Support for Independent Village Board Candidates: Letter

The following letter was written and submitted by Sue Pappas.

In the Fall of 2014, I signed a petition for Gene Greable's independent candidacy for Winnetka Village President. In that election cycle, the Caucus chose not to re-slate Mr. Greable for a second term, although they had slated him two years earlier. (He won that first, contested election against an independent candidate, Mr. Chris Rintz.). Interestingly, Mr. Greable, the "Independent", ran unopposed in his bid for a second term as Village President.

This entire episode tweaked my interest in the Caucus slating process and its continued viability. Why would the Caucus not have re-slated a capable, hard working, dedicated, current village president when it seemed apparent that no one else had applied for that position, unless, of course, his views on certain issues did not comport with the views of certain Caucus members.

Although I appreciate the work of many Caucus members, I do believe the system attracts and solicits many of the same people and/or like-minded residents year after year. The Independent candidates - Fessler, Prodromos and Ziv - who are challenging the caucus-slated candidates have created a healthy dialogue and have reached out to and engaged a large segment of our community in this important election process.

Options are a good thing. In my 43 years as a somewhat complacent/uninvolved resident, I applaud the efforts of the three women who have brought important issues to the forefront; they have succeeded in generating real interest in the pivotal issues that face our community. They have impressed me with their knowledge, competency and vision. They have provided our citizenry with a choice. Win or lose, their candidacies have been a good thing for Winnetka and do not deserve the Caucus' derision.

Sue Pappas