PROGRESS OVER POLITICS BECAUSE PROGRESS MATTERS!

ENDORSEMENT- Let's Continue the Progress NOT go back to the Politics!

By Steve LaRock

SAUK VILLAGER NEWS

With the early voting ending Monday Sauk Village residents are urged to RUN... do not walk to the polls! You can get a head start on Tuesday's Municipal Elections by going to vote at the Lynwood Senior-Youth Center at 21490 Lincoln Highway, Lynwood, IL 9am - 5pm, This Monday, April 1st is the last day... and that is no April Fool's joke!  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 Election Day Tuesday, April 2nd; you must do so on Monday or you miss the boat!  Voters will be going to their local polling places Tuesday from 6am to 7pm Tuesday, April 2nd

Sauk Village has come a long way in just 2 short years under the leadership of Mayor Derrick Burgess.  We have come from the prior administration's "forward motions" which were really backward politics with a big case of do nothing for 8 long years.  Mayor Burgess promised CHANGE in 2017 and he certainly has delivered on that commitment thanks to Trustees Beth Zupon and Ronald Carter.  Zupon, Carter and newcomer Arnold Coleman embrace the Village's Strategic Plan for Progress and the new 2019 Comprehensive Plan.  

The opponents running for election and challenging Mayor Burgess are politically and personally motivated and they offer no plan of their own but are clearly about stopping Progress for Sauk Village, and frankly that's not good for residents.   

Beth Zupon, Ronald Carter and Arnold Coleman

BETH ZUPON, RONALD CARTER AND ARNOLD COLEMAN!  These three are TRUE "Independent candidates" who are the People United for Progress.  Willing to investigate and research each proposal before voting and doing the job to make sure that Sauk Village stays on that Pathway to Progress.  They will fairly represent all of the residents of Sauk Village.  They are the ONLY HOPE for continuing the Progress that Sauk Village has begun to make the last two years.  Admittedly they know that they have much more work ahead of them but they're committed to doing the job.  They will ensure that balanced budgets and lower taxes will continue, they will ensure more economic development and responsible spending with resident's tax dollars.

Zupon, Carter and Coleman will ensure that Village Government continues to be open, honest and transparent process. Sauk Village residents and taxpayers deserve these Trustees because they truly care about the community, not exacting vengeance and playing politics.

ZUPON currently serves on the Village Board of Trustees and who brings dialogue and a level of professionalism that had been lacking for many years.  Zupon is a no nonsense Trustee who is willing to listen to the opinions and concerns of others she may not agree with.  Zupon currently serves as chairperson of the Village Board's Public Safety Committee, has volunteered for many years for village events and recently brought back the Village's newsletter Sauk Talk and is working to update the Village's outdated website.  Zupon has been a homeowner for 19 years and is Vice President of a major Chicago Investment Bank. 

Zupon has earned your trust and deserves to be re-elected.

CARTER stepped up to serve our nation as a US Army Veteran and he stepped up to serve the people of Sauk Village.  Ronald Carter has served as Village Trustee filling the vacancy when Kelvin Jones resigned from the board after moving from town in 2017.  Carter has volunteered in community and is willing to help out our veterans as well.  Carter is retired after having served in law enforcement his entire career serving as Chief of Police of a south suburban community and the Cook County Department of Corrections for many years.  Carter has proven he can make the tough decisions when he stepped up to serve Sauk Village.  Carter will definitely fill in where outgoing Trustee Cecial Tates is leaving off.  He will be the only veteran on the Village Board of Trustees and Sauk Village has always honored their veterans.  

CARTER has earned your trust and proven he is no fool!  He deserves your vote!  

COLEMAN is the newcomer among all the candidate seeking to become your Village Trustee.  Coleman is married, retired from the legal field where he served as a paralegal and process server for many years.  Coleman still balances his check book the old fashion way; using a check book ledger and not an iPhone! COLEMAN 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!    COLEMAN has volunteered for many ongoing events in the Village.   He served on the Village's Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee offering very helpful insight into crafting the plan for Sauk Village.    COLEMAN will truly be the breath of fresh air with new ideas, which Mayor Derrick Burgess and his colleagues embrace.  

COLEMAN deserves a vote and will work hard to earn your trust and confidence!    

We hope you consider your vote for these three candidates for Village Board and please consider a vote for 

ALSO DO NOT FORGET:
TAMMY JONES, RaDONNA BROWN and BRANDIE JACKSON-WILLIAMS for School Board Member for Community Consolidated School District 168.  These three women are committed to the success of Sauk Village schools which include raising our standards.  

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

  

NO STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY... NO MORE WILLIAMS DUO

Trustee Rosie Williams reading during a Village Board
Meeting on Tuesday, January 26 th night as a fellow
Trustee is speaking

OPINION EDITORIAL
SAUK VILLAGER STAFF

Let’s recap this last couple weeks shall we.  Let’s look at the pattern of arrogance and entitlement and you can be the judge.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016:          CONFUSION & ACCUSATIONS… Village Trustees Ed Myers and Rosie Williams engage in a debate on students of District 168 and how atrocious their reading skills are during Student Government Day in the past.  Rosie Williams even goes as far as to say that she believes teachers of District 168 might be helping students write their essays.

Monday, January 25, 2016:          ACCUSATION & DISRESPECT… School District 168 holds their regular school board meeting, Village Clerk Debbie Williams attends and has a meltdown.  Williams accuses students and teachers of academic plagiarism to get selected for Student Government Day.  Williams disrespected the entire School Board by storming out of the meeting but not before saying “I don’t have to sit here and listen to this shit…”.  Village Trustee Ed Myers apologizes for Williams disrespectful actions and for his comments made Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016:          DISRESPECT… School Board President Philip Bazile is disrespected by Mayor David Hanks as he attends a Village Board meeting and Hanks does not allow Bazile to address the Village Board.

Wednesday, Januay 27, 2016:    DISRESPECT… School Board President Bazile calls a special Meeting for Friday to discuss the relationship between the Village and School District.

Friday, January 29, 2016:               APPROPRIATE ACTION! Village Clerk Debbie Williams, Trustee Rosie Williams and a handful of their supporters attend the School Board’s Special Meeting.  School Board members Bazile, Marva Campbell-Pruitt, Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones, Jimo Kasali and Deloris Green agree that School District 168 will not participate in Student Government Day.  The sister to the Mayor David Hanks, Mary (Hanks) Howard is the only one to disagree and wanted the district to participate.

The time for change is now!  Trustee Rosie Williams, and by extension her mama Village Clerk Debbie Williams have ruled Student Government Day for 10 long years now.  The Mayor and Trustees are often scolded before Student Government Day to behave themselves.  Why do grown adults need to be disrespected and told that they need to behave?  Seems like the child telling her parents what they need to do!

It’s time for change now!  Rosie Williams and her mama Debbie Williams need to be replaced so that new ideas, new concepts a new direction for Student Government Day can evolve!  As the School Board said Friday night new guidelines need to be established and work between the two body’s Intergovernmental Relation Committees needs to happen!   I believe one nonstarter is to have the Williams duo heading up any future Student Government Day events!

SCHOOL BOARD WILL HAVE NEW FACES

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Lost in the shadows of the Village Trustees election Tuesday night was School District 168 Board race.  There were 4 seats up for grabs Tuesday night and at stake control of the School Board, which appears by the results of this election will certainly change.

Marva Campbell-Pruitt, who ran unsuccessfully for Village Clerk in 2013 has come back strong with a decisive victory Tuesday night over challenger Latonya West.  West was supported by incumbent Board President Sharon Davenport and her Team Davenport.  Campbell-Pruitt will replace Maxine Towers, wife of former Mayor Lewis Towers, who did not seek election and was appointed as an interim appointment following the abrupt resignation of Melvin Stevenson this past November. 

Davenport herself was successful in her re-elected to a second term Tuesday night, but is not likely going hold on to the Presidency following the School Board’s reorganization.  Current Board Vice President Tammy Jones won re-election garnering the most votes in which only some 620 votes were cast as many just came to the polls to vote for Village Trustee. 

The third four-year seat was apparently lost by incumbent Sene Garrett to newcomer Philip Bazile by just a small 13 vote margin.  There were about 11 absentee ballots and a few provisional ballots that will take the Cook County Clerk’s office some time to sort through before official results are posted. 

It’s likely that both Davenport and Jones will not retain the office of President and Vice President.  “It doesn’t matter, it’s always been about the children of the district and that’s what matters most” Davenport said late Tuesday night.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of School District 168.  I wish the School Board members good luck” Garrett said.

Unofficial Election Results

4 Year Term (3 Elected)
Sharon Davenport (i)     357*
Tammy Jones (i)               377*
Sene Garrett (i)                 303
Philip Bazile                        316
Sandra Isom                       296

2 Year Term (elect 1)

Latonya West                    247
Marva Campbell-Pruitt 376*

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.

ELECTION UPDATE: SCHOOL BOARD CHALLENGES FAIL & NEW BOARD MEMBER EXPECTED

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  The School Board election for District 168 has taken a twist of events the last few weeks.  One Candidate has withdrawn 3 others successfully fought off challenges which would have removed them from the ballot.

Incumbents Board members Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones and Sene Garrett along with newcomer Latonya West filed petitions to have their names on the April 7th ballot on the first day December 15^th.  West is seeking a 2 year unexpired term following the resignation of Melvin Stevenson in November.   Davenport, Jones, Garrett and West's petitions were not challenged but all other candidates faced unsucessful challenges.

Board members failed to make an appointment to replace Stevenson by December 30th.  West’s name was the only name put forth for appointment following the unexpected resignation of Stevenson.  Actions to block West’s appointment were successfully carried out by Board Members Jimo Kasali, Deloris Green and Mary Howard, who is the sister to Mayor David Hanks.   The Executive Director of South Cook Intermediate Service Center Dr. Vanessa Kinder has the legal authority to appoint a “temporary” replacement to the seat vacated by Stevenson since the School Board failed to appoint a replacement.  The only issue is that the vacancy is only until the election outcome is determined so the person may only be there on a temporary basis.

"I am preparing to interview candidates for the vacant seat and I intend on making the appointment by the end of this month" Kinder said.  Kinder admitted that she is not mandated to appoint but it is her legal duty to do so.  "It would not be fair to the people of the district to have the seat vacant and decisions by the board not getting made" Kinder said.

Kinder did not identify who she would be interviewing for the vacancy but said "it is disappointing that the local board could not make a decision and that I am forced to appoint.  Decisions such as these should be made at the local level, but there is a provision when it can't be that it falls upon the person in this position" Kinder said.

Resident Larry Stewart filed objections to candidates which included Rachel Eastman, Phillip Bazile, husband of former School Board President and current McConathy Library Trustee Arleta Bazile and Sandra Isom who are seeking the 4 year terms.  Former Village Clerk Candidate Marva Campbell-Pruitt who is seeking the 2 year unexpired term was also considered to replace Aisa El-Amin who resigned last year.  Campbell-Pruitt put her name into consideration for the appointment to El-Amin’s vacant seat, however, was passed over for Garrett.

Stewart said he filed objections to ensure that those candidates who filed did so correctly.  “Look, when you run for office you’ve got to make sure you start out right.  It begins by making sure your papers work is in order” Stewart said.  “This is not politically motivated.  I know each of the people who are running.  It’s about following the rules” Stewart said.

Since the objections were filed, Eastman withdrew her name as a candidate and will not be on the ballot in April.  Eastman had obtained well over 100 signatures of registered voters to get her name on the ballot, only 50 are required.  “I just wanted to make a difference for the kids of the Village” Eastman said following her withdrawal.  “It seems that no matter what you do someone is going to be mad at you for doing something.  I had no idea that people would get so personal” Eastman said.  Eastman serves on the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

The electoral board, which use to rest with the local school boards has been moved to the jurisdiction of Cook County to expedite the handling of hearings and save the financially struggling school districts tens  of thousands of taxpayer dollars.  The Cook County Hearing Officer tossed out all challenges made by Stewart ensuring that all candidates, except Eastman who withdrew, will be on the ballot.

In the Village Trustees race, for the first time in many years no objections were filed.  The seats of Trustees Derrick Burgess, Jeff Morden and John Poskin are up for grabs in April.  Burgess, Morden and Poskin all filed nomination petitions seeking their old seats.  Poskin has never faced election for his seat but was appointed  twice by Hanks in 2012 and is currently the longest serving unelected Village Trustee.  Hoping to unseat them are controversial Housing Commission Chairman Gary Holcomb, and former School Board President and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Tates, Kelvin Jones and Danny Hammond, Jr.

"People of Sauk Village want change.  They are tired of this administration and the lack of direction" Hammond said. 

The two seats up for the Nancy L. McConathy Public Library are uncontested.

Lack of Transparency, Wrong Direction and the Water Highlight Town Hall Meeting

by Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |   Trustee Derrick Burgess hosted his monthly Town Hall Meeting, this time back at Village Hall Wednesday evening.

Village Clerk Debbie Williams filed an inquiry for a possible Open Meetings Act violation, ironically with the Illinois Attorney General's office who the Village has sued over the Travelgate Binding Opinion they issued in October.  The alleged Open Meetings Act violation was "unfounded" Village Attorney Matt Burns said at a board meeting earlier.

About 35 people, including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna Leak, School Board Vice President Tammy Jones, Parent Teacher Organization President Jovante Hasty came back to Village Hall as the Town Hall Meetings moved to Rickover over the summer.  "We wanted to move the venue to afford more residents the opportunity to attend which was successful as we had about 95 at a couple of them there" Burgess said.  "We will probably change up the venue again but hosting them at Village Hall is good too." Burgess said following the meeting.

Longtime resident Judy Cast was critical of the administration for the lack of transparency, but complimented some progress made.  "Under the last administration you wouldn't be sitting in a meeting like this" Cast said.  Cast also wants to know how much the Village has spent in legal fees for the Travelgate scandal.  The Village is suing the Illinois Attorney General over the Binding Opinion issued in October which declared that the Village and Village Clerk must turn over all documentation concerning the trip to Washington DC by the Village Clerk her daughter Trustee Rosie Williams and resident and now former Police Pension Board member Patricia Couch.

Larry Stewart, who was removed as Housing Commissioner earlier this year, blasted the Hanks Administration for the lack of direction and the lack of planning.

Marva Campbell-Pruitt criticized the Hanks Administration for the lack of a solid plan and timeline for the water infrastructure improvements.  "We're paying the additional $2.00 per 1000 gallons of water for the repairs but there is no plan in place to justify it" Campbell-Pruitt said.

Dr. Leak addressed Kelvin Jones' questions concerning school children needing text books.  "We want our children to have the latest information not a static text book.  Old text books from 2007 still have George Bush as President" Leak said.  Leak has been working on a multi-year plan with the School Board and hopes one day soon to bring I-Pads to the students of District 168.  There are about 1700 students in district 168 and the district is flush with cash with about $16 million in the bank and zero debt.

Community Activist Bernice Brewer-Houston said residents are still paying for contaminated well water but residents are paying Lake Michigan water prices.  "The Mayor and Trustees are using this money to balance their budget and not putting the money toward repairs to the water mains that are  constantly breaking" Brewer Houston said following the meeting.

"People are tired of paying $300 water bills for this nasty water.  You can't drink it, you can't cook with it.  You have to spend money to treat it, replace corroded fixtures and even after treating it you turn on the faucet and the water still comes out orange.  They got $4.8 million grant for what the Mayor said will free up the village from paying $260,000 per year, but the resident's get no relief" a longtime resident said.  "I'm just disgusted with our Village leaders" she said.

"Residents only get to speak for 3 minutes during Village meetings.  There are no time limits here, I want to hear the concerns of the residents" Burgess said.

Burgess has hosted Town Hall Meetings for the last 6 months and will be taking the month of December off and resuming them in January after the holidays.

Mayor David Hanks and Village Trustee Lynda Washington sat silent during the meeting.  Williams spoke briefly when challenged by a resident.  "I'm speaking as a resident" Williams said.  Williams was accompanied by her husband, who also sits as a Human Relations Commissioner.  Trustee Rosie Williams is the daughter of Debbie Williams but was not present.

Hats Off to Dr. Leak and Davenport working together for kids

OPINION EDITORIAL
by Joseph Wiszowaty

Dr. Donna Leak came in as Superintendent of District 168 under a shadow of controversy but it seems that sunlight has been shining down on Sauk Village schools and Leak.

Seeing Board President Sharon Davenport working alongside Leak during the recent Back to School Bash this week spoke volumes!  Davenport was cookin it up at the grill along with a host of volunteers from the school district.  As the lines stretched on and on, they kept cooking!  Leak was engaging parents and children the entire time.  Also good to see other board members Sene Garrett, Tammy Jones and Mary Howard there as well.

Leak has been working hard kicking off the school year along with at least some of her board members.  Noticeably absent from the Back to School event were the two board members who actually voted for Leak, Deloris Green and Jimo Kasali.  In fact, where were you both?  Being a school board or any elected official requires you to participate in the community besides attending board meetings. 

 

Also this week, Dr. Leak honored some old school alumi from the 1960s.  Kerry Pardue came to Sauk Village and spoke at his old Junior High School.  No not Rickover, it wasn’t even there when he graduated 8^th grade in 1962, although he did speak to the kids at Rickover too.  Pardue donated 2 oil paintings on behalf of the class of 1962 from Strassburg Junior High School.

Thus far I’m impressed with the actions of Dr. Donna Leak, honoring our past and working hard toward engaging the children and the parents of the future.  Good job Dr. Leak and to Board President Sharon Davenport who clearly are focused on the children of the district.  Keep up the good work! 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the hard work and contributions of so many behind the scenes who contributed to the success of the Back to School Bash including Jeremiah Johnson and the host of teachers and volunteers who came out to help.  This was about our School District giving back to the community and it was a great success!  Can't wait to see what they cook up next year!  PS.... the RIBS were awesome!