Editorial: Compromise in Winfield an example for state, federal leaders
With one of the most contentious election campaigns now in the rearview mirror, it's heartening to read about government working and compromises reached.
That's the back story for an award the village of Winfield received from the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference.
As reported by the Daily Herald's Robert Sanchez, Winfield won the conference's 2016 "Best Innovation" award for an agreement it reached with Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital to provide a yearly $900,000 grant over the next five years to compensate Winfield for the services it provided the tax-exempt institution.
The agreement, reached at the end of last year, came after much back and forth between the village and hospital. In the end, the two agreed on a number between the $1.4 million sought by Winfield officials and the $500,000 offered by CDH.
"This could pave the way for how municipalities can work with large nonprofit institutions in the future to help defray costs and generate additional revenue for their residents," said Mark Baloga, executive director of the conference, of the "payment in lieu of taxes" agreement that is one of the first in Illinois.
"Our collaboration with the village of Winfield is designed to encourage economic development while stimulating the village's economy," CDH President Brian Lemon said in December.
Winfield Village President Erik Spande concurred after receiving the award: "Our compromise demonstrates that municipalities can work collaboratively with large, tax-exempt entities to help pay for essential public services and investments in road maintenance, economic development, public safety and technology."
How refreshing that the two entities - clearly each side needs the other - figured out a way to work together. It's an art that is sorely lacking at all levels of government.
Imagine if our next president could work with the House and Senate in a way where compromise is reached. It would help douse the flames of dissension that permeate politics in America today.
Imagine if Gov. Rauner and Speaker Madigan could work together in a way that moved Illinois into a much healthier financial position, protecting the most vulnerable while also changing its spendthrift ways.
Yes, Winfield and CDH reaching agreement is not as momentous as a federal immigration policy change or a state-backed pension-plan compromise, but it does show on a local level what can be achieved when two sides cement a working relationship for the betterment of the public.