Nov
30
Speak now or…
Via Twitter, the mayor is encouraging Downers Grove residents with an interest in Heritage Fest to attend tomorrow’s Community Events Commission meeting at 4 p.m. in Village Hall.
Notice the opportunity for public comment — five minutes maximum — is at the top of the agenda. A brain-storming session is also scheduled.
At its Nov. 23 meeting, the village council decided to suspend Heritage Fest in 2010 over the objections of Commissioner Geoff Neustadt, the council liaison to the CEC.
The only hope for reprieve may be if citizens agree to take it on. There have been many suggestions made on this blog in recent weeks. Maybe some of you will make time to attend this important meeting.
Some of the Mayor’s followers on Twitter do not use they’re real names, while some have chosen anonymous symbols to represent themselves. Interesting.
Its a shame this event will be taking place in the middle of the work day. I’m hopeful it won’t dissolve into a partisan shout , bitch and blame session. There seems to be enough passion in town for some form of ‘summer celebration’, be it Heritage or not. Stay tuned for some worthwhile suggestions, and hopefully a few crazy ones…
I think that granted there’s still a deficit, I would call the budget mostly solidified for next year. I don’t think everyone is “happy” with it, but it is a solution.
On the other hand, I think a considerable amount of time, whether inside or outside of council meetings, should be spent on forming a defensive position going forward. Sandack said it perfectly that the town has relied too long on sales tax revenue.
I am sure that those opposing the cancelation of HF will be there and opinions voiced, as they should be. I just hope it doesn’t further derail any potential solution to the budget deficit.
I would word it as supporters of continuing Heritage Fest of which I am one. There are those who oppose allowing it to go on in 2010, regardless of the hard work already put in by the Community Events Commission, the Community Events Department, and Commissioner Neustadt.
Like many, I look forward to the opportunity to refocus HF as a smaller cost-neutral event. There have been excellent suggestions on every front, from making the benefit concert for Heritage Fest itself, downsizing to a community-centric core, to rationalizing the cost and sponsorship of the beer tent, to staffing the event with community volunteers similar to the annual recycling event, another cost-neutral event that benefits the community.
Mark-
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend this afternoon. My obligations here at the loading dock extend into the evening.
However, I can offer my graphic art services to the village (or whomever picks up the baton of the fest) for any banners, literature, logo design or collateral material that is associated with the new and improved fest. Perhaps even photography.
Production and material costs would be assumed by the village (or whomever). I would only ask for a reasonably sincere thank you, and perhaps a few Pints at Ballydoyle or a bottle of Sea Smoke Pinot from the Cellar Door.
Good luck.
Cannot attend the meeting but if you high rollers hold this great family community event; I promise to drive my family all the way from Rock Falls and purchase a root beer or ice cream cone per family member whichever is cheaper. Unless of course I win the lottery, which is impossible since I don’t play because Mr. Ritter taught us at North that playing the lottery is a tax on stupid people who don’t comprehend statistics.
I can totally see Bruce saying that Earl! Best thing you have ever posted! LOL
Meat, hang onto that thought. Your loading dock talents may find a need.