I am writing to ask my fellow Libertyville residents—Democrat, Republican or Independent—to vote March 20 with two resounding yes votes in support of smart, nonpartisan, local government at work. Two Libertyville referendums ask residents to trust our village to negotiate lower rates for electricity (with individual opportunities to opt out) and to issue municipal bonds for faster-track road repair. The first is nearly certain to save us money on electricity; the second will add about $11/month in taxes for a $300,000 home. It’s important to know that putting this money into our village’s …

I recently received a direct mail piece from Louise Hayes and was upset to read her opinion regarding Republican candidate, Mike Nerheim. Ms. Hayes, who I know to be only a part-time Attorney in the Lake County State's Attorney’s Office, indicates in her mailer that Mike Nerheim puts the public at risk because of his occupation as a Criminal Defense Attorney.I am a 25-year veteran of Law Enforcement and my Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66, unanimously endorsed Mike Nerheim in his candidacy for Lake County State's Attorney. I was well aware of Mike's current occupation when the endorsement …

My name is Larry Bonk, I am the owner of Bonkers on Main in downtown Libertyville. I'm writing to you about a concern I have about the Libertyville High School not supporting Libertyville businesses. I have tried over the past two years contacting the high school about being a vendor at their concession stands. I was told that they were opening it to different businesses and we would need to fill out an application. I left numerous voice messages with the school and never received a call back or never had the opportunity to talk to them about the services I had to offer them. What I did find …

Dear Editor,   On behalf of Libertyville's Brainerd Community Center board of directors, I would like to extend a very heartfelt "thank you" to everyone who helped make this past weekend's Wine, Beer, Cigar and Food Festival a resounding success, for a second year in a row!    I am excited to announce that over 1,500 people came out to participate in the celebration held at the Brainerd football field.  The success can be directly attributed to those who made the decision to show their support for the Brainerd Community Center/Brainerd Building renovation project.  I would like to …

It is imperative to make the community of Libertyville aware of the professionalism of Fire Chief Rich Carani and the entire Libertyville Fire Department’s dedication in response to the devastating chain of events that occurred on the early morning hours of March 24. Our Fire and Police Departments responded to unusual circumstances as the result of the fire at my home and then another soon afterward on Cook Street. Chief Carani and his firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the fire in our home and responding to the next call soon afterward regarding then another incident just blocks …

By Mary Matthews, League of Women Voters of Lake County On a national, state, and local level, the League of Women Voters considers the redistricting process of paramount importance and one critical to democracy. The League of Women Voters of Lake County was pleased with the Lake County Board's outreach to it and two other organizations: NAACP and MALDEF. However, given the impact that the results of this process will have over the next 10 years, we are disappointed with the Board's attempt to make their work transparent. We  encourage the Committee to engage in: more outreach, more …

After retiring, I decided to volunteer where my heart was.  I now volunteer for two animal groups; Animal Education and Rescue (AEAR), and Alliance for Humane Action (AHA). These two wonderful groups have done a successful and compassionate job to help animals in need in Lake County and beyond! I am saddened and appalled to see the cruelty and/or neglect that so many animals have suffered. The stories never get better with time. Broken limbs, kicked, starved, tied outside with no shelter, food or water. That is just for starters. There are things that people can do, when they know of such …

Libertyville voters looking for Village Trustees to spend our tax dollars wisely should stay away from the incumbents on the April 5th ballot. And, ignore the endorsement of former Trustee Barry Reszel. You see, he and the three, a voting majority of four, all supported the placement of a 120-foot wind turbine tower too near a Libertyville residential neighborhood on February 4, 2009. This mistake, voted on near the stroke of midnight and without notice to the homeowners has yet to be rectified.   It cost the homeowners thousands in lost market value of their homes. It cost the village legal …

To the Editor: The key duty of our elected village trustees is to spend our tax dollars wisely. That’s why our annual Libertyville budget review includes two open budget workshops prior to its adoption—an all-day Saturday and a several-hour evening session. As we elect individuals to fill three seats on our Village Board, April 5, I believe it is important Libertyville residents know Drew Cullum, Donna Johnson and Nick Proepper attended and participated in those workshops; the fourth candidate on the ballot did not. Particularly in the current climate of financial uncertainty, in a year we’ve…

Libertyville voters, please pause for a moment in these days of riveting worldwide news to focus closer to home. On the April 5 ballot to elect our Village Trustees, three incumbents are running and one challenger, Jim Moran.  Jim Moran is a life-long resident of Libertyville; his family has lived here for nearly 100 years. Jim authored Images of America-Libertyville in 2006 reflecting his appreciation of our community’s heritage.  Jim hosts a website full of Libertyville news and links to all things Libertyville and Lake County at www.VillageofLibertyville.com.   Jim has been an active …

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network has set Jan. 24-28 as No Name Calling Week for 2011. This week is devoted to raising awareness about the verbiage we use to converse with one another and to combat bullying in our schools.   How sad that on the first day of this week, my son heard the terms “faggot” and other gay insults used multiple times while in the junior high locker room. As a gay youth, he is subjected to this sophomoric and hostile discourse on a daily basis. Although it is not always directed at him, it is meant for him and any other person who does not fit our society’…

When I took office 16 months ago, the state was facing serious financial difficulties, just like many of its residents. Unlike those ailing families and businesses that were forced to reduce spending, make cuts, and face the worst, the state kept spending money that we didn’t have, leaving us $15 billion in debt. Now, leaders in our state want to raise taxes on the responsible men, women and businesses that have already suffered more than their fair share. However, I agree with the thousands of people who have called, e-mailed, attended meetings or told me when I met them on their doorstep …