La Grange Should Promote Its Good Work: Resident

LA GRANGE, IL – A resident on Monday urged La Grange officials to do more to promote the village's good work.

"I do not believe it proactively informs residents of activities that are coming up," Ashland Avenue resident Madonna Walsh told the Village Board. "I learn more about what's happening in the village on Nextdoor and the Patch than I do from the village itself."

Walsh, a member of the village's Environmental Quality Commission, said she spoke as a professional corporate communicator.

"My suggestion would be to implement a proactive communications campaign toward residents that address the major issues, but also the good work that is going on and promoting activities in the area," Walsh said.

One missed opportunity is the water bills mailed to residents, she said.

"All that's in that envelope is a water bill," Walsh said. "It would be very easy to add a third-page flyer for all the activities that are happening and coming up in the next month or two."

Village President Mark Kuchler said the village could always do better with its communications.

"We look forward to working with you on some of those ideas," he said. "I know on those water bills, there may be issues because we use a third party. There is a spot on the water bills that we're allowed to put a message on at no charge, I believe. It's definitely something we can start incorporating."

Walsh said she was interested in volunteering to help the village with communications.

Kuchler said the village appreciated the offer and "will take you up on that."