Letter to the Editor: The Winnetka Caucus Council is a Partisan Group

The following Letter to the Editor was submitted by Sue Connaughton of Winnetka 

I have received numerous emails from the Winnetka Caucus Council regarding the upcoming election. Initial communications encouraged me to support the Caucus slate of candidates and to remember to vote on April 9th. On Monday April 1, I received an email from the Caucus Council with a very specific message to vote for Gene Greable. The communication went so far as to provide a link to Mr. Greableʼs campaign website and to suggest that I “...request a yard sign, attend a “meet and greet coffee” and volunteer as needed.” With this communication, the Caucus Council has crossed a line and is now actively campaigning for a specific candidate and acting as a political committee.

The Caucus was formed as a nonpartisan organization, however, the bylaws provide a yearly opportunity for it to form a “political party.” This could be done in order to raise funds and/or campaign for candidates. The 2013 Caucus Council chose not to form a political party, yet they have provided manpower and some funds to promote Mr. Greableʼs candidacy.

When making my donation to the Caucus Council, I did so with the belief the funds would be used to defray the costs of the annual survey, Town Meetings and Caucus communications. In fact, the Caucus website says that is how donations will be used. When I donated, I did not believe I was giving money to fund a political campaign.

Two years ago when Caucus slated Village Trustee candidate Linda Pedian was opposed by WHOA backed candidate Jeni Spinney, the Caucus did not openly support Ms. Pedian- no signs, no posters, no emails requesting residents to support her candidacy. Now, the Caucus has gone all out in support of Mr. Greable. If the Caucus wishes to engage in partisan campaigning then, they need to follow their own rules and register as a political committee.

Caucuses are an antiquated form of government and are vulnerable to manipulation. A truly democratic election is one that offers voters a choice of candidates. Fortunately, we do have a choice when we vote on April 9.