Letter to the Editor: Folker for School Board

The Lake Forest Caucus has endorsed Jeff Folker for District 67 School Board and I couldn’t agree more with this decision.

I have known Jeff for a number of years as our children have shared many activities from sports to plays to dance and I have come to respect his frank, honest, common-sense approach to addressing issues and solving problems. So when, as Commissioner of the Lake Forest Baseball Association, I needed to find a new Treasurer, I immediately recruited Jeff.  I was not disappointed.

During his tenure on the Board, Jeff worked tirelessly to upgrade LFBA's accounting practices, overhaul its financial reporting processes, and create templates to insure compliance and improve communication. His Herculean efforts enabled LFBA to improve its cash management practices and balance sheet position.  Just as importantly, he brought an insight, influence, and dedication that was appreciated and respected by his peers on the Board. Simply put, he added tremendous value to LFBA and its families.

I know others think highly of Jeff, too. In 2010, he was elected President of the Cherokee School APT and I have heard from many APT members that Jeff brought the same passion, leadership and "get-things-done" attitude he had as LFBA Treasurer to this important role.  He wasn't afraid to roll up his sleeves, challenge the status quo, and drive continual improvement. The APT is much better off for it.

So please join me in voting to elect Jeff Folker to the District 67 School Board. He will fight for our best interest; make sure we’re getting value for our educational dollar; and provide clear, smart insight to the serious challenges facing our schools in today’s ever-changing and complex social and economic climate.

Bill Hanekamp

Lake Forest

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�*X*b*p*�*0R�*a href="http://deerfield.patch.com/articles/village-locks-in-electric-savings" _mce_href="http://deerfield.patch.com/articles/village-locks-in-electric-savings">who chose to obtain their electric power from MC Squared added benefits at a time when the company will be able to negotiate the best possible price for Lake Forest and the other communities for the next year starting June 1.

Earlier: Local Residents Saving on Electric Bills

The contract changes will provide the City with updated customer account information at least twice a year at the company’s cost, an internet based platform to ease the way for new customers, elimination of a $25 early termination fee and an increase in renewable energy credits.

Of the eight municipalities in the group—Deerfield, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Glencoe, Northbrook, Park Ridge and Skokie—only Lake Forest requires its residents to take the renewable energy option.

City Manager Bob Kiely said the additional cost for the average Lake Forest home was $25 per year. That additional cost will be reduced to $12.50 per year under the changes to the contract.

“There was discussion at the time and we thought it was a way to be good stewards of the environment,” Kiely said. “The City Council felt it was important for us to be a leader.

The average savings for Lake Forest residents was $47.50 less than the rate charged by Commonwealth Edison in the first month of the contract while Lake Bluff citizens saved $38.79 per month for the same period while not required to pay for renewable energy.

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