SAUK VILLAGE MAKING PROGRESS AND CHANGE UNDER BURGESS

BURGESS TAKES OATH IN 2017

By Steve LaRock

SAUK VILLAGE |  He retired from his job as an engineer from the University of Illinois, Chicago and works full-time as Mayor of Sauk Village at a salary of $20,000 per year.  He opted to forego a full-time Village administrator to save the residents more than $175,000 per year.  He is Derrick Burgess, a soft-spoken, 37-year resident and homeowner.  Derrick Burgess was elected mayor of Sauk Village in May, 2017.

How did he become mayor of 10,500 residents?  Burgess came armed with a charismatic style and aura that exudes sincerity and genuine concern.  Burgess crafted a positive campaign in 2017 focused on growth and getting Sauk Village on a Pathway to Progress.  He promised to get the Village’s finances back in order, focus attention on economic development and make Village government more efficient and better organized.  Burgess mounted a forward-looking campaign that also promised an end to negative rhetoric about past administrations and to put a stop to stagnation, status-quo and business as usual practice. He presented the residents with his Strategic Plan for Progress, a multi-point plan outlining how he planned to restore Sauk Village to a cleaner, viable community.  Burgess’ competitors, however, offered no real tangible plan but instead focused on backward thinking which would have continued the status quo which residents clearly did not want. Residents expressed they were tired of the negative politics and were ready for a leader that could save the value of their largest investment; their homes.  They wanted a leader that would deliver on what they promised, without lame excuses. Many residents told him of their frustration with the lack of community development, the deterioration of homes and the lack of property maintenance.  Burgess convinced the residents of his sincerity and determination to tackle  these challenges. After the 2017 election, Burgess hit the ground running and has delivered on these promises in just 21 short months!  

Burgess’ first initiative was to get the Village Board to adopt his Strategic Plan for Progress; the very first plan ever adopted by a Village Board in Sauk Village’s history.  The Plan called for much attention toward economic development and addressing the negative impact of vacant homes.  

A huge Standing Room only crowd came out to

 support Mayor Burgess for his Inauguration in 2017.

Burgess with the help of the progressive Village Trustees Beth Zupon, Ronald Carter, Rodrick Grant, Cecial Tates and his staff have forged ahead and have realized successes in:

• ·         obtaining a grant to mow the grass of 178 vacant homes.  Some of the vacant homes had not been mowed in 10 years.  Burgess plans on working collaboratively with the South Suburban and Cook County Land Banks as well as private investors to get the 360 homes back on the tax rolls and filled with families.

·         Eliminating and consolidating staff positions position from the prior administration, netted out a savings of over $275,000 in salary and benefits.  

·         Making great strides with the Village’s finances: 

o    replaced the hold over Director of Finance,

o    virtually eliminated the Village’s aging report, 

o    balanced the Village’s budget, 

o    meeting current budget projections by living within the Village’s means, 

o    refinanced existing bonds and obtaining a new $2 million dollar bond which saved money on interest at no cost to homeowners, 

o    Received the GFAO Budget Award for the first time since 2008.  

Burgess and the Trustees who support getting Sauk Village on the Pathway to Progress have applied, received or worked on over $1.7 million in grants and assistance in less than two years!  Grants for road repair, engineering, maintaining vacant homes, demolition of abandoned homes, police equipment and other critical matters.  

Burgess and the Trustees who support moving the Village in a new direction have supported increasing our housing standards by proper enforcement of the Village’s codes.  They have taken on many projects aimed at updating and bringing Sauk Village into the 21^st century.  The Village is finalizing a new Comprehensive Plan which will help the Village with growth and planning for the next 10 to 20 years.  The most recent plan was completed in 1985 and updated in 1999.  The new plan was funded by at $135,000 grant and recently the draft was discussed at an Advisory Committee meeting which calls for a New Town Center on the site of Surreybrook Plaza and a new concept for a Central Park, Community Center and Fire Station.

The progress the Village has made under Mayor Burgess’ leadership was so impressive that the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has provided the Village with a fully funded staff Planner for the Village for the next two years.   The goal of the planner is to assist the village with the objectives in the new Comprehensive Plan and to assist with grant opportunities among many other tasks.  

Mayor Burgess spoke about all the “progress” the Village has made during his recent State of the Village address and a $350,000 grant the Village received for a Phase 1 Engineering Study for expansion of rail spur access and roadways in the LogistiCenter Industrial Park.  Burgess also spoke about the $10 million investment that Gas-N-Wash is making in Sauk Village bringing a 12,000 square foot convenience store, a new Dunkin Donuts, gasoline station, Pops Roast Beef, Browns Chicken and a Truck Stop on the Northwest Corner of Sauk Trail and Illinois 394.  The Village sold the 32 acres of land to the developer Leonard McEnery for $1.35 million.  The Village owned the property for 14 years and did nothing to market the property until Burgess took office. Burgess and the Trustees who support the Strategic Plan for Progress did not wish to squander the profit the Village made on the land but instead put some $800,000 in reserve for a rainy day.  Recently the Village Board approved a budget amendment to allow the Police, Fire and Public Works departments the opportunity for some long overdue capital purchases and improvements.

Recently a local paper recently printed a retraction to a story in which a lone and rogue village trustee politically and personally opposing everything that Mayor Burgess and the group of progressive Trustees have been trying to achieve made untruthful, unverifiable and inaccurate information.  This last week that same publication ran their retraction in which they said “it was acknowledged that many things were said that ha been off base and inaccurate.  Allegations made against Mayor Burgess did not reflect that of verifiable truths…”  We applaud the South Suburban News for the retraction, clarification and printing the truth. 

Another local publication, with an apparent vendetta against Mayor Burgess and the progressive Trustees who support his Strategic Plan for Progress continuously puts wild inaccurate headlines and quotes only what politically motivated audience members ramble on about at the Village meetings but nothing of the content of the meetings and sends no reporter to the meeting. 

So, despite the personal attacks and wild allegations made during official Board meetings by a Trustee who has voiced her aspirations of challenging Burgess for mayor in 2021.  So this rogue trustee along with one lone publication that apparently enjoys printing negativity and misinformation created by those who politically do not support this administration, the Burgess administration will continue to focus on the progress for moving Sauk Village ahead and the objectives in the Strategic Plan for Progress. Burgess does not comment on the negativity because there is no truth to give it credence.

All in all Mayor Burgess has been doing the job and apparently well enough that he has landed a commercial development not done since 1998.  So apparently no matter how good of a job this Mayor does, there will always be politically motivated people who want to stop progress or they are simply C.A.V.E people (Completely Against Virtually Everything).

MEET PRESIDENT TAMMY JONES- Candidate for Re-Election to School Board District 168

TAMMY N. JONES

TAMMY N. JONES

Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member School District 168

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, re-elected in 2015 and currently serves as Board President since 2017. 

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. 

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

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 Housewife 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 attending Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. Tammy’s son, Tyler, is a Sophomore at Bloom Trail High School. Since moving to Sauk Village, Tammy has dedicated twelve years to 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, several years of selfless volunteer work at CEDA Head Start and one year with Neighborhood watch, all in addition to her continuous dedication to CCSD 168.

 Since here election to the school board in 2011, Tammy Jones duties include:

Ø  Currently President of School Board- District 168

Ø  Vice President, S.P.E.E.D representative

Ø  Chairperson of the Policy Committee.

Ø  Fellow and Master Board Member recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education

Ø  Past Vice President of the School Board- District 168

PRESIDENT TAMMY JONES SPEAKS TO RESIDENTS

Over the past eight years, Tammy has worked with three different Superintendents and a diverse school board members; however, her focus has remained the same, and that is to provide the absolute best for the Districts students, employees, as well as the tax payers.

During her first term 2011 to 2015, Tammy was instrumental in changes such as, all students receiving free lunch and eating in the cafeteria instead of the classroom ensuring a cleaner and safer learning atmosphere. Additionally, relaxing the  uniform policy for students, allowing the focus to remain on education and not on what the children are wearing. Safer drinking water for all students and staff provided via water coolers. Several computer carts were 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 were aligned. The Board earned its first ever Good Governance award. During her second term the Board has continued to move the district forward. They have adopted a new math and reading curriculum.  All of the buildings have brand new piping connected to a water filtration system that provides safe water fountains instead of water coolers. The district has a brand new food vendor providing the students a healthy lunch. Rickover has a new IESA certified track and newly remodeled media center and the six grade wing. Last but not least, we continue to earn the Good Governance award. Although the district has accomplished many things during her tenure,

Tammy understands there is still much more that needs to be done; the students test scores are showing growth but not meeting state norms. The district has a healthy fund balance but needs to have a balanced budget. Tammy’s aspiration is to be re-elected so that she can continue breaking barriers and building futures. 

ZUPON, CARTER AND COLEMAN MEET AND GREET SAUK VILLAGE VOTERS

ZUPON, CARTER AND COLEMAN

by Steve LaRock

SAUK VILLAGE |  The People United for Progress party candidates hosted a very successful Meet and Greet Sunday afternoon at American Family Restaurant for about 30 or so residents and voters.  Village Trustees Beth Zupon and Ronald Carter were joined by newcomer Arnold Coleman each seeking a seat on the Village Board of Trustees on April 2nd.  

Trustee Beth Zupon spoke about her credentials and experience and the need to “continue the progress that we have started”.  Zupon listed the accomplishments that the current administration has made in less than two years and is proud to have been part of that progress.  Zupon said there is much more work to be done and she asked for the residents support.  Zupon has been a resident of Sauk Village for some 19 years, is employed as Vice President of a major investment bank, and served as Village Clerk for Sauk Village has volunteered for numerous community events and most recently the last two years as Village Trustee.

Trustee Ronald P. Carter, III spoke about his credentials and experience and the need to stay focused and continue economic development.  Carter believes that new business will spur more revenues for the Village.  Carter has over 30 years in law enforcement having served in the Cook County Department of Corrections and a former Chief of Police.   Carter was appointed in 2018 to the Village Board of Trustees by Mayor Derrick Burgess.

Trustee candidate Arnold Coleman speaks with a resident

Trustee candidate Arnold Coleman spoke about his work experience in the legal field and how he transitioned from a “volunteer” to a candidate for Trustee.  Coleman said he supports the Strategic Plan for Progress and applauds the progress that has been made thus far.  Coleman currently serves on the Village’s Senior Citizen Advisory Council and also on the Advisory Committee for the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.  Coleman has also volunteered for many community events.

Zupon, Carter and Coleman are keeping their campaign positive and focusing on progress and how they will help with moving the Village forward.  “There has been too much negativity in Sauk Village and these three are the best hope we have for our future” a long-time resident said.  Zupon responded that there is too much misinformation on social media perpetuated by a few individuals and that she avoids that when possible.  Carter agreed there is far too much negativity from the other campaigns including racial references to “golden ghetto” and candidates who live in certain areas of the Village.  “Does it matter where one lives?  We still are subject to the same rules, regulations, policies and procedures; we still have potholes, the same crime, and the same problems.  It is nothing but a way to divide our community” Carter later said. 

Trustee Ronald Carter speaking to the residents

Zupon spoke about the Strategic Plan for Progress that she voted for and supports and how that has become a roadmap to the success this administration has had.  Zupon spoke about the progress the Village has made with maintaining vacant homes and working with the South Suburban Land Bank and other entities.  “There is a lot of work still needing to be done, but we cannot stop the progress we have made thus far” Zupon said. 

Zupon introduced School Board candidates for School District 168 which included current School Board President Tammy Jones and Sharon Archie-Davenport who both spoke about their achievements for the district.  RaDonna Brown also spoke about what she hopes to bring to the School Board if elected.  Brandie Jackson-Williams was also invited to attend, however, was unable to due to personal commitment she had. 

Dr. Octavia Altheimer who is a candidate for Prairie State College Board spoke about what she hopes to bring to the College Board.  Altheimer, a Veteran spoke about her service “in the trenches” and said she is not afraid to get in the trenches again for the taxpayers.   

Also in attendance were Mayor Derrick Burgess, Village Trustees Cecial Tates, who did not seek re-election, Rodrick Grant and Village Clerk Marva Campbell Pruitt.

American Family Restaurant

School Board President Tammy Jones

School Board Candidate RaDonna Brown

School Board Member Sharon Archie-Davenport

  

MEET RADONNA BROWN- Candidate for School Board District 168

RADONNA BROWN, M.S.

BY STEVE LAROCK, EDITOR

RaDonna Brown is running for School Board in Sauk Village's School District 168, election is April 2nd.   This information was provided by the candidate for this profile. This is not an endorsement for RaDonna, but we want to take this opportunity to showcase a series of candidates running in School District 168 to help educate residents of Sauk Village.  School Board members serve without compensation and are the watchdogs for your tax dollars and for the success of Sauk Village's Schools!  We hope you familiarize yourself with these candidates showcased in this series.  GOOD LUCK RaDONNA:

Meet RaDonna Brown, MS is an 13 year resident of Sauk Village, Illinois and mother of 2 children currently attending School District District 168 schools. RaDonna has owned and operated a state-licensed home daycare for the last 12 years. She provides a fun, safe, reliable, and nurturing environment for children of working families in the community. RaDonna also provides home care services for the Illinois Department Of Human Services for children with disabilities. Anyone who knows RaDonna, will undeniably know that she has a passion for children.

RaDonna recognizes the importance of education and often encourages others. She received her undergraduate degree in 2006 (BOG/Early Childhood Education) from Chicago State University and her graduate degree in 2014 (Human Behavior) from Capella University. Throughout the years, RaDonna has earned many credentials and certifications from the Illinois Department of Human Services which includes Infant and Toddler Specialist LV2 and Early Childhood Educator LV2. She actively pursues new training and learning opportunities. As a result, RaDonna serves as a great resource for others.

RaDonna actively sits as the secretary on the board of the No Excuses Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization, dedicated to job readiness training, criminal justice education, advocacy, and charitable services. RaDonna has engaged the needs of the community by hosting community events such Community Harvest Dinners, Community Summer Fests, assisted with Back-To-School Bookbag Supply Drives, and On-the-Spot Homeless Food Provision Services.

As a candidate, RaDonna has a personal interest in preserving and improving the quality of Community Consolidated School District 168. Her efforts as a board member would center on serving all children in the community; one child is no more important than another. Sauk Village is a diverse community and deserves board members who celebrate that diversity by catering educational needs that serve the all children of the community.

As a school board member, RaDonna pledges to advocate for every child's overall educational experience. She plans to engage and inform students, families, staff and the community. RaDonna will make sound decisions based upon sound data, all while building strong partnerships with board counterparts.

RaDonna will engage the community and allocate resources according to the needs. She kindly requests your support in her efforts to become the new voice on the Community Consolidated School District 168 School Board. Stay tuned for more candidate profiles.