Glenview Park District Referendum Campaigners Ask For More Cash

GLENVIEW, IL — Supporters of a $17 million Glenview Park District referendum are appealing for campaign donations. On March 20, voters will be asked to consider paying for a plan to renovate the Glenview Ice Center, provide improvements to The Grove and finance the purchase of open space.

In a fundraising letter, the group Citizens for Glenview Park District Bond Referendum said it has already raised enough money for two sets of mailings.

"We are in the final weeks of a very important campaign," the letter begins. "The Grove and Glenview Ice Center are in desperate need of updating and expansion."

The group said it needs another $13,500 to send two more mailings and "possibly" some more yard signs.

"Our community invested in these valuable facilities 40+ years ago and it is now time for us to reinvest in them for the next generation," the letter said, directing people to its website and requesting a $150 donation.

Glenview Park District commissioners voted 5-2 to put the referendum on the ballot, Pioneer Press reported in December. One of the two "no" votes, Commissioner Daniel Peterson, said he did not think $650,000 in taxpayer money should go to fund improvements to The Grove's entrance or increasing taxes by $1 million to buy open space since there already are other district funds devoted to purchasing open land.

According to state election board filings, the largest donor to the pro-referendum campaign has been the Glenview Stars Hockey Association. The nonprofit contributed $10,000 to the political committee last month. The Grove Heritage Association provided $3,000, construction firm W.B. Olsen kicked in $1,500 and the Glenview Blades contributed $1,000.

Glenview Park District video explaining facility needs at The Grove:

Glenview Park District video explaining facility needs at The Glenview Ice Center: