What makes La Grange successful

La Grange is a wonderful community.  When our family first moved here in 1985 we were attracted to the great schools and good people.  However, the downtown was not so beautiful.  The sidewalks were cracked and broken, curbs were falling apart and we had empty storefronts.  But the village had a vision and recognized what could be.  So much of what makes La Grange a success happens behind the scenes, we take it for granted.  

The village started a program called Streetscape.  'Build it and they will come'. By replacing sidewalks, curbs, streets and adding trees and pavers the downtown would be transformed.  I was skeptical but understood the business application.  It was an investment in infrastructure that was the first step in the renaissance. Additional development took place with the traingle development (Trader Joes/Walgreens) and the rest as they say is history.  

It worked, our award winning downtown is rocking.  

In addition we continue to invest in our community (parking structure/thearte) and the less visible but really important streets, water meters and sewers.  These things aren't sexy but we all know the importance to the future of La Grange.  If it is anything from police cars to water drainage, when we need it, we want it, we don't want to think about it......and we want it to work.    

I am a trustee in La Grange and a candidate for Trustee in the April 9th election. I am running with Bill Holder and Dave McCarty because we think it is important to Keep LaGrange Working!