Village strongly backs MainStreet

Over this past week there have been several occasions in which individuals have expressly stated that the village board and more specifically the mayor have decided to eliminate Libertyville Days and are trying to ensure the failure of the MainStreet organization. I write this letter to assure the community that these highly inaccurate rumors are being spread by individuals with no knowledge of the situations and are intentionally trying to cause alarm.

I have been on record in several newspapers over the past few weeks stating that the village board is very supportive of MainStreet and has committed themselves to help the organization to succeed. Further, in the event that the community does not step forward and help support the organization as they have in the past, the village has guaranteed that extremely popular programs such as Out to Lunch, Farmers Market and Pumpkin Fest will go on without a hitch.

We will also work with anyone who would like to help the businesses with all their other events. For anyone to spread such a rumor that the village is not supportive of the downtown and its businesses obviously does not know me, this board or the direction we have been taking. We know that every section of town is important to the success of Libertyville and that the downtown is no exception. I would urge those that are spreading the outright lies and rumors to stop.

Regarding the canceling of Libertyville Days, nothing could be further from the truth, In fact this past week at the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting we discussed several methods to help Libertyville Days succeed while controlling their costs. The village board has never discussed eliminating Libertyville Days and no different than the MainStreet gossip, I would urge these individuals to stop spreading this rumor as well.

Traditionally, both organizations have needed the support of the businesses and residents of Libertyville to succeed. At last count we were told that fewer than 300 residents actually support MainStreet. I challenge those individuals spreading the rumors to channel their energy to help the MainStreet and Libertyville Days organizations to solicit funds to ensure their successes.

I would also ask everyone who has enjoyed the success of these organizations over the years to donate money and volunteer their time, The village and MainStreet are committed to turn these situations around, but it cannot be done without the help of the entire community.

Jeffrey A. Harger

Village President

Libertyville