Your Views: A Better Local Government

From the ambitious to the readily achievable, from upscale aspirations to the socially conscious, offered many ideas in response to this week's Community Agenda survey.

Let's take a look.

We asked: What are some services local governments provide that you appreciate?

• Recycling.
• Great schools.
• Food pantry.
• Library (extended hours/weekends)
• Great police service.

We asked: Are there other services you would like to see local governments provide?

• More library hours, expansion of services (more outdoor ice rinks in winter, etc.).
• They do plenty with the resources they have.

We asked: Do you believe local taxes are too high? Do you have any suggestions to lower taxes without cutting services and programs?

• YES. Put new projects on hold.
• No, taxes are not too high, especially given the alternative of raising debt, which is always a horrible idea.
• The cost of a free society is taxes. I see no waste in New Lenox.

We asked: What should the village focus on as the population grows over the next 20 years?

• Proper streets. No more Haven and Cedar Road type stuff.
• Transportation, roads and infrastructure. Providing the community with middle to higher class commercial opportunities.
• Roads and expanding the tax base.

We asked: Do you think your elected officials are accessible and communicate what residents want?

• Yes and more than most towns.
• Are they listening?
• Untouchable.

Agree, disagree or have more to say? Tell us in the comments and

Check back every Monday for new questions so you can share your ideas, suggestions and even your own questions.

Then, every Saturday, we'll publish some of the most interesting responses and begin to report on followup articles about the future of New Lenox and whether any of your ideas are being considered or could be possibilities for our village.

Have more to say? Email editor Michael Sewall at michael.sewall@patch.com.