Picnic with Progress, August 15

2nd ANNUAL
HANOVER PARK
PROGRESS PICNIC

Sunday, August 15, 2010, 12 pm- 3 pm

Pasta for Progress Save the Date, May

Save the date: Friday May 21, 2010 from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, Einstein School Gymnasium (1100 Laurie Lane).

Spaghetti Dinner, beverages and brownies for desert. $4 for adults, $2 for children 14 and under and free to children 2 and under. Contact Bill Cannon if any questions at 847-370-3471 or bill@schermerhorn-realestate.com.

Come, have a meal and learn what Progress means to Hanover Park.

End of Year Update: Working Toward Progress in Hanover Park

On April 7, 2009, the voters of Hanover Park voted for Progress in their hometown by electing new Trustees Rick Roberts, Ed Zimel Jr., and Bill Cannon, new Village Clerk Eira Corral, and re-electing Rodney Craig as Village President. In less than a year, the Progress Team took office and started to put our promises into action. 

Our Promise: Create an Open and Transparent Government
Our Actions:

Craig Named Northwest Suburban 2009 Newsmaker

This week, the Daily Herald named Mayor Rodney Craig as one of its 2009 Newsmakers

Northwest suburban 2009 newsmakers (click here to read entire article)
Daily Herald Staff Report
Published: 12/28/2009 11:59 AM

The Northwest suburbs had their share of newsmakers in 2009, like every other year. Here are several of the people we talked about during the past 12 months.

Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig:

He isn't the most popular figure in Hanover Park, but he became one of the most visible in 2009, when residents turned to Hanover Park Village President Rod Craig for answers when a sudden surge of violence struck the village.

Four murders occurred within two weeks in late May and early June, and the seemingly isolated slayings were preceded by several gang-related stabbings and shootings.

Craig spoke openly to reporters and to the nervous public in front of packed school gyms to start off gang awareness forums led by police. He tapped former Police Chief Ron Moser to take over as village manager, led an effort to secure stimulus money to hire more police officers, and called on area leaders to take part in a public safety committee he formed. In November, village officials approved a new $19 million police station, to replace the department's current cramped quarters.

The village of Hanover Park has been quieter for the last six months. And that's welcome news to its leader.

Hanover Park to build police station

We wanted tos hare the following article from the Herald:

Hanover Park to build police station
By Kimberly Pohl | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 12/17/2009

Hanover Park trustees scoffed earlier this year at a presentation proposing a new police station and village hall renovations to the tune of $27 million.

It took numerous meetings and revisions, but officials are now on board with plans to scrap the renovations and build a more modest 52,000-square-foot police station for $19 million. Plans to update an aging village hall have been put on hold indefinitely.

"We all want to drive Cadillacs, but that's not practical," Trustee Bill Cannon said. "The original excessive proposal was everybody's wish list and now it's been cut down to an efficient, responsible construction model to provide a police station our village so desperately needs."

A unanimous board recently approved steps toward a potential summer 2010 groundbreaking at 2015 W. Lake St, just east of the municipal complex. Specifically, they authorized the hiring of legal counsel to oversee the bond issue, contract negotiations with the architectural firm for final design of the facility, and a search to select a construction manager.

It's a welcome development for the Hanover Park Police Department, which has pushed for an expanded facility since 1998. Police Chief David Webb said that when the current police station was built, the department employed a total of 46 officers and civilian employees. Today, there are 102 officers and civilian employees.

"We are extremely cramped," Webb said. "We even had to convert a garage into an office for six people."

Village Manager Ron Moser, the former police chief, said preliminary numbers show minimal increases to property taxes. Should the village borrow $14 million, a property owner with a house worth $185,000 would annually pay $29 more in Cook County and $36 more in DuPage County.

Among the first steps is the demolition of the existing Mid-America buildings at the police station's future site after the tenants vacate in the spring. The village will also raze the existing salt storage facility and build a new one behind village hall. The police station annex at 2152 W. Lake St. will eventually be torn down.

Meanwhile, it will take at least five or six months from when architects begin work on the station's final design to the time construction can begin.

Cannon said that despite the negative financial climate, Hanover Park wasn't as dependent on sales tax revenue as its neighbors and therefore hasn't been as hard hit by the economy.

"We're in decent shape and can take advantage of the low cost of borrowing through bonds and contractors are desperate for work so we're able to get a bigger bang for the buck," Cannon said.
 

Hanover Park latest to ban video gambling

We wanted to share this article from the Daily Herald:

Hanover Park latest to ban video gambling
By Kimberly Pohl | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 11/6/2009 12:03 AM

Hanover Park has joined the ranks of more than two dozen local governments in the state to ban video gambling machines in bars and restaurants.

However, the ordinance passed at Thursday night's board meeting also leaves room to revisit the issue once the Illinois Gaming Board implements policies on how to roll out more than 40,000 of the slotlike machines - a development regulators say could be a year off.

"Once the rules get in place we'll have a better understanding of what's before us," Mayor Rod Craig said.

That future debate over whether to permanently enact the ban may be one-sided.

Trustee Toni Carter said she would never entertain the idea of allowing legalized gambling in Hanover Park because, "We have enough problems, and I believe the gangs, drugs and violence would only escalate once our citizens go home broke after sitting at these machines."

Trustee Bill Cannon said he also wouldn't get on board with allowing the machines, which the Better Government Association's executive director referred to as "the crack cocaine of gaming."

"When you have to go to gambling to balance your budget, you're not doing your job by cutting waste," Cannon said.

Even if the ban is lifted once regulations are in place, Hanover Park stands to see only minimal financial gain. Village Manager Ron Moser estimates the village would receive about $44,000 annually, as only four establishments are eligible for the machines. Under the video gambling expansion law, local governments would receive 5 percent of gambling losses and the state would get 25 percent. The rest is split between the establishment owners and terminal operators.

Since Gov. Pat Quinn signed a law legalizing the machines in an effort to help fund a $31 billion capital plan, a growing number of suburbs have banned them including Buffalo Grove, Rosemont, Naperville, Bloomingdale, West Chicago, Villa Park, Libertyville, Elburn, Elmhurst, Kildeer, Mettawa, East Dundee and Wheaton. Cook, Lake and DuPage counties have also banned the machines in unincorporated areas.
 

Neighborhood Watch Resumes

We wanted to send along this article from the Daily Herald.  The continuation of the neighborhood watch program was one of important pieces of our plan for public safety in Hanover Park as defined in the Progress Party Platform.  We continue to work to make our hometown a great place to live!

Hanover Park revives neighborhood watch program

Coming Together, Taking Leadership, Supporting Each Other

The following was posted on Mayor Craig's blog:

http://www.mayorrodcraig.com/2009/06/coming-together-taking-leadership.html

Memorial Day in Hanover Park

Yesterday, our Hanover Park Veterans' Committee sponsored a ceremony to recognize the contributions made by our hometown Veterans.

Progress Team Sworn Into Office

On May 7th, the Progress Team was sworn into office. They are already moving the Village government in new directions. 

Thank you to all of our supporters! 

It's a Sweep!

Dear Friends,

At 8pm this evening, Mayor Rod Craig declared victory on behalf of the Progress slate.  The Progress Team won nearly 77% of the vote.  The people have spoken and Progress has come to Hanover Park. 

The Choice on April 7th: Progress or More of the Same

The Choice on April 7th: Progress or More of the Same

On April 7th, the voters of Hanover Park will be faced with one of the most important elections of the last two decades.  They will be making the choice for Progress or for more of the same.

Laborers' District Council Endorses Progress!

We carefully reivew all canddiates and elect those individuals who stand up for the issues and the needs of this union's hard working women and men. 

The Locals of the Laborers District Council of Chicago and Vicinity support The Hanover Park Progress Slate, the Candidates are as follows:

Planning Makes Public Safety Possible

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Progress Party Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Planning Makes Public Safety Possible

Examiner Endorses Progress in a POWERFUL Statement

Today, the Examiner of Hanover Park has issued a powerful statement in support of Hanover Park Progress.  We want to share the Examiner endorsement with you:

from The Examiner of Hanover Park, April 1, 2009
Hanover Park, For Village Board: Rodney Craig and the Progress Party

Zimel a 'workhorse' who'll get job done

Zimel a 'workhorse' who'll get job done
Letter to the Editor, The Daily Herald, March 31, 2009

I am both a business owner and resident of Bartlett. I have met some very key individuals in my daily life and certainly one that stands out more than the others is Ed Zimel.

Ed has been instrumental in running the Streamwood Chamber of Commerce for many years now. He was one of the founding fathers of the chamber's Leads-To-Business group and was their 2005 Business Person of the Chamber.

He has held many different board and committee positions within the chamber as well (showing his diversity to lead). Ed is also on the Village of Hanover Park Development Commission.

Bottom line, Ed Zimel is a workhorse and very committed to not only the Streamwood chamber but to his city of Hanover Park as well.

Ed is currently running for a trustee position with the "Hanover Park Progress Team." I don't believe he has received the just due recognition he truly deserves. The citizens of Hanover Park want someone they can trust and someone who will keep their taxes low and in balance.

In my opinion, Ed deserves the chance to show all of us what a fine trustee he will make. He certainly has my backing and support. I encourage all the Daily Herald readers to follow my lead.

Good luck, Ed!
Craig Ochoa

Talking to Residents and Getting Ready for April 7

The Progress candidates have been out talking to residents about the issues that face Hanover Park.  The April 7th election is quickly approaching, and more and more taxpayers are taking a stand for Progress.  You can join our email list, volunteer to help us, or just tell your neighbors about us.  Together, we can work to restore pride in Hanover Park.

Here is a photo of a recent coffee held to support the Progress Team.

Why Have Our Opponents Done Nothing on Parking?

Why Have Our Opponents Done Nothing on Parking?

Our opponents are trying to make parking into their key issue this election, but they have controlled the village board for over twenty years.  They have had numerous opportunities to address the parking issue. 

This issue is especially important for our multifamily homes and duplexes where parking space is extremely limited. A year ago, Rod Craig has met with two homeowners associations to address this issue.  He tried to get this on the Village Board agenda, but our opponents blocked this issue from even being heard. 

It is ironic that our opponents are trying to turn this issue into their campaign issue when they are the ones responsible for the current state of parking regulations in Hanover Park. 

Below is a letter from a Hanover Park resident that was published in the March 16th issue of the Daily Herald:
 

Final Progress Interview Online Now

This evening Village President Rod Craig and Trustee Candidates Rick Roberts and Ed Zimel were interviewed on the online radio show, Today's Political Landscape.

Visit theToday's Political Landscape Web site to listen online,

Teachers Endorse Mayor Craig

In a rare move for Hanover Park elections, District 211 teachers have endorsed Rod Craig for Village President on April 7th.  This is the first time that a local teachers union has voiced their opinon about a Hanover Park election.

The endorsement letter says:

Connecting Educators and Residents

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Progress Party Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Connecting Educators and Residents

Regional Leaders Step Forward to Support Mayor Craig

Regional Leaders Step Forward to Support Mayor Craig

Click here to view photos from the event

Daily Herald takes a strong stand for Progress!

Today, the Daily Herald has recognized what an increasing number of residents have known.  That is, the Hanover Park Progress slate has the correct stand on the issues and that we better represent the needs of the people of Hanover Park. 

The Herald has taken a strong stand supporing Rod Craig, Rick Roberts, Bill Cannon, and Eira Corral.  Clearly, the editors at the Daily Herald have taken a stand for Progress. (See article pasted below)

Endorsement from the United Hellenic Voters of America

Public Safety and Leadership

For Immediate Release
March 19, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Party Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gamil.com

Public Safety and Leadership

Progress Candidates Online Interview

This evening Village President Rod Craig and Trustee Candidates Rick Roberts and Ed Zimel were interviewed on the online radio show, Today's Political Landscape.

Visit theToday's Political Landscape Web site to listen online,

Progress Candidates to be Interviewed on Online Radio Show

Want to learn more about Hanover Park Progress?  Listen to Rod Craig, Rick Roberts, Ed Zimel, and Bill Cannon live online March 18th!

The Hanover Park Candidates will be appearing together on the online radio show Today's Political Landscape.  This week the show's host, Joe Bechtold will interview the Progress candidates about key issues facing Hanover Park.

New Candidate Videos Now Online

We have added new candidate videos to our Web site.  You can access them by clicking on the links below:

• Rod Craig for Village President 
• Eira Corral, for Village Clerk 
• Rick Robert for Village Trustee
• Ed Zimel for Village Trustee
• Bill Cannon for Vilagle Trustee

Going with Progress

This past weekend, I was so impressed when I got a knock at my door from Bill Cannon of the Hanover Park Progress slate. It is clear that this group of leaders cares about our hometown and that they are working hard for the betterment of Hanover Park.

While Mr. Cannon was at my door, we discussed the need for police support, the possibilities that wind energy presents for our town, and the new approaches that the Progress team intends to take when in office. On April 7, I will be voting for the Hanover Park Progress ticket. I urge you to vote for them too!

Supporting Progress

The Following letter was published in the Daily Herald: 

If the CommUnity Party are elected to office in Hanover Park, I might consider moving out of town. I have never seen a local political campaign that is so negative and propped up on lies.

Supporting Craig and Progress

The following letter was published in the Daily Herald:

My name is Shirline Franz and I am the wife of the Rev. Dr. Franz of Hanover Park. Rev. Franz is a veteran and a resident of Hanover Park since 1985. I am a resident of Hanover Park since March of 2002.

Ed Zimel Online Interview

This evening, Bill Cannon, Candidate for Village Trustee was interviewed on the online radio show, Today's Political Landscape.

Visit theToday's Political Landscape Web site to listen online, or

You can listen Now (flash player required):

Supporting Cultural Inclusion & Diversity

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Party Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Supporting Cultural Inclusion & Diversity

Proposed Layoffs Make No Sense

The recent layoffs of Village employees proposed by the Village Manager delineates a new direction for the Village of Hanover Park that does not make sense.  Trustee Carter asked for a wage freeze with no bonuses for Department Heads.  The Village Manager then appealed to protect his “Department Heads as the most important employees who carry out the mission of the Village.”  It was a moment of disbelief for me.  First I was appalled to learn that department heads were receiving bonuses of taxpayer dollars from the Village Manager as these have never been discussed at any budget meeting I have attended.  Secondly, I strongly feel that the rank and file employees, those on the street, protecting our homes and handling day to day business with residents and businessmen are the most important employees who carry out the mission of the Village.  So, I asked the Village Board members if they agreed with the Village Manager.  Community Party members all voted to support the Village Manager’s proposal. They believe that raises and bonuses for the highest paid employees are in order while reducing the staffing.  

During these difficult economic times, our residents are counting on our Village to deliver needed services.  Foreclosed homes and financial hardships put a strain on property upkeep, which drives our property values down.  Now, we are cutting jobs of long-time employees.  This is especially unfortunate at a time when government bodies should refrain from contributing to out-of-control unemployment.  I have not seen evidence that these job cuts are the only way to make the Village budget work.  The Village Board has not been presented with any alternatives to these cuts.  Until the Village Board completes a review of the budget presented by the Village Manager, no terminations should occur.   The Village Manager is fully aware that I do not approve of the employee terminations given the selective process being used and the lack of alternatives provided to the Elected Officials. 

Hanover Park Progress is devoted to deliberative, open government, where the Village Board sets the vision of our hometown.  This vision should be created with the input from residents as part of an open process which includes budgeting and yearly objectives.  The Progress team does not believe that the Village Manager should set the direction for the Village. The Board should not have to react to the actions of the manager.  This puts the elected Trustees in a reactionary position, which emphasizes the needs of the Village Manager and department heads above the needs of the residents.  It is time to put the needs of the taxpayer first!    

The decision of the Village Manager to place the needs of Department Heads ahead of the working employees is a sad reflection on where this organization is today.  This is pretty embarrassing dialog and in total misalignment with my own personal values as a retired manager of a multi-billion dollar organization.  As a manager, I understood that my success was based on the success of the people who worked in the trenches.  I went out of my way to acknowledge that fact and give recognition to those individuals' hard work that made our organization successful.  It has become most unfortunate that the Village Manager dictates policy for the Board Majority who have become a rubber stamp for the demands of the Manager. 

It’s time for a change!  It’s time for taxpayers to have a say in their Village!  It’s time for a cohesive Village Board that is willing to work together in a consensus environment and is willing to listen to the needs of the residents.  It’s time for Progress in Hanover Park! 

Rod Craig   



 

Progress at the Pub March 21st

You are invited to a special event to Support Progress!

Progress at the Pub!

Bill Cannon Online Interview

This evening, Bill Cannon, Candidate for Village Trustee was interviewed on the online radio show, Today's Political Landscape.

Visit the Today's Political Landscape Web site to listen online, or

You can listen Now (flash player required)

Hanover Park Pride

For Immediate Release
March 2, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Party Chair,
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Hanover Park Pride
 

Bill Cannon Taking a Stand for Integrity in Village Government

For Immediate Release
February 26, 2009
Contact: Rick Roberts, Party Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Bill Cannon: Taking a Stand for Integrity in Village Government

The Police Station and the Need for Open Government

HANOVER PARK, IL--The recent plan proposed by Village Staff to entirely rebuild the Village Complex is wasteful and represents the problems that exist within our Village Government.  Oversight by elected officials and input from taxpayers is essentially non-existent.  The current Village Board does not operate as a leadership team that provides a vision for staff and sets a direction for the future.  For these reasons, Hanover Park Progress has taken a stand for open, transparent government.  The Progress Team is committed to returning Village Government to the people. 

Following his election in 2007, Mayor Craig took a stand for openness and accountability.  In response, the majority that controls the Village Board changed the rules of order to take away Mayor Craig's ability to call a meeting, which has been the prerogative of the Mayor since the founding of Hanover Park and it is a Statute of the State of Illinois.  The actions of the majority that controls the Village Board have essentially given more policy authority to the village manager than to the mayor. 

Over the last two years, the Village Board has essentially become a rubber stamp for the village manager.  The Board provides little to no leadership or oversight.  They do not research, they do not question staff, and they do not thoroughly vet the actions of our Village Government.  Their typical action is to consent and rubber stamp the the Board Agenda without public debate or discussion.

Now, despite the desperate needs for more space of the Hanover Park Police Department, our opponents say that they will do nothing.  Our Police Station is outdated and too small.  The Village Staff presented a plan with an outrageous $27 million price tag, which was created with no resident oversight.  Village Trustees and the Village President were informed of this price tag for the first time at last week's Village Board Meeting.  There was no discussion, workshops, or taxpayer input.  Now, our opponents say that they are not going to build a new Police Station at all, which was the original intent of the plan.  Hanover Park needs a workable plan for a new Police Department.  Hanover Park Progress is committed to supporting the Police Department, and we need a realistic plan to offer this support. 

We need open, transparent government in Hanover Park.  For this reason, Hanover Park Progress has proposed the following items in their party platform. 

Create an Open and Transparent Goverment: Return Effectiveness to the Village Board by providing new leadership within the village

Mayor Craig Online Interview

Last night, Mayor Rod Craig was interviewed on the online radio show, Today's Political Landscape. 

Visit the Today's Political Landscape Web site to listen online, or

Supporting Open Transparent Government

For Immediate Release
February 24, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Party Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Supporting Open, Transparent Government 

Latino Business Owners in Hanover Park are Celebrating the candidacy of Eira Corral

The Latino Business Owners in Hanover Park have come together to support the candidacy of Eira Corral and the entire Hanover Park Progress slate, and ALL of Hanover Park is invited.

The information about the event is listed below. You can view the official invitations at these Web addresses:

Village Hall Plans Represents Our Broken Government

This is from Mayor Craig's blog:

http://www.mayorrodcraig.com/2009/02/village-hall-plans-represents-our.html

Ed Zimel Bringing a Voice to the People

For Immediate Release
February 19, 2009
Contact: Rick Roberts, Progress Party Chair,
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Ed Zimel: Bringing a Voice to the People

Rick Roberts Online Interview

Last night, Rick Roberts was interviewed on the online radio show, Today's Political Landscape. 

Visit the Today's Political Landscape Web site to listen online, or

Supporting Business at Three Levels

For Immediate Release
February 17, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Party Chair, Hanover Park Progress
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Three Levels to Supporting Business

Candidate Spotlight on Rick Roberts, Candidate for Village Trustee

For Immediate Release
February 12th, 2009
Contact: Rick Roberts, HP Progress Party Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Rick Roberts: Taking Pride in Hanover Park

Eira Corral Online Interview

Tonight, Eira Corral was interviewed on the online radio show, Today's Political Landscape. 

Visit the Today's Political Landscape Web site to listen online, or

Making Public Safety Our Priority

For Immediate Release
February 9, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Hanover Park Progress Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Making Public Safety Our Priority

Eira Corral Featured on Online Radio Show February 11th

Dear Neighbors,

Want to learn more about Hanover Park Progress?  Starting Wednesday, February 11th, you can listen to our candidates online!

Candidate Spotlight on Eira Corral

Spanish Version

Eira Corral Standing for Leadership, Inclusion, and Efficiency

Environmental Stewardship and Energy Conservation

For Immediate Release
February 3, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Hanover Park Progress
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Evironmental Stewardship, Energy Conservation, and Financial Responsibility
 

Candidate Spotlight on Rod Craig

Mayor Rod Craig: Bringing Hanover Park Together

"This campaign is about the future of Hanover Park.  It's not about me, and it's not about any of the other candidates," stated Rod Craig, Village President of Hanover Park.  "This campaign is about what we can do together." 

Since his election as Village President, Rod has actively worked with residents, volunteer organizations, religious groups, and regional leaders. Rod has pushed for more funding for the police department, sustainable energy solutions, the creation of the Cultural Inclusion and Diversity Committee, the revitalization of the Environmental Committee, and improved relationships with our surrounding communities and elected officials. 

Now that Rod has served as Village President for two years, he is working to transform the entire Village Board.  "I have gone out into Hanover Park to find a new generation of leadership. First, we brought people together to form Hanover Park Progress, and through this group we have brought together some great and caring people to run for office.  Our candidates have decades of leadership experience," Rod pointed out.  "They are neighborhood volunteers, youth volunteers, and business leaders, and I am proud to have them as friends and colleagues."

Over his tenure in office, Rod has found creative ways outside of Village Hall to address needs in the community.  He brought together religious and community leaders to help organize the Hanover Park Community Resource Center that serves the Greenbrook area of Hanover Park. Following a pair of homicides, Rod reached out to Congressman Roskam, Representative Crespo, and area Clergy to come together and build a coalition to address crime prevention in the community. When gas leaks threatened residents surrounding the Mallard Lake Landfill, Rod worked with Senator Roskam's office, State Senator Millner, the Illinois EPA, and the US EPA to ensure that residents were safe. Over the last year, 27 School Districts, 4 Community Colleges, and 3  municipal governments have joined the Wind Energy Alliance.  Representing this group, Rod has worked to get legislation HB 6660 in Springfield so that wind farms can be jointly constructed by School Districts, College Districts, and Municipalities in wind farms outside of the suburban area.  

The bottom line is that Rod believes in people.  He noted, "We will have challenges that face our community, but we can bring caring people together to work towards solutions that bring pride to our hometown."


-----------------------------------
Want to help us bring Progress to Hanover Park? You can help us in two ways:

First, forward this message to your friends and family who live in Hanover Park.  Or, just tell them about it!  By spreading the word, you help us reach out to voters.

Second, donate online or by mail.  Your contribution helps us to afford the many costs to running our campaign.  You can contribute online here:

http://www.hanoverparkprogress.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute. 

Or, you can contribute via check made out to Hanover Park Press.  Send checks to:
Hanover Park Progress
PO Box #1232
Streamwood, IL 60107

Crime Prevention in Hanover Park

We wanted to share this article from today's Daily Herald that highlights some important issues facing Hanover Park.  While the reduction of crime in Hanover Park follows the statewide trend, Hanover Park is not benefiting from this downward trend as it might, which is why the Chief of Police has requested an increase in staffing to match regional standards.

The reduction of crime is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers.  The following issues (some of which are highlighted in this article) are cause for concern: 

Bringing People Together

Bringing People Together

HANOVER PARK, IL--Since the election of Rod Craig as Village President, he has brought people across Hanover Park together to solve problems.   The members of Hanover Park Progress understand the importance of having a team that works with leadership and cooperation. They aim to support Mayor Craig's efforts with quality debate and complete staff work to support those efforts, once elected on April 7th. 

"The strength of Hanover Park is its people," said Eira Corral, Candidate for Village Clerk.  "As Village Clerk, it will be one of my goals to reach out to the people in our town to work toward progress across all cultural boundaries.  Together we can make a difference and achieve better solutions." 

The Crime Prevention Advisory Board is exemplary of the sort of effort that Hanover Park Progress seeks to continue. This past November, Mayor Craig brought together police leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, State Representatives, our Congressman and other elected officials to address crime prevention in Hanover Park.

The Wind Turbine Alliance is a regional effort organized by Mayor Craig that has brought together regional leaders to work toward more sustainable and cost-effective energy options.  What began as an idea from Keeneyville School District, the collaboration with College Districts, and Municipalities just makes sense.  Mayor Craig has a passion to seek solutions to avoid raising taxes by working with our School Districts, State Officials like our Congressman and State Representatives to support green initiatives. Bi-partisian issues are resolved and moved forward like the Wind Turbine Alliance objective.  A reality requires grass root support that is being modeled today to make shared wind farms a reality across Illinois.

Hanover Park's Cultural and Diversity Committee is another example of people coming together to address issues facing our town. This committee, supported by Mayor Craig and led by Trustee Carter, held a community event "Surviving the Economic Crisis" in December of this past year. This exceptional success was acknowledged by many as having value for families by those who attended from outside our town. 

The Environmental Committee was unpopulated for years when resurrected by Mayor Craig.  This team has been growing and working together preparing for future challenges.  This group is exploring opportunities for community development, cost savings, and growth that have less impact on natural resources. This includes options for water conservation, recycling, and alternative energy options.

Another group of residents working for progress under the direction of Mayor Craig is the recently created Mayor's Veterans Advisory Committee. This group, chaired by Rick Roberts, is working to identify veteran’s needs and recognize the sacrifices made by Hanover Park citizens who served their country.

"The motto of Hanover Park Progress is that we 'stand for people, not politics,'" notes Rick Roberts, candidate for Village Trustee. "These are not just empty words for us. We want to follow the leadership of Mayor Craig and include all of our citizens in making Hanover Park a great place to live."

Mayor Craig has reached out to find volunteers, business, and religious leaders who care about Hanover Park. These people have come together to form Hanover Park Progress in order to support Mayor Craig's existing efforts and to contribute their energy to new efforts.  It's time for Progress in Hanover Park.

Vote for Progress on April 7th!
Rod Craig for Village President
Eira Corral for Village Clerk
Rick Roberts for Village Trustee
Ed Zimel for Village Trustee
Bill Cannon for Village Trustee

-----
Want to help us bring Progress to Hanover Park? You can help us in two ways:

First, forward this message to your friends and family who live in Hanover Park.  Or, just tell them about it!  By spreading the word, you help us reach out to voters.

Second, donate online or by mail.  Your contribution helps us to afford the many costs to running our campaign.  You can contribute online here: http://www.hanoverparkprogress.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute.

HPP Shows Wide Support with Over 1000 Signatures

For Immediate Release
January 19, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Hanover Park Progress Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com

Hanover Park Progress Shows Wide Support with Over 1000 Signatures
 

Candidates File for Hanover Park Village Office

For Immediate Release
January 19, 2009
Contact Rick Roberts, Hanover Park Progress Chair
hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com
 

Candidates File For Hanover Park Village Office

Bus Route 554 in Hanover Park

We wanted to share this recent blog post from Mayor Craig's blog:

http://www.mayorrodcraig.com/2009/01/pace-route-554-in-hanover-park.html

Eira Corral Featured in Hoy Newspaper

Eira Corral, Progress candidate for Village Clerk was featured in the Hoy newspaper, Latinas se postulan en los suburbios, Eira Corral, en Hanover Park...

We are proud of the leadership the Ms. Corral provides our party. You read her biography ahd watch her video here.

Mayor Craig Announces Retirement from FAA

On this blog, Hanover Park's Village President (and HP Progress candidate) Rod Craig announced that he will retire from his full time job at the Federal Aviation Administration and focus full time on the issues facing Hanover Park.  You can read the entire article here: Reflections on a Career.

Church Deacon Fought the Good Fight

We want to pass along this article from the Herald about Gary Johnson.  Gary was the treasurer of Hanover Park Progress and a founding member.  We are greatly saddened by the loss of this dear friend and community volunteer.  There are few like Gary.

Church deacon 'fought the good fight'
By Kimberly Pohl | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 12/31/2008 12:04 AM

Pastor Matthew Black references a favorite Scripture when remembering his longtime friend and colleague Gary Johnson.

"'I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,'" said Black, reciting 2 Timothy 4:7. "That was him all the way. He finished everything he started."

Johnson, a deacon at the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Hanover Park, died early Christmas Eve. He was 68.

Family believe a hip injury he sustained in September on a missionary trip caused a blood clot, triggering a heart attack on Dec. 23. Loved ones were at the hospital singing hymns to Johnson, who woke up from his coma and lifted his hands seconds before he passed away.

The Kansas native and longtime Hanover Park resident worked as a financial consultant and used his background to assist members of his church, where he also served as treasurer and taught Sunday school.

"He helped many families get out of debt and helped us be wise enough with our finances that we bought land to hopefully build new facilities," said Black.

Always one to volunteer, Johnson used to host a local TV show as part of the village's community relations committee.

Johnson was also treasurer of the Hanover Park Progress Party, formed in July by a small group of residents to fight what they call a "culture of no."

"He felt much of the leadership was never in agreement on a number of issues," said Black. "He thought the party would strive for compromise to move forward."

Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig said Johnson was a grounded, widely respected man.

"He didn't want to run for office, but still wanted to contribute," said Craig. "He always found the time to reach out to his neighbors."

In the fall, Johnson and his wife Judy celebrated their 46th anniversary on a church mission trip in Zumarraga, Spain, where they helped convert a 300-year-old Basque farmhouse to a Christian camp and conference center.

He's also survived by children Jim Johnson and Lisa Antonucci and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tabernacle Baptist Church Library Fund. Call (847) 882-5580 for further information.

Happy Holidays

The members and candidates of Hanover Park wish everyone a happy and blessed holiday season.

Making Public Safety Our Priority

We watned to pass along this article that was posted to Mayor Craig's blog. The members of Hanover Park Progress support the Leadership Team and Mayor Craig's effort to reach out to community leaders, support our police department, and promote public safety.  We invite all residents of Hanover Park to work with us as we make Progress a reality for our hometown.

Advisory Group Formed to Combat Rise in Violence in Hanover Park

Postage for Progress

The candidates and volunteers for Hanover Park Progress continue to work and plan for the April 2009 election, but we need your help.

Even though we are using email, the Web, and talking directly to Hanover Park residents, one of the best ways to reach all of the voters in Hanover Park is through the US mail.  This may seem like an old fashioned tool in this age of technology, but this is a very important way to get our message into the hands of the people of Hanover Park and to get them to visit our Web site to learn more.

As you can imagine, sending out a mailing to the thousands of voters in our town costs thousands of dollars.  You can make our election mailing possible by pledging to support the cost of postage to your fellow residents.  If each of us volunteers to support 10, 20, or 30 people, this will not be a heavy burden for us individually, but it will pay big returns in getting our message out to our neighbors.

What can you pledge?

10 residents @ $.42 = $4.20
20 residents @ $.42 = $8.40
30 residents @ $.42 = $12.60
40 residents @ $.42 = $16.80
50 residents @ $.42 = $21.00
100 residents @ $.42 = $42.00
200 residents @ $.42 = $84.00

We are working to run an efficient and effective campaign, but we can't do it without your help.  Getting our message out to the people of Hanover Park is a vital piece to victory in April. 

Donate online: 
http://www.hanoverparkprogress.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute

Progress at the Pub Photos

We had a great fundraiser at the Prairie Station Pub in Hanover Park.  Here are a few photos. 

Join the Fight Against the Cook County Tax Increase

Join Fred Crespo's Stand Against the Cook County Tax Increase!

Hanover Park Progress is supporting State Representative Crespo's efforts to remove the Cook County tax increase.  Download the pepition, Sign Crespo's petition, ask your neighbors to sign, and send this to Crespo's office.:

A Couple Special Thank Yous

We want to send out a special thank you to Christina Gonzalez and her brother Larry Gonzalez from Taqueria los Comales in Hanover Park for the use of their steam table at our booth during the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

We also want to thank Sweet Baby Rays of Elk Grove for making our weekend successful. 

HP Progress in 50th Anniv. Parade and Family Fest Booth

Thank you to all of the people who gave their time and energy to make Hanover Park's 50th Anniversary weekend a success for Hanover Park Progress.  We had nearly 30 people marching with our group (pictured below) in Saturday's parade.  We would have had more, but so many of our supporters were marching with sports team and community groups.  Our booth at the Family Fest (selling pulled pork sandwiches and mangoes) was very successful.  Thanks to all of our volunteers!

 

Hanover Park Progress Members Announce Intentions to Run for Village Office

For Immediate Release, August 13, 2008

Hanover Park Progress Members Announce Intentions to Run for Village Office
 
HANOVER PARK, IL-Several members of Hanover Park's newest political party, Hanover Park Progress, have announced their intentions to be candidates for the April 2009 municipal election.  This new party was formed in July of 2008 by Hanover Park residents seeking to address the needs of the village's residents and businesses.  The party members expressing interest include current Village President Rodney Craig, who will again be running for the Village's top spot.  Others expressing interest in running for the Village Board will be property manager William Cannon, past Hanover Park Hurricanes Football Association president Rick Roberts, and business leader Ed Zimel.  The final member with an eye toward the April election is Eira Corral who plans to run for Village Clerk replacing the retiring Village Clerk. 
 
"Our organization includes many talented individuals," commented Laura Roehrig, Hanover Park Progress Secretary.  "These individuals definitely represent the values and integrity that we want for our community. These are people who have already given hours and hours of time as volunteers and community activists.  If these individuals are slated for our party, I think we would have pretty good odds for success in April."

Leading the way to candidacy will be Hanover Park Village President Rodney Craig, who has held the post since 2007 and was a Village Trustee since 2001.  Mr. Craig has worked diligently during his tenure as Village President to connect community, business, and religious leaders in Hanover Park.  Mayor Craig was instrumental in bringing together the DuCAP Community Board, which has set up a community center in the Tanglewood area.  He has been working with regional and state leaders to make new legislation possible for downstate partnerships to establish wind farms to create sustainable energy options for the area and to save tax dollars. 
 
"I see my role as Village President to be bringing people together to solve problems," commented Mr. Craig.  "I am proud to be part of Hanover Park Progress.  This is a great group of individuals who are here to address real issues that impact the residents of Hanover Park."
 
"I would say that the individuals interested in being slated for Trustee candidates represents a diverse range of community involvement," noted Rick Roberts, who was recognized with the Hanover Park Youth Leadership award this past year.  "We have high expectations for Hanover Park, and we feel that it's time for our government to live up to those expectations." 
 
Representing the business community within Hanover Park Progress is Ed Zimel.  "I own two businesses in Hanover Park, and I have raised my family here, so I have a lot invested in Hanover Park." said Mr. Zimel, "The Village Board needs to listen to the business community and support our businesses."
 
The final individual expressing interest in running for Trustee, William Cannon, brings knowledge about homeowners associations and housing matters.  "With the foreclosure crisis in the country, we need to have a government that makes smart housing choices," commented Mr. Cannon, who is a member of the Hanover Park Development Commission.  "We need to support homeowners and work to keep property values increasing." 
 
Expressing interest in running for Village Clerk, Eira Corral is a 17 year Hanover Park resident and community organizer.  She has been active in engaging the community of Hanover Park through her involvement in her local parishes and community organizations. 
 
"The Village Clerk is one of the first local government officials that residents and business owners build a relationship with," said Ms. Corral.  "Hanover Park is a young, diverse, and vibrant community and it should be represented by someone who reflects the interests of the village, engages community members, and is invested in their leadership development."  

Hanover Park Progress has defined public safety, smart energy choices, fiscal responsibility, and intelligent planning for our village as the cornerstones of the party platform.  For more information about Hanover Park Progress visit http://www.hanoverparkprogress.com. 

HPP Progress Sign Image

If you have a Web site and are interested in helping us spread the word, feel free to take this image, put it on your site, and link back to us.  Thanks

Erie Community School is "Casting" Our Future to the Wind

The link below is to a small write up on the Erie (Illinois) Community School Web site.  They have been leading the way with supporting education via wind energy. 

Erie Community School is "Casting" Our Future to the Wind

School hopes new windmill bill will keep things turning

Here is an article published in the Pioneer Press about our efforts to bring tax savings via sustainable energy to our area:

School hopes new windmill bill will keep things turning By JOSH SINGER jsinger@pioneerlocal.com

Hanover Park Residents Take a Stand for Progress

For Immediate Release
July 22, 2008

 
HANOVER PARK, IL-Hanover Park residents gathered today at Atmya Plaza to form a new political party.  This new party, Hanover Park Progress, has been created with an eye toward the April 2009 municipal election.  Open government, funding for police and public safety, and support for the Hanover Park Wind Turbine Alliance were some of the issues discussed at the organizing meeting. 

Wind Turbines Downstate: Partnerships for Smart Energy

We support the Wind Turbine Alliance of Hanover Park.  This innovative initiative aims to partner suburban and urban school districts with downstate districts to construct windfarms that will provide shared funds through sustainable energy.  This is a "win/win" scenario providing support to downstate disctricts to construct wind turbines and construction sites outside of suburban neighborhoods. 

Residents Come Together

Hanover Park residents are standing together to change their community.  Educational, religious, community, and other volunteers are working together to make progress  a reality in our community.  You can join us!