ENDORSEMENTS: BURGESS, TATES and JONES FOR TRUSTEE

ENDORSEMENT- Time for the TRUTH for a CHANGE!
By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGER NEWS
With the early voting underway Sauk Village residents are urged to RUN... do not walk to the polls! You can get a head start to vote by going to the Lynwood Senior-Youth Center at 21490 Lincoln Highway, Lynwood, IL 9am - 5pm, Monday thru Saturday from now until April 4th!  If you are not registered to vote, you will need 2 forms of identification; one with your current address on it and you will be able to register AND VOTE the same day!  You will not be able to register and vote on April 7th; you must do so before hand!

Sauk Village has come a long way in just 4 years.  It evolved from a promise of "United We Stand, Together We Can" to a deplorable reality of divide and conquer!  Divide and conquer are the tactics the present Mayor and his Bobble heads are employing under a guise of "forward motions" in reality it is backward politics!

Mayor David Hanks administration has become identical to the political power mongering of former Mayor Lewis Towers' each and every day gets worse.  With a full majority of the Village Board voting for any nonsensical proposal put out by Hanks, they have back room discussions without an open, honest and transparent process, leaving Trustee Burgess and residents in the dark.  Sauk Village, it's time to send Hanks a clear message that the Village is tired of the same old politics as usual.  It's time for a New Direction and it's time for the TRUTH FOR A CHANGE!  It's time to stop lying to the residents and taxpayers, it's time to STOP the Politics with the lives of the employees of the Village and the taxpayers as well!

The way in which Police Chief Tim Holevis was forced out after 30 year on the Sauk Village Police Department, is but  an example of what is to come from the Hanks Administration and his bobbleheads.

DERRICK BURGESS, CECIAL TATES and KELVIN JONES!  These three men are TRUE Independent candidates and will investigate and research each proposal before voting.  They will fairly represent all of the residents of Sauk Village.  They are the ONLY HOPE for a new beginning for Sauk Village.  They will ensure a more balanced Village Board of Trustees to keep checks and balances on the administration of David Hanks!

Village Government needs an open, honest and transparent process for which the current Village Board lacks greatly!  There is virtually no discussion nor debate about issues unless one Trustee raises his voice!  Trustee Derrick N. Burgess!  Sauk Village residents and taxpayers deserve Trustees that care about their concerns.

DERRICK N. BURGESS, TRUSTEE

BURGESS currently serves on the Village Board of Trustees and has been the only Trustee who has brought dialogue and holds the administration accountable.  Burgess has always been a no nonsense Trustee who is willing to listen to the opinions and concerns of others.  Burgess, for the first time since taking office voted NO on the most recent budget which he called "not balanced and not realistic".  5 short months later, many of his colleagues agreed with him and his assessment of the budget that they voted yes to.  Burgess has always advocated for the residents of Sauk Village. He has participated in many events throughout the years and has been a resident for 33 years!  Burgess has earned your trust and deserves to be re-elected.

Lt-Col (Ret) CECIAL TATES

TATES  stepped up to serve our nation.  He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the United States Army; serving in Vietnam and in Iraq and is a decorated Patriot!  Tates volunteered in 1980 to serve on the very first Parks and Recreation Board and helped create many time honored traditions and programs.  TATES, along with Nancy McConathy, Don Pearson and Richard Derosier created many programs for the kids of Sauk Village.  TATES was recognized for his community service and was appointed to fill a vacancy following the resignation of Larry Schimmel as a School Board member.  He was then re-elected to the Board and would step up as President when he was called. TATES has proven he can make tough decisions!  TATES has earned your trust and deserves your vote! 

KELVIN JONES

JONES is a young man, married with a family.  He is a homeowner and property taxpayer who still balances his check book the old fashion way; using a check book ledger and not an iPhone!  JONES is known to be frugal with his finances and is fiscally responsible.  He will be just as frugal and financially responsible with the taxpayers money too!  JONES is a breath of fresh air with new ideas, which are badly needed for Sauk a Village.  JONES deserves a vote and will work hard to earn your trust!    

Sauk Village, must invest in your community's future.  What better way to secure a return on that investment by voting for Burgess, Tates and Jones for Village Trustees.  A vote for any of their opponents is a step in the wrong direction and just a vote for more bobble heads!

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES - Meet Sandra Isom

(This is the 7th, and final, in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Ms Isom submitted her profile late through School Board Member Deloris Green.  While we did give each of the candidates a deadline, I felt that each should have an opportunity to be seen and weighted by the Voters of Sauk Village.  Out of courtesy I will repost Latonya West's profile Sunday as she submitted her biographical information after we ran her original post on Sunday.)

SANDRA ISOM 
Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
This is Sandra's first electoral run, she has never held public office.  Isom, Bazile and Campbell-Pruitt successfully fought off a voter's challenge to their petitions early on during the campaign.  A Cook County Electoral Board ruled that they will be on the ballot.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate no EDITS were made to their content.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own)

My name is Sandra Isom I have been a concerned resident of Sauk Village since the year of 2000.  My heart beats for the welfare of our children and community. I am a proud mother of six outstanding children.  They are graduates of Rickover and Bloom Trail High.  I am very well familiarized with the everyday plights and concerns of the children and parents. As far as policies, rules, regulations are concerned. I have ten years of experience in the area of underwriting.  I believe that makes me a prime candidate for the district 168. My vision is to implement policies and regulations to better equip and assist the school system. I am a former First lady of Full Gospel Holy Temple church in Chicago.  Was the overseer of the outreach ministry, assisting the downtrodden and broken people in the community. Currently I am an active member and Sunday school teacher at Holy Praise Tabernacle Church. Under the honorary leadership of Pastor John G. Pitts., and Beverly Pitts.

My goals are:

·         To ensure that others have a voice in making educational and administrative decisions.

·         To be a conduit for the concerns and interests of the teachers and parents.

·         To create stronger ties between the School Board and community.
·         Personal interests in improving the quality of our school system.

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES - Meet Tammy N. Jones

(This is the 4th in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Some did, some did not.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.)

TAMMY N. JONES
Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
Tammy N. Jones has been an active member of the community previously having been elected to School District 168 School Board in 2011 where she serves as Board Vice President since 2013. 

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own):

Tammy N Jones is a proud alumnus of Thornton Township and obtained her Associate’s degree from Lincoln Junior College in Normal, Illinois. Tammy has worked for several companies including TRC Secretarial Services, Hysan, and Arthur Andersen.

In 1997 Tammy married Derrick Jones and their family relocated to Sauk Village in 2002. This move was Tammy’s most rewarding career change; she became a House Wife and stay at home mom, allowing her to be active in the community while participating in her children's educational and social development. Her daughter Darian is a home grown product of CCSD 168 and is currently excelling at Bloom Trail. Tammy’s son Tyler is a sixth grader at Rickover Junior High. Since moving to Sauk Village Tammy has dedicated eight years to the Trails End Girl Scout Association as a troop leader and a Service Unit Manager; three years to Boy Scout Pack 152; three years to the Sauk Village Sports Association, and several years of selfless volunteer work at CEDA Head Start.  All in addition to her continuous dedication to CCSD 168.

Tammy has been a Board Member in CCSD 168 for four years. Her current duties include holding the position of Vice President, S.P.E.E.D representative and Chairperson of the Policy Committee to name a few. Over the past four years Tammy has worked with three different Superintendents and several different board members however, her focus has remained the same; what is the best for the District; its students, employees, and you, the tax payers.

Since Tammy was elected in 2011, all students receive free lunch and are now eating in the cafeteria instead of the classroom ensuring a cleaner and safer learning atmosphere. Additionally, the uniform has been relaxed, allowing the focus to remain on education and not on what the children are wearing. Safer drinking water for all students and staff has been instituted. Several computer carts have been added to all schools to ensure students are being exposed to the technological world that we have evolved into. The substructure has been updated to ensure that they are ready for the new assessment tests that are aligned with Common Core Curriculum.  The Policy manual and student handbook are now aligned.

The Board has received its first ever good Governance award. Tammy’s hope is that with your support she will be reelected to continue the necessary work of Governing through policy to develop a financially stable District that nurtures students into social, emotional and academically well rounded citizens.

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES- Meet Sharon Archie-Davenport

(This is the third in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Some did, some did not.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.)

SHARON ARCHIE-DAVENPORT

Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
Sharon Archie-Davenport has been an active member of the community previously having been elected to School District 168 School Board in 2011 where she served as Board Secretary and following the 2013 election and reorganization of the Board, Archie-Davenport was elected President.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own):

Sharon Archie-Davenport was named President of the Community Consolidated School District 168 in May 2013.  Previously, Mrs. Davenport served as District 168 School Board Secretary from 2011-2013.

She is an Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Master Board Member. She has received several awards and certificates of appreciation, member on the 2014 Illinois Joint Annual Conference Proposal Review Committee, and serves on the IASB Governing and Executive Board as Director At Large for the South Cook County Region and she is a former member of School District 168 Parent Advisory Committee. School District 168 received its first ever State of Illinois Good Governance Recognition Award during her tenure as President.

Sharon also serves on several civic and charitable committees including: SV Trustee Derrick Burgess Intergovernmental Committee and Trustee Lynda Washington Citizens for Informative Dialogue. She is a former Chair of CEDA Head-Start Parent Committee at the Yates location.

Sharon has led major efforts resulting in increased student achievement and significant improvements in teaching, learning, staff professional development, and school status. Her central work focused on equity and rigor by establishing Data Coordinators to help assess students and curriculum delivery, increase students test scores by implementing Stride Academy, a reformed school dress code to place more emphasis on education and connecting with local, state, and federal officials to bring additional computers and laptops into the school district.

She has worked to upgrade the sound system to increase participation in performing arts, supported growth of school choirs, safe access to amenities and standard procedures for special need students, new uniforms for sports teams, replaced single district nurse with a nurse at each school, and installing the Raptor security system helping to provide every student, staff, and stakeholder safety when attending school or activities.

Sharon was instrumental in the transition to newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Donna S. Leak with former Superintendent Al Travaglini; as they, administration, and staff shared their experiences on sensitive topics relevant to the school and community, while keeping in mind their representation of Every Child, Every Day.

Sharon is looking forward to being re-elected to continue working with the Board, Superintendent, Local and State Officials to move the District forward in a well-rounded academic, social, and healthy future.  She supports education being driven using technology and state common core standards, enhancing performing arts and sports divisions, work hard to ensure students are getting a foundational educational experience that will increase test scores, healthy but edible food choices, the health safety of our buildings and providing the necessary tools needed by students and staff to promote all around success for all, while remaining financially sound. 

Sharon has been actively involved in the community since her family's arrival more than ten years ago. Sharon, a licensed minister and caterer regularly connecting with various community, state organizations and leaders to support growth and expansion for District 168 and Sauk Village. Sharon and Law Davenport have three children, one at each school Lawton, Laela, and Logan.

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES Meet Marva Campbell-Pruitt

(This is the second in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Some did, some did not.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.)

MARVA CAMPBELL-PRUITT
Candidate for:  2 Year Board Member

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Marva Campbell-Pruitt has been an active member of the community previously serving as chairman of the Sauk Village Human Relations Commission, Chairman of the Sauk Village Beautification Committee and Chairman of the Lincoln Highway Mural Project and other local projects.  Campbell-Pruitt ran in 2013 for Village Clerk.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own):

 

Leadership, Not Politics!  I am honored to be a candidate to fill a two-year vacancy on the School Board for District 168, the elementary school district in Sauk Village, the Village in which I reside.  I have been approached to fill two vacancies in 2014.  The first was to have been an appointed position, and now this one, to actually run as a candidate to fill a two-year vacancy resulting from the untimely resignation of previous Board Member.

Most who know me, can attest that NO is not in my vocabulary when called upon to assist in any avenue where there is a need.  Fortunately, in this sphere, I have been called upon to utilize my expansive knowledge as a former educator; principal; Illinois State Board of Education approved facility/school superintendent and former Board Member for the Illinois Department of Corrections School Board.  By “Caring for the Community,” I am answering the call!

Marva Campbell-Pruitt has demonstrated leadership within the Village, as residents joined in creating a successful Community Garden program, and conducted weekly gardening sessions with a youth summer program.  She volunteered with Parks and Recreation activities where she dedicated herself to insuring that the 2013 Summer Work Program was a roaring success as she led a team of youth in cleanup activities throughout the Village.  She served on the Fire Departments Pancake Breakfast committee and cooked up delectable eggs, hosted the Village’s first and subsequent Movies in the Park activities.  Marva served as chairperson of the Illinois Lincoln Highway Mural Project that brought an historical landmark mural to the Village that was later used for the 2012-2013 vehicle stickers ( the mural is located on the side of Fairway Foods on Sauk Trail at Torrence.  Along with the Beautification Committee, under her leadership, the committee brought back the Hootsie Awards, hosted Annual Clean Green and Preen Weeks, and instituted Community Yard Sales.  The Human Relations Commission, under the leadership of one of the Commissioners, started a Youth Leadership Program for students, in partnership with the staff of Rickover Elementary School. 

Most recently, Marva serves on the School District’s Education Advisory Council and the Intergovernmental Committee.  She led her Sorority in its second year celebration of an International World Water Day at Our Daily Bread Food Pantry as we distributed 90 cases of water and information on water and energy conservation.  Her church, Grace United Church of Christ, orchestrated the original, “Sharing the Warmth” program whereby we adopted a classroom in each of the three schools in CCSD 168 to donate brand new coats.  One school asked that we provide uniforms as well.  We met that need.  Marva Campbell-Pruitt’s public service history is rich with professionalism, acts of volunteerism and proven community service.

With heartfelt dedication, Marva promises to utilize her educational expertise, previous experience as a school board member and involvement on the Illinois State Advisory Council to:

• Set the vision and goals of the school district;
• Adopt policies that provide the school district direction to establish priorities and meet its goals;
• Assure fiscal integrity;
• Encourage and increase the number of educational personnel who seek national teaching certification;
• Improve student achievement;
• Develop a definitive policy on anti-bullying by developing focused programs on character education;
• Collaborate with committees within the Sauk Village Board to increase student involvement in community events;
• Encourage student participation in varying educational and developmental programs (i.e. Junior Achievement, 4-H Clubs, ACTSO, Special Olympics, etc.); and
• Create pathways to increase the number of students with special needs who are currently placed out of district so that they will be served and taught in their home schools.

I truly believe that residents’ vote for me to the two-year seat will produce great dividends for the school district and set it upon a path of greater progress as I humbly believe that Our Children, Taxpayers and School Staff Deserves The Best!

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES- Meet Latonya West

(This is the was the first in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.  Ms West submitted hers after we ran her original profile and as a courtesy we have included her profile for the voters)

LATONYA WEST
Candidate for 2 year Board Member

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Ms West was the only candidate who submitted her resume and letter of interest for appointment to replace former Board Secretary Melvin Stevenson who resigned in November, 2014.  Board members Jimo Kasali, Deloris Green and Mary Howard blocked her for consideration, and in violation of established Board policy refused her a proper interview.  Since the Board did not appoint a replacement candidate in the time allowed by law, the appointment went to Vanessa Kinder the Executive Director of South Cook Regional Education.  As a result Ms West was passed over in favor of former Board Member Maxine Towers, wife of the former Mayor Lewis Towers.  Towers was officially appointed in January.

Latonya West and her husband Vernon moved the family to Sauk Village in 2006. They have six children with two former graduates and two currently attending Rickover Jr. High School. Latonya has been an advocate for Sauk Village advancement since 2006. She has actively participated throughout the community on initiatives directly affecting education, growth and the well-being of Sauk Village residents.

Latonya graduated from Governors State University with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Health Science with emphases in Addiction Studies, Behavioral Health, Child Welfare and Community Program Design.  While employed at Kennedy King College she assisted with the advisement of students, providing financial aid counseling and support to students experiencing family, personal and economic crises. Latonya has over ten years of experience in financial planning, management, implementing learning and social skill development.

Latonya has been involved in numerous educational and community driven projects including Sauk Village Business Revenue initiative and the petition drive to place the Lake Michigan Water initiative on the ballot. She has also worked on Mayoral, State Representative and federal electoral campaigns. Latonya continues to collaborate with teachers regarding the educational needs of our children and to stay updated on things that can improve the educational experiences of students attending district 168.

Latonya is focused on enhancing student’s academic achievement and increasing district 168 yearly student progress specifications for testing to receive full federal educational opportunities.  Working towards raising the academic levels of all students, obtaining more funding for after school programs, endorsing a stronger curriculum implementation plan and increasing parental involvement in educational affairs in order to get our students on the academic level needed to exceed new state standards. 

“It is so important that our students exceed state assessment expectation levels during Jr. High especially coming out of 8^th grade.  Students need to be better prepared to take the SAT/ACT exams.  High SAT/ACT scores is the key to getting into good colleges. If elected I will work hard and diligently to do all that I can within board policy, state and federal laws to assist board members in achieving academic goals and success for all students. Building on the diversity of our children the soon to be leaders with additional programs that will enhance both the competitive and creativity levels of our students.  I will also dedicate my term to bridging the gap between the community and education. It is so important that our voices be heard and our children’s achievements receive recognition. A Good Education is Priceless! Be a part of the decision making and support the best interest of the children.”

 Latonya is currently seeking election to the position of School Board Member (2 year Term) for Community Consolidated School District 168 at the Election on April 7 2015.  “Vote for Latonya West” Punch # 101