I am a former two-term Village trustee and shopping center owner. I am supporting Holland, Rintz and Lanphier for Village of Winnetka trustees.
That is not to say that I agree with all of them, all of the time.
I am also supporting the Village of Winnetka Caucus system.
That is not to say that the Caucus system is perfect. Where does a perfect political process exist?
But the Caucus is open to all. The caucus system has term limits and is an open democratic venue.
Within the Caucus system, interested members of our community can offer to be of service and have a civil conversation with their neighbors in an open selection process.
The alternative is a self-selection process and campaigns of distortion. We are observing this offensive process now on the national scene. Unfortunately, Louise, Chris and Penny are subjected to email blasts which take their statements out of context, and attempt to demonize and marginalize them.
Winnetka’s soul is better than that.
All of the candidates in the March 10 election are good people who seek what is best for Winnetka. However, it should be noted that two of the three non-caucus candidates were endorsed by WHOA in 2014; and based on WHOA communications, are now supported by WHOA. WHOA is free to endorse candidates. However, the point is – none of the six candidates are more “independent” than others.
However, Louise, Chris and Penny are the team with extensive development expertise as owners of shopping centers and mixed use developments. They are progressive, pro-growth neighbors who have, and will continue to work for positive change for Winnetka’s business community. They are the strongest team to advocate for Winnetka’s redevelopment options without carelessly subsidizing developers with: (a) Village assets, (b) Village money for infrastructure, or (c) density bonuses, just because a developer may have paid too much for the ground.
Monetary incentives are only necessary when a developer has paid too much for the site that is to be developed. No amount of dollars paid to outside real estate consultants changes that reality.
A vote for Louise, Chris and Penny on March 15 is a vote for Winnetka’s Caucus system where civil discourse prevails; and a vote for progressive pro-growth candidates who will not needlessly subsidize special interests at taxpayer’s expense.
Tom Eilers
Winnetka
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