Round Lake Beach looks to connect with residents
A fresh year in Round Lake Beach comes with a new program to connect with residents.
Whether the monthly "fireside chats" with elected officials will draw public interest in the digital age is unknown, but the village has scheduled programs through April.
"We'll see what happens, but if you don't try, you don't know," said Village Administrator Dave Kilbane.
All chats will be at the Round Lake Beach Cultural Arts & Civic Center off Hook Drive just west of Route 83.
The first one features Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff and begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, with a meet-and-greet session. An informal discussion between Wyckoff and Mayor Rich Hill is scheduled from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. and will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Board members of the Municipal Clerks Association of Lake County will moderate.
"For 2016, we're trying to bring more communication between ourselves and the county and state," said Hill, who expects to be at all the sessions. The village will provide complimentary coffee and desserts.
There is no agenda, per se, and the discussion is expected to involve information of general interest from the featured guest, and give and take with any visitors who have questions.
Wyckoff said she was invited by the clerks association and will cover the various activities and services her office provides.
"I think there is particular interest in the various ways that people can both register and vote in the 2016 elections," she said.
Kilbane said the sessions are intended as informational rather than political events. Future guests are: Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim on Feb. 10, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor on March 9, and Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran Jr. on April 5.
"It will be nice for the public to have an opportunity (to see) how government officials work together, in an informal setting," Kilbane said. "It's also a chance for people to put a face to a name."
Depending on the degree of public participation, the proceedings may be recorded and made available on the village's website.
"We don't want to have forums. These are conceived as one sitting elected representative who will talk about what's going on in their area," Kilbane said.