quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by GE Fan:

...After watching the performance of the recent board opposition, the way they acted did nothing to inspire me to think that they have any better ideas on getting things done either. They give a half hearted show of support for the future after losing a vote and now go out and organize their troops to slay the opposition the next time around. If they win then they will impart their vision of what is better and the other half will be upset and organize to slay them. This is what you get when you have the form of government that we have in GE. A group of volunteers who think that they run the village, not the village manager...

Gotrocks- if you are refering to Go Downtown! then I think you need to take another look at the group. The mission is to support all residents, business owners, property owners and the Village in furthering our downtown. There have been many times when the group has stepped in and defended the Village, spoken in support of the Trustees as well as worked very hard to find solutions with the Village for issues.

The recent vote that the group did not agree with had everything to do with believing the winner did not have experience that is needed to succeed in the project. Go Downtown! tried to educate people to make their own decisions and get people out to speak up. Once the vote was taken, the group is now trying to support the success of the project and is moving on to other subjects. There have been other times that Go Downtown! wondered about a decision, but the process itself in making that particular decision was sound and just- one could follow the thought process and therefore supported the Board as a whole.

Go Downtown! is not "organizing the troops to slay the opposition". Instead, they are organizing to get people involved. If someone wants to run for office but disagrees with the CBP, then they are given another route to take, which is the Independent route. If someone wants to run and supports the CBP process, then they are given the tools to connect with the CBP. The important piece is to allow people to make up their own minds on how to get involved.

Go Downtown! does not run the Village, however they are trying and make it eaiser to live here. The Trustees and President are all volunteers, with many still holding a full time job. There is nothing wrong with trying to help out when there is so much to do.

One thing I am wondering is if you think so little of the group, why are you on their email distribution list?

quote:

Originally posted by JustAResident:

Gotrocks- if you are refering to Go Downtown! then I think you need to take another look at the group.

JAR

I'm glad you think that GE revolves around GD. You take credit where credit is not due. Did GD invent the internet too?

quote:

Originally posted by Candidate:
With a name like yours you must be Irish.
Harrington's is the best corned beef in Chicago.
You don't know what you're missing. Besides you will be in good company and that's really what it's all about.

Everybody's Irish for St. Paddy's, but I gotta support my homies.

You should try the dynamite CB&C at Santa Fe, Mykha's or Vitorio's. It's the best this side of the Blarney Stone. And all the proceeds help support the Village of Glen Ellyn.

quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by JustAResident:

Gotrocks- if you are refering to Go Downtown! then I think you need to take another look at the group.

JAR

I'm glad you think that GE revolves around GD. You take credit where credit is not due. Did GD invent the internet too?

They seem to be doing a better job at promoting activities and shopping in Glen Ellyn than the EDC/COC/DBA are...and they have a certain passion and desire to see it succeed...but that may just be my perception. Just because they may have a tad bit more aggressive personalities and demand accountability unlike those professional paycheck check collectors at the EDC and COC doesn't mean that they are without merit. The Chamber of Commerce and their hot new dynamic duo would be well served to get a hold of the firm that developed GD website immediately and fixed that train wreck that they currently have.

Speaking of websites, Gotrocks. Any reason why your CBP website hasn't worked for who knows how long? Every time I try to click on it, I get hung up forever. I think you should have somebody look into that. I don't think it's just a Mac thing...try it for yourselves and see if I'm wrong. http://www.civicbetterment.com/

I really don't see how supporting progressive candidates by attending this function conflicts with one's support of the CBP process but to each their own.

It would have been great to "meet you" though.

Why is the CBP still relevant in your opinion, Fan? I know that some of us would say that we are about to celebrate 77 years of the 'truest form of democracy' come early April, but why is this process still in place? Why is it not considered antiquated and outdated? Why is it not looked at as the power of a few like I see it, rather that the power of many?

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:

They seem to be doing a better job at promoting activities and shopping in Glen Ellyn

The last time I looked Morton Arboretum was in Lisle, the corned beef was being imported from Chicago and the beer was from Ireland. It sure doesn't sound like they are helping to promote anything in GE with this event.

quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by JustAResident:

Gotrocks- if you are refering to Go Downtown! then I think you need to take another look at the group.

JAR

I'm glad you think that GE revolves around GD. You take credit where credit is not due. Did GD invent the internet too?

GD will tell you that I have been scathing in my criticism of their delivery. Sometimes they push harder than they need to. However, the passion is important.

Unfortunately, in this community, the reaction of the entrenched is a sniff when the great unwashed get it into their heads that power should evolve. It's a new day. Every 40 years or so, there is a shift in the demographic which causes a seismic shift in the attitude of the electorate. 1928. 1968. 2008.

The attitude of the entrenched seems to be: Why don't you nice girls in GD just sit in the corner until it's your turn to take control of the community. And let's sand down those rough edges. They really do scratch when you bump up against us long timers.

The Arboretum (a regional treasure) is so close to south Glen Ellyn as to be part of us. Come join some of us progressives (don't you Republicans just hate that?) and let's see if we can relive some of our youth - when we questioned authority. And I don't think the donation is subject to sales tax.

POST EDITED SO THAT MY CLUMSY ATTEMPT AT SARCASM CAN BE UNDERSTOOD. AND CLAM WAS THROWING THE MARTINI AT BITTERBOY AND SPILLED IT ON HIMSELF.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ronkas,

Being a Trustee means being responsive to residents' concerns. Being a trustee means enhancing residents’ well being. I didn't know Pete prior to his running for the position of Trustee. At the time he was a candidate, his name sounded familiar so I called his campaign. That day he came to my house and we talked on my front doorstep for 20-25 minutes. IMO, that's quite an investment for one vote. It has been my experience that Pete is genuinely concerned about the citizens of Glen Ellyn. He was raised here, worked here as a volunteer policeman, chose to raise his family here and has chosen to do business here. Read the threads. During the August storm, he delivered a generator to a fellow citizen in need. For me personally, he learned that my snow blower was broken and on his own time and dime came to my house, picked (350 lb) it up and delivered it to a friend of his for repair. These are just a few examples, I know of others. How many other Trustees are willing to go the extra mile? How many other Trustees care this deeply about our residents?

Your concerned about his choosing to do business in Lisle. Maybe he has hundreds of folks coming to this event and needs space. Christ, his new homes generate consistent tax revenues in the thousands, if not hundreds of thousands for Glen Ellyn. IMO, you’re being petty.

I'll keep it short and sweet. I'll leave it to 4MP for the longer, more in depth discussion.

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
Why is the CBP still relevant in your opinion, Fan?

For two reasons:

1. History - History is too often cast aside in haste. The Village is unique to have this process around; and to have it survive for 77 years is quite neat. States have caucuses, we currently employ the electoral college, are they the most popular and most democratic, probably not. But these political processes survive because of their history and the place history has - especially in politics. To that same point, the town meeting is a really neat political experience and if the Village bought in, it would be awesome as it hearkens back to old-time small town elections with the intimacy this is lost in today's political arena.

2. Efficiency - The CBP does and will continue to (as long as its around) provide an efficient and cost effective means for ordinary citizens to run for election. As I said after Candidate (who has become a good friend) won, his election (although I am now extremely satisfied with it) and candidacy (which I did not support) was a slippery slope. Even he will admit that he spent a lot more money than he would have wanted to. And I'm sure he'll readily admit that we likely don't want all of our future candidates to have to spend globs of money to run and win.

quote:

I know that some of us would say that we are about to celebrate 77 years of the 'truest form of democracy' come early April, but why is this process still in place?

See above.

quote:

Why is it not considered antiquated and outdated?

It may be. However, I think that says a lot more about the state of the society which we live more so than the process. For the most part, the process works. However, 1) it is a foreign concept to most; 2) the new residents are not properly informed of it; 3) as far a perception goes, it's tainted (like I said, whether or not perception is accurate (as it isn't here), perception is all that matters in politics) and 4) the vast majority of the residents haven't bought in.

quote:

Why is it not looked at as the power of a few like I see it, rather that the power of many?

See answer above. But to expound on that, anyone can go to the town meeting and get nominated from the floor. ANYONE. So it really is power of many.

I would love to see the CBP continue. However, I'm not so sure it can in the short term unless the CBP makes a concerted push to include everyone and inform everyone....starting soon. If I were a candidate who wanted to run in 2009, there is no chance that I would avail myself of the CBP as it currently exists. Rightly or wrongly, you would get crushed. I worry that even progressive and popular candidates who avail themselves of the CBP, and get through the town meeting, will get picked off by other independent candidates a la what Candidate did in the last election.

Either way, it should make for a couple interesting years. The CBP has a chance to either thrive or disappear. I think it is at a cross-roads. But then again, what the hell do I know...just read my tag-line below.

quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:

They seem to be doing a better job at promoting activities and shopping in Glen Ellyn

The last time I looked Morton Arboretum was in Lisle, the corned beef was being imported from Chicago and the beer was from Ireland. It sure doesn't sound like they are helping to promote anything in GE with this event.

Have you never eaten outside the borders of Glen Ellyn? Held a business dinner outside Glen Ellyn? Owned a business located outside our Jewel of the Western Suburbs borders? I seem to remember our very own District 41 board dining on some sumptuous meals at 120 Ocean Place when it was open. Granted, that was under someone else's watch...but it happens. Not every function can be held in Glen Ellyn. Now, if we had a VFW hall..that would be a different story.

quote:

2) the new residents are not properly informed of it;

Their website hasn't worked in months. Perhaps, if someone flicked a switch, we could all become enlightened.

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:

quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:

They seem to be doing a better job at promoting activities and shopping in Glen Ellyn

The last time I looked Morton Arboretum was in Lisle, the corned beef was being imported from Chicago and the beer was from Ireland. It sure doesn't sound like they are helping to promote anything in GE with this event.

Have you never eaten outside the borders of Glen Ellyn? Held a business dinner outside Glen Ellyn? Owned a business located outside our Jewel of the Western Suburbs borders? I seem to remember our very own District 41 board dining on some sumptuous meals at 120 Ocean Place when it was open. Granted, that was under someone else's watch...but it happens. Not every function can be held in Glen Ellyn. Now, if we had a VFW hall..that would be a different story.

This argument is a red herring. I wouldn't even waste your breath.

As I've always said about Glen Ellyn and the "shop in Glen Ellyn" crowd, give me places to buy the things the average person wants to buy, give me a place to get together where the average person wants to get together and give me places to eat where the average person wants to eat and I'll use Glen Ellyn all the time. As it is now, there isn't a lot there.

It would be great if Candidate could have his party at the boathouse...too bad the place is a piece of ****. But hey, we have a super-athletic-facility to look forward to.

quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by JustAResident:

Gotrocks- if you are refering to Go Downtown! then I think you need to take another look at the group.

JAR

I'm glad you think that GE revolves around GD. You take credit where credit is not due. Did GD invent the internet too?

After I read this I forgot to laugh. You need to clean up your original post then. First you wonder why GD is sponsoring the event, then trail off into muttering questions. If you are going to question groups, name them. It's not like you are making statements with your real name.

quote:

Originally posted by GE Fan:

quote:

Originally posted by Amy:
Mr. gotrocks,
I could be wrong but I believe the fundraiser to which you refer is in Pete's name but actually will fund other candidates who run when not accepted by the Civic Betterment Party....like I said, I could be wrong but that was the impression I was given.

I don't want to speak for Candidate but I don't think that is the case. At least I hope that's not the case. It is my understanding that it is to provide support to those candidates who are progressive and who support the concept of changing Glen Ellyn for the better...be it through the Civic Betterment Party process or not.

Amy and Fan you are both correct. I along with a growing number of residents (yourselves included) want to support positive change for this town. The CBP started out the same way but has mutated into a completely different creature. All that we want to see are some open minds and ears on the board. Minds creating and accepting new ideas and ears that listen to residents not whispers.
I would support candidates, CBP or not who possessed these qualities. If good candidates presented themselves to the CBP and were excluded than I would support them outside of that party.
Unfortunately many residents have become disenfranchised with the CBP including a number who have grown out of their own ranks. It is evident that people are losing interest in the CBP as their ranks are low and they cannot fill their own seats.
There is hope for the CBP and it may take a twelve step process but just like those twelve step processes you have to admit you have a problem and the CBP will not.
Who was it that said
"an organization contempt for change is destined for failure" ?
Oh that was Clam.
Never mind.

I actually said that a village that clings to its past with little regard to the future galvanizes its destiny. Either way...it was a totally awesome analogy. I am way smart. Probably stole it if I know me.

quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:

They seem to be doing a better job at promoting activities and shopping in Glen Ellyn

The last time I looked Morton Arboretum was in Lisle, the corned beef was being imported from Chicago and the beer was from Ireland. It sure doesn't sound like they are helping to promote anything in GE with this event.

The best thing about this event and those that will follow is that Glen Ellyn will reap the proceeds for years to come.

quote:

Originally posted by ronkas:

quote:

Originally posted by gotrocks:

quote:

Originally posted by JustAResident:

Gotrocks- if you are refering to Go Downtown! then I think you need to take another look at the group.

JAR

I'm glad you think that GE revolves around GD. You take credit where credit is not due. Did GD invent the internet too?

GD will tell you that I have been scathing in my criticism of their delivery. Sometimes they push harder than they need to. However, the passion is important.

...

Why don't you nice girls in GD just sit in the corner until it's your turn to take control of the community. And let's sand down those rough edges. They really do scratch when you bump up against us long timers.

...

Ron- don't give yourself too much credit. You have a different approach- an older approach that some of us don't agree with. Look back at your threads on the school ref you are very hard core. In person you are the same. You and your wife even insulted a friend of mine that you met about 10 minutes prior to insulting her. However, your views are always welcomed at GD, as is your presense at the meetings. Just because you don't agree with an approach does not make it wrong. Sometimes the group pushes because no one is willing to do the right thing. GD gives it their all, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I guess we are not happy to sit in the corner since someone has to clean up the mess that our "elders" made. Our generation is not content to sit back and watch what is happening. We were brought up to stand up and make things happen, for the good. Besides, who said the rough edges are on GD's side?

I will end with that I enjoy working with people who have opposing views- it often creates the best results.

quote:

You and your wife even insulted a friend of mine that you met about 10 minutes prior to insulting her.

Ron??? I just don't see that happening. Wait...yes I do. Last time I saw him he threw a martini on my lap.

So wait Clamato - I write all of that above and you don't even respond?

I hate you and your rough edges. Don't call me tomorrow.

My interactions with Ron have been nothing but pleasurable. But I wish he would stop calling me fat.