Carol Stream to host first town hall meeting -- with residents

For a few years now, representatives of Carol Stream's taxing bodies - from school districts to the fire department - have met privately each quarter to update each other on their activities.

They'll gather again Wednesday, only this time it will be part of a public forum.

The village will hold its first "Shape of Carol Stream" town hall meeting in what officials say is an effort to open a dialogue with residents.

"Elected officials need to let the community know what's going on," said village Trustee Don Weiss, who helped organize the forum. "The best spokespeople are those agencies."

The meeting will go from 7 to 9 p.m. at village hall, 500 N. Gary Ave., and is expected to feature park district and library board presidents; board administrators from four school districts; fire protection district board President Del Miller; and village President Frank Saverino.

"Every one of these agencies touches our residents," Weiss said. "It's a very important communication; a dialogue with our residents."

Itasca Bank and Trust Co. has been coordinating and sponsoring such forums in the area for 18 years. When Weiss attended one in Addison, he said he wanted to bring the idea to Carol Stream.

Bank and Trust Co. President Jack Mensching will moderate the event, as he has done since the meetings began.

"It's good government in action," said Senior Vice President Diane Middlebrooks. "It's a great opportunity. It provides this forum for residents to get to become better acquainted with their representatives."

Middlebrooks said postcards detailing the meeting were sent to all Carol Stream residents. At the forum, attendees will submit questions for consideration. After brief statements by each agency updating the public on its latest projects and highlights, the questions will be given to Mensching.

Those who cannot make it are encouraged to participate by e-mail or telephone; the event will be broadcast live on local access Channel 6.

Weiss said having a comprehensive list of representatives was important in making the event a potential success.

"We were very pleased to see the response," he said. "For a lot of people, it's new territory. It's the first time coming together in an open forum."