Municipal Services: Making Cities Work

Dear neighbors,

One of the most important aspects of any community is the quality of the municipal services that are provided. The key to being really successful in this arena means striking a healthy balance between the resources of the taxpayers and the costs to provide those services. As a school board member for the past 8 years this is something I learned a great deal about. As a community member I want the best for my home town - as a board member I must be ever mindful of the burden to our taxpayers. Striking that careful balance is a challenge all responsible elected officials must face.

I for one could not be more appreciative of the quality municipal services we have grown accustom to here in Evergreen Park. A cornerstone of my campaign has been that I hope to be an advocate for positive change, and this is something I truly believe in. In terms of our police, fire, and public works services I think we have some fantastic hard-working folks that are doing a fine job. If elected, my goal would be only to continue to support these services in every way possible. With all things, I am sure there is room for new ideas and it is critical to ensure that we are focused on continually modernizing our resources to ensure we have the tools to do these jobs as effectively as possible. I believe in doing things right or not at all.

As the District #231 Board President I worked directly with the Teacher’s Union to reach a mutually positive settlement to our most recent negotiations in record time. I sincerely believe that this is a direct result of the honest and open relationship formed between the Board and the Union. Bilateral communication, honesty, fairness, and mutual respect are the ingredients to any healthy long-lasting professional relationship. If elected, it is my desire to carry forward my experiences in these matters to support our Village leadership and Village employees as we work together to tackle future challenges.

For this conversation topic, please feel free to share your thoughts on the various Evergreen Park municipal services. I would like to hear about what people think our Village does well and what people think we should focus on in the future? Please visit my website at www.ctfortrustee.com or my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ctfortrustee to join the conversation or contact me. Don‘t forget the election is around the corner, April 7th 2015.

Chris Trzeciak
Candidate, EP Village Trustee