Batavians Against Debt ... who are you?
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SUsan SARKAUSKAS/ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com Signs opposing a new recreation center in Batavia have sprouted, but those responsible for the movement are not easily identifiable. |
Who are the people putting out the signs urging a "No vote against the Batavia Park District recreation center?
Batavians Against Debt.
Determining the identity of the group's leadership has been difficult.
"It's not organized, said Dave Richmond, who counts himself as a member. "It's more of a federation, added Richmond, who is Blackberry Township supervisor.
Richmond said like-minded people met at park board meetings and at the community forums the district conducted in late September and early October to discuss the proposal to build a recreation center, stores, and parking deck in downtown Batavia. The park district is asking voters' permission to borrow money to do so.
The group has a website, and has been handing out yard signs. The website does not list any officers, nor have people's names on it. There is an e-mail address for contacting the group.
Paperwork filed with the state board of elections indicate a lawyer from Peoria, Jack Teplitz, is the chairman and treasurer. Richmond said he has not met Teplitz, and is unsure if he is volunteering or was hired. He thinks a group member acquainted with Teplitz may have prevailed on him to handle the state campaign finance disclosure paperwork because Teplitz is familiar with the rules regarding it, Richmond said.
Another group member, David From, echoed that opinion, saying he had not met Teplitz either.
Teplitz has not returned repeated phone calls and e-mail messages seeking comment.
Richmond said he does not know who is paying for the signs, nor tasked with handing them out.
