Mayors and Managers produces 'Issues at Hand' program
The DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference has launched a new public affairs program, "Issues at Hand," focused on the issues affecting residents' wallets and daily lives, conference President and Addison Mayor Richard Veenstra said.
The show, which will be available online and for use on public access television and social media channels, features mayors explaining the impact of policy set in Springfield on area municipalities.
"At DMMC, we've made it a top priority to keep our residents informed," Veenstra said. "'Issues at Hand' provides a forum that moves beyond sound bites to address, discuss and explain the complex challenges and issues facing municipalities across DuPage County."
As conference president, Veenstra has pledged to unify DuPage towns on key issues and protect local tax dollars as the state attempts to regain its financial footing.
Under his leadership, a primary goal has been to educate constituents about legislative proposals - such as a permanent property tax freeze - that might gain support from homeowners, but have consequences and could end up costing taxpayers more in the long run.
In the first 15-minute episode of "Issues at Hand," Veenstra, along with Mayors Steve Chirico of Naperville and David Brummel of Warrenville, discuss how property taxes factor into their communities' budget. The mayors also explore the potential impact of a permanent property tax freeze on local governments, schools and overall quality of life
Despite the fact that local municipalities receive a very small portion, roughly 10 percent of the overall property tax bill, that money often represents the primary source of a town's revenue.
A permanent freeze would reduce a municipality's revenue even further, restrict its ability to access needed funds and jeopardize vital public services such as police and fire protection, garbage pickup, road maintenance and snow removal.
The first episode and subsequent editions will be available on the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference YouTube channel. To watch the first episode, visit http://bit.ly/2CNM4SS
"Although Addison, Naperville and Warrenville are featured in the first episode, all DuPage County residents will find the content engaging and relevant," Veenstra said.
The conference has encouraged members of its 33 municipalities to broadcast "Issues at Hand" on public access television, post on social media channels and share with residents. Future episodes will tackle different topics.
"At its core, 'Issues at Hand' offers a new resource to connect with residents, while helping them evaluate and understand the local impacts of legislation set at the state level in Springfield," Veenstra said.
"As DuPage County mayors, we need to speak with a unified voice and maintain an inclusive and collaborative approach with lawmakers to solve issues for the good of our communities."