and target issues that mean something to us. The other is prepared to keep the status quo- a position that is untenable. This is why I am voting for .

Nancy believes that Highland Park must balance its budget and not use reserves to hide deficits. It is a simple, honest and pure position- balance our budgets, as everyone in our nation, state and city are realizing must be done. Nancy’s opponent will not move to this position as it does not serve her politics. That doesn’t work anymore, especially not in the environment we live in. Choices are binary and either you agree to balance the budget or you don’t.

With Nancy, this isn’t about becoming Mayor; it’s about serving us- as our mayor. 

The bottom line is this- we need a change, we need to balance our budget and be more fiscally responsible. We need to strengthen our businesses and drive occupancy in what is starting to look like retail ghost town. We need less late nights and more productive days to fix our issues. We need leadership- We need Nancy Rodkin Rotering.

Mark Rose

Theater purchase fiscally responsible

One of the issues that the mayoral candidates disagree on is the purchase of the .  After researching this issue, I have come to agree with Terri Olian's view that the purchase was a fiscally responsible investment in the economic health of Highland Park. 

Theater audiences spend additional dollars at restaurants and stores when they go to the movies.  This is reflected in the Theater's 2010 economic performance figures, compiled by the City. There were 62,514 theater tickets sold at an average price of $5.66.  Using these figures and information provided in an Americans for the Arts' study, those ticket sales plus additional money spent by theater patrons had a positive economic impact on the City in 2010, totaling $1,220,898.  Those dollars significantly contributed to the economic vitality of our downtown, while providing sales tax revenue to the City.

Imagine what might have happened to the East Side of our Downtown, if we had lost this theater, particularly during these challenging economic times.  The Theater purchase was a win for Highland Park, and no city service or other capital project was sacrificed in order to acquire it.

One candidate, , understands this dynamic. She is a leader with vision, who takes the time to evaluate how we should spend our limited resources to maintain the quality of life that makes Highland Park a special place to live.

Please join me in voting for Terri Olian as the next mayor of Highland Park.

Barb Brown