Mayors, managers session productive
On Jan. 19, the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference presented its 2011 Legislative Priorities to an audience of 150 people. On behalf of the 32 member municipalities in the conference, I'd like to publicly thank the legislators who attended our presentation and engaged in a fruitful discussion about topics which affect our communities and their residents.
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, Senator Thomas Johnson, Senator Ron Sandack, Representative Linda Chapa LaVia, Representative Michael Connelly, Representative Michael Fortner, Representative Chris Nybo and Representative Darlene Senger reviewed and discussed the Conference's five priorities, two of which have been designated “critical.”
Leader Radogno and Representative Fortner joined conference Vice President Gary Grasso to consider the successful effort to enact some important pension reforms, and examine continued pursuit of more reforms for sustainability of both the community and the pension systems.
Senator Sandack and Representative Nybo offered ideas for conference members that are investigating ways to coordinate and consolidate municipal services, which may need legislative action.
Senator Johnson and Representative Fortner reassured municipal officials that they would support the revenues that have been used to provide basic municipal programs and projects.
Representative Chapa LaVia and Representative Senger expressed appreciation for municipalities that supported House Bill 5154 that protected the privacy of local government employees, and agreed to review two Conference proposals that would make minor changes to the Freedom of Information Act.
In addition, Representative Chapa LaVia encouraged municipal officials to join her in working with both sides of the aisle to be more effective in Springfield. Representative Connelly, a former village trustee and county board member provided several ideas and suggestions for Conference members to further enhance their effectiveness in Springfield.
David Brummel
Conference president
Mayor, city of Warrenville