On May 24, the Forest Park Commission held a meeting at Gorton Community Center to relate the updates and interim report for Forest Park. Gail Hodges, highly respected former alderman, city volunteer and member of the Historic Committee of the Forest Park Board, gave the first report with a brief summary of her dissertation. This brilliant essay may well be utilized as a standard interpretation for historic parks throughout America. In 1896 direction was given for O.C. Simonds to plat the park. Mrs. Hodges stated that as the road was installed in the park in 1896; it was the recommendation … ]]> Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:59:25 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/5695980-474/letter-to-the-editor-ten-recommendations-for-forest-park-commission.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/5695980-474/letter-to-the-editor-ten-recommendations-for-forest-park-commission.html

What President Obama has called “college and career-ready standards” is actually a federally-mandated education curriculum know as Common Core, a set of requirements setting out what every child should learn in grades kindergarten through 12 in math, English and other subjects. Forty-six states, including Illinois, quickly signed on to Common Core in 2010, as introduced in 2009 by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, in what amounts to an experimental learning program that has never been tried or tested as to academic achievement results. States were lured to sign on to this initiative by the promise of federal subsidies from the … ]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 14:47:01 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19816717-474/letter-common-core-is-rotten.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19816717-474/letter-common-core-is-rotten.html

As the retiring Shields Township Assessor, I would like to offer an enthusiastic endorsement for Gale Strenger Wayne and the entire Unified Shields Party. This endorsement puts me in good company with many other Lake County leaders from both sides of the aisle who have chosen to support the Unified Team. I suspect, like myself, these men and women see the Unified Team as the best choice for the job and appreciate the fact-based and civil approach to the election that the Unified Shields Party has adopted. Would it be so for all those involved with the April 9th Elections. … ]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:24:00 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19341090-474/retiring-assessor-supports-unified-shields-party.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19341090-474/retiring-assessor-supports-unified-shields-party.html

It is with great enthusiasm and confidence that I endorse Steve Reimer for the Lake Forest High School District 115 Board of Education. As we have learned, service as a member of the Dist. 115 board requires the capabilities of uniquely talented individuals who are, at the same time, representatives of the community-at-large and custodians of its future through the education of our youth. Steve Reimer is such and individual – a tireless, responsible public servant whose commitment to community is unwavering, whose passion for service is evident and whose actions inspire and engender trust. I have had the pleasure … ]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:14:02 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340049-474/steve-reimer-for-the-lake-forest-high-school-district-115-board-of-education.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340049-474/steve-reimer-for-the-lake-forest-high-school-district-115-board-of-education.html

Dave Schreiber, District 115 Board of Education candidate, has my unequivocal support and endorsement in the upcoming election. I have known Dave since our middle school years, and like my wife and I, Dave and his wife, Jennifer, have made the choice to return to Lake Forest and raise their family. As a parent, Dave understands the need for our education system to continue to be at the highest standards. In addition, Dave is an individual who is willing to roll up his sleeves and take on those issues that are concerning for taxpayers and parents today. With his experience … ]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:02:00 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19339517-474/dave-schreiber-district-115-board-of-education-candidate-is-willing-to-roll-up-his-sleeves.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19339517-474/dave-schreiber-district-115-board-of-education-candidate-is-willing-to-roll-up-his-sleeves.html

I have known Gale Strenger Wayne and her family for many years. I know her to be of the absolute highest integrity, commitment and work ethic – characteristics to which all public leaders should aspire. I am appalled by her opponents’ negative, distorted disregard of her consistent voting record to reduce taxes. Her reputation of service and accomplishment is a profile unmatched by any of those who oppose her. Just look at the long bipartisan, distinguished list of endorsers. These are people we’ve entrusted with our votes and support in the past, and I urge voters to trust them now. … ]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:42:00 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19339722-474/gale-strenger-wayne-has-a-consistent-voting-record-to-reduce-taxes.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19339722-474/gale-strenger-wayne-has-a-consistent-voting-record-to-reduce-taxes.html

We join the Lake Forest Caucus in endorsing Beth Clemmensen for the District 67 Board of Education. We have volunteered, served and worshiped alongside Beth and her husband Chris for 13 years. We believe Beth is a high-impact candidate and will make a strong addition to the board. As a candidate, Beth states that her passion is to ensure a fiscally-responsible, excellent public school system by working collectively with all key stakeholders. With two children attending District 67 schools, Beth has a vested interest in the district and will work diligently and openly with her colleagues to achieve these goals. … ]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:58:00 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340608-474/support-beth-clemmensen-for-the-district-67-board-of-education.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340608-474/support-beth-clemmensen-for-the-district-67-board-of-education.html

I’m writing to express support for my friend, Ted Moorman. Ted is a candidate for the Lake Forest High School Board of Education, Dist. 115. In particular, Ted is running as an independent candidate. Ted is a native Lake Forester who knows the high school well. He and his wife both attended LFHS, he’s had one child graduate and another about to start at LFHS. He and his wife Susan are long-time supporters for our schools. Ted has a wide variety of experiences. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserves until six years ago, when he … ]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:32:00 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340823-474/vote-ted-moorman-for-lfhs-board-of-education.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340823-474/vote-ted-moorman-for-lfhs-board-of-education.html

As a former Shields Township Supervisor, I have a unique vantage point from which to observe the township race. I know what the job demands and I’m proud of the job Gale Strenger Wayne has done. With compassion she meets with our neighbors in need; with determination she sought ways to reduce the tax burden while meeting historic demand for services. Unlike her opponent, whose goal is to bring tourism to the township, Gale has proven herself to be able to tailor the needs of this diverse township (North Chicago, Lake Bluff & Lake Forest) while protecting the taxpayer. She’s … ]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:00:20 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340852-474/former-township-supervisor-supports-unified-shields-party.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19340852-474/former-township-supervisor-supports-unified-shields-party.html

It is with great honor and confidence that I can endorse Ted Moorman for the Lake Forest High School Board of Education. Your community would be fortunate to have such an outstanding individual overseeing your school. As a past Commander of a US Air Force Reserve Operations Group, I had many opportunities to observe Lt. Col. Ted Moorman in the midst of combat operations where qualities of leadership, character and personal strength were crucial. One of my top flying squadron commanders, Lt. Col. Moorman always acted with integrity and selflessness, exhibiting exceptional leadership skills. Responsible for 180+ airmen in the … ]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:57:13 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19014799-474/letter-moorman-has-integrity-to-lead.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19014799-474/letter-moorman-has-integrity-to-lead.html

I have known Robert J. Lemke since he moved to Lake Forest in 2002, and it is my great pleasure to recommend Rob for the District 67 School Board. If elected, Rob brings a wealth of experience to be an excellent board member. The Lake Forest Caucus agrees and has endorsed Rob’s candidacy. Rob and I have worked together since 2002 due to our roles at Lake Forest College. Rob chairs the Department of Economics and Business, and I have served on the Board of Trustees since 1997 and serve as Vice Chairman of the Board. Rob has served in … ]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:57:13 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18944882-474/letter-lemkes-experience-abounds-for-dist-67.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18944882-474/letter-lemkes-experience-abounds-for-dist-67.html

Mike Borkowski is endorsed by the Lake Forest Caucus in the upcoming District 67 Board of Education election. As a resident of Lake Forest for nearly 22 years and with a son enrolled in the district, I believe Mike will make an outstanding member of the board and the caucus made the right choice. Over the past two years, I worked closely with Mike as he served as both a Den Leader and Assistant Cub Master to Cub Scout Pack 48. Mike recently took over as Cub Master, when I retired from the role. I regularly saw Mike’s leadership skills … ]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:10:01 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19015655-474/letter-borkowski-will-be-a-dist-67-team-player.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19015655-474/letter-borkowski-will-be-a-dist-67-team-player.html

As the only regular attendee at the monthly Shields Township Board meetings for the past 17 years, I read with interest the recent comments of the Shields Township supervisor candidates in the Lake Forester. For the last four years, I have listened to Supervisor Strenger Wayne argue that the township should continue to use tax dollars for grants to private charities after 70 percent of township voters had voted in the 2008 advisory referendum to end that practice. I have also seen her oppose the 55 percent reduction in compensation for elected officials and seek to call an “emergency” meeting … ]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:57:13 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18632959-474/letter-shields-twp-reform-team-deserves-credit.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18632959-474/letter-shields-twp-reform-team-deserves-credit.html

John Powers is a person of deep and abiding honesty, courage and conviction all rooted in a confident spirituality. He is a friend who would not only give you the shirt off his back but also have it tailored before handing it over. Neither betrayal nor duplicity has ever found a home in his heart. John and I have been friends for over 20 years. I feel as comfortable as anyone who knows him talking about his qualifications to participate in the future discourse over Lake Forest School District 115. The most important thing to know about John is that … ]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:57:13 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18802807-474/letter-powers-is-honest-dist-115-candidate.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18802807-474/letter-powers-is-honest-dist-115-candidate.html

Teachers often voice fear over the possibility that pensions earned through a lifetime of teaching could be reduced. Granted, teachers don’t qualify for Social Security upon retirement. But even so, the generosity of their teacher pensions, with yearly automatic three percent cost of living raises, seems noteworthy when compared to what Social Security recipients collect after a lifetime of work in the private sector, where Social Security cost of living increases are decided yearly. In 2012 there were 33 retired teachers in Districts 115 and 67 combined received pensions of $100,000 plus; 28 received between $90,000 to $100,000; 26 collected … ]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:57:13 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19014938-474/letter-hold-the-line-on-teacher-salaries.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/19014938-474/letter-hold-the-line-on-teacher-salaries.html

I enthusiastically endorse Jeff Folker for District 67 School Board. I had the pleasure of working with Jeff during his tenure as Cherokee APT President and I saw firsthand his professionalism, leadership skill and unending commitment to make our schools the best they can be. Jeff is a trailblazer. He was the first male to be selected as a District 67 APT President. He successfully incorporated his passion for Cherokee with his business expertise and organizational skills to run an efficient and productive APT. Jeff is a collaborator. He regularly communicated and met with APT members, school staff and other … ]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:09:56 -0500 http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18962092-474/letter-folker-first-choice-for-dist-67.html http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/18962092-474/letter-folker-first-choice-for-dist-67.html