Let's narrow this down a bit.
Did anyone vote for the referendum?
Did anyone get hoodwinked into thinking that their taxes would go down and get a building built?

If you voted yes, and you are an informed voter, how can you complain about the "without raising taxes" mantra. The language was clear. The information available regarding what would happen to your taxes in response to a no vote was plentiful.

I can certainly understand if you have issues with the additional monies spent after the referendum and/or changes to the plan. The referendum passed quite easily and to think that everyone who voted yes was an ill informed boob, is as disengenuous as the PD's "no taxes" mantra you criticize.

We were told it was going to cost 7.4M it ended up cost 11.1 A fifty one percent increase.

So yeah we were hoodwinked. Were is the PD going to get the extra money from?.

The referendum did not pass that easily I believe it got fifty three percent of the vote.

quote:

Originally posted by middlein87:
...Nice job on the letter

Ditto. Nicely done.

quote:

Originally posted by jombl:
If you'll dig a little further you'll see plenty of criticism for [imonths[/i] before of the PD campaign's sleight of hand "shell game" in marketing the ref and its objectives.

I agree, there was plenty of criticism regarding the marketing tactics of the PD for this ref. Criticism implies knowledge. With the amount of criticism concerning the marketing, why didn't it fail spectacularly? There were few people more focused on the Schools at the time than I. I was informed as to the nature of the taxation from the PD. If you had knowledge and still voted for it, don't complain. If you voted for something you had no idea about, don't complain. If you voted against the ref and you had valid reasons, scream all you want. I just don't like "We were misled" or "hoodwinked" about our taxes, when this is clearly not the case. After the ref, and the additional monies spent, different story. I am talking about Mr B's letter to the editor regarding the referendum.

quote:

Originally posted by Rob Herbold:
If you voted yes, and you are an informed voter, how can you complain about the "without raising taxes" mantra. The language was clear. The information available regarding what would happen to your taxes in response to a no vote was plentiful.

I voted yes for the referendum in spite of the "without raising taxes" mantra. That slogan struck me as disingenuous at the time, but I still voted for the referendum because it seemed like a reasonable use of the money they were asking for. It bothers me that Commissioner Hess still uses that slogan. I can't imagine voting for him if he decides to run for reelection.

I also feel hoodwinked by Board and the process they used to expand the scope and cost of the project by such a large amount.

Rob...I love you like a sibling...but even you can appreciate that the letter was written simply to implore that certain individuals at the PD dispatch that idiotic and embarrassing rhetoric. I agree that now, four years after the fact, that every person in GE realizes that the building would not be built for free. But the confusion caused by the D41 debacle along with the slick "taxes stay the same/won't raise you taxes" B.S. campaign most certainly pushed this very close vote over the top. One last thing...if you think the voters in Glen Ellyn, DuPage County, Illinois, or the U.S.A. are knowledgeable and intelligent and well-informed on the majority of what they are voting for in any given election, then you and I have a great conversation topic to share over a couple of tepid Guinness Stouts at THG. Or we could meet at the bike racks after our respective workouts...but last I checked...there are no bike racks at which we can meet.

And, please, call me Jim.

Jim (I only use that to get free stuff in GE. I have more respect for you than that) -

I can agree that the timing of the ref was spectacular for the PD as well as the marketing and phraseology. I can also agree that tepid Guinness Stouts at THG is an effective form of discussion. I do not believe that anyone going to the polls is as armed with information as myself, but that does not alleviate them from blame.

All in all, I have to agree with part of your last paragraph, "Therefore, we need to understand that this wonderful new facility was indeed built and paid for by the citizens of Glen Ellyn..."

And please, feel free to call me anything as long as it's not late for THG.

Are you planning to run ackerman?? I will support you!

You should relocate your business to the CBD. Then your schedule should free up.

We signed up for a family membership costing $675 for a year. So far, the new sports and fitness center has worked out very well for our family.

During evenings and weekends when there, I have observed the exercise area, rock climbing area, walking track, basketball courts and turf field being utilized by a wide range of people - from tiny soccer and basketball players players to the most fit and experienced adults and even many senior citizens walking around the track together. It was especially nice to see the WDSRA hosting league basketball games for developmentally disabled residents recently.

It would appear from my observations during the many times I have been there that a lot of people are finding this facility to be a valuable amenity in our community.

Of course there are issues that require tweaks here and there. Management is actively requesting suggestions and comments from visitors. One recent change was the addition of more lighting to the fitness areas, as it had been a little too dim.

I was told the other day that the West Lacrosse Boys Team would soon be practicing on the turf before school. My high schooler has gone over several times to work out in the fitness area and use the rock climbing wall with friends. Open gym times are free to fitness members, too. These activities beat hanging out at the mall or sitting in someone's basement playing video games in my book.

I did not vote for this facility and the "without raising your taxes" line grated as sounding disingenuous to me. I think now, however, that a lot of people within the Glen Ellyn Park District boundaries may be just fine with having their taxes "not raised" as they utilize this new facility.

I also am glad to hear it is getting used. I hope it keeps up/increases.

I also hope the PD provides regular updates as to costs of running/maintaining this facility. (No, I do not expect public facilities to "turn a profit." But some cost more than others, and personally I tend to favor the less expensive ones.)