It's a Winnetka Tradition.
In 1890, social activist and Winnetka resident Henry Demarist Lloyd help found the Winnetka Town Meeting. With friends in high places, he provided a forum for residents to hear from such legends as Jane Addams and Clarence Darrow.
Chris Rintz, Dawn Livingston, Warren James, Melissa Mitchell and your $20+K.
Not exactly names destined for beaches, expressways or source material for movies, books and plays, but way more timely.
In 2020, Winnetka's median property tax was $20,740.37. No numbers yet for 2021, but you know what you pay.
These are the people who head the taxing bodies you pay it to. These are the Presidents of the Village, Schools, Parks, and Library Boards respectively.
Once a year, the Caucus Council invites them to the current iteration of Demarist's Town Meeting to tell Village residents what they've accomplished, what's on the docket, and what's on their minds for the rest of the year.
While their names aren't on the check, their stamp is all over the deliverables. They set the agenda for their boards. They prioritize the to-dos. They are accountable.
They or their predecessors have renovated and updated the lakefront, library, and school buildings. Added pots, planters, and pavers to make downtown more like a place people want to be. Worked Cook County to take your stormwater. Plowed streets and collected garbage, kept the parks and parkways looking good. Gave you holiday lighting, 4th of July Parades, and Covid-safe places for your kids.
Wednesday, they'll tell you what's next.
Hopefully, stuff like plans for D36's referendum, the Village President's vision for the Post Office site and that mother-of-all-eyesores, One Winnetka (the Village doesn't own it, but nice to know of any bone fide suitors), the Park District's dog park vs dog beach thing, and the Library's plan for its Master Plan. For starters.
Promises Made - Promises Kept
About that accountable part. Last Fall, the Caucus Council submitted the results of the Annual Survey (we hope) you took. Each Board committed to at least taking the Platforms and their Planks under advisement.
Considering that they're elected officials, and the Survey results were representative, it's probably good form to nod to the host. Wednesday night, you'll hear where they are on that.
15 Soon-to-be-Open Seats
Then there's this. At least three per board - including Village President - are up for grabs the next election cycle. The Caucus Council will interview and tee up candidates - as it did these four board heads. Expect some re-ups and some newbies.
You'll eventually vote on them, so this is a good place to get an idea for the talent, the skills, and what's still needed.
Enquiring minds. Ninety minutes vs countless hours of research. Informed decisions. Priceless.
Past Performance does not Guarantee Future Success
Enter, you.
These folks are volunteers. They know what they know - and what they learn from forums like this. Make them even better at spending your money. Come with questions, comments, concerns, insights. Be ready to share.
Cue: 12,428 grateful Winnetkans.
No Beverages or Appetizers Required
Ninety minutes with four of the Village's most influential people. Up close and personal in the zoom-room of your choice. And with virtual backgrounds, you don't even have to tidy up.
If you're not already on the Caucus email list, you have until midnight, Tuesday, April 12th to request your Zoom link. Pass the word.
Got questions? Submit them here to make sure they get asked.
FYI - Boards, Biographies, & Budgets
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Village
Winnetka School District 36
Winnetka Park District
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We aim to please. See you there!