Most Island Lake candidates call for more transparency

Government transparency has become a watchword for activists and candidates in towns across the suburbs in recent years, and Island Lake is no exception.

Some candidates running for three seats on the village board in the April 5 election say officials need to do more to ensure the board and administrators are doing the public’s business openly. Others, say they are satisfied with how the board is conducting its work or have no concrete examples of how to make the village’s business more open.

Six people — all political newcomers — are running for election. They are: Charles Cermak, Shannon Fox, Allen Murvine, Thea Morris, Mary Piekarski and Joe Ptak.

All three seats have 4-year terms. They’re being vacated by three incumbents who are not seeking re-election.

The candidates were asked how the village should improve government transparency in questionnaires for the Daily Herald.

Fox said the village could improve how openly it conducts business by putting agendas for meetings on its website. That’s legally required if village staffers maintain the website, but Island Lake officials have said the work is done by an outside firm.

The village’s website typically features agendas for upcoming meetings, but they are not archived online. Summaries of previous meetings are not promptly archived online, either.

“If Island Lake is fully open to the community, then residents will no longer think there is something being hidden,” Fox said. “The best-kept secrets are the ones you don’t have.”

Morris targeted the village’s website, too.

“The schedule of meetings, agendas, all meeting minutes and recordings should be posted in a timely manner on the website,” she said.

Ptak agreed with Fox and Morris about utilizing the website more. He also said officials should seek public input on issues of concern to residents and local businesses.

Murvine said village leaders can boost transparency by improving existing communication channels and creating new ones.

“I believe we can further improve transparency and communication by creating a forum or channel for the citizens to ask questions, become of aware of village activity and business, make recommendations and provide feedback,” Murvine said.

Murvine cited local newspapers, the village website and board meetings as possible media for such communication.

Piekarski said the village should promote attendance at meetings and functions and encourage resident involvement. She did not explain how the village should take such steps.

Cermak said he attends board meetings and feels they are transparent.

“I will encourage more residents to attend regularly and not rely on second- or third-party hearsay,” he said.

Cermak did not address the Internet or other ways villages typically share information with the public.