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

Candidates File For Hanover Park Village Office

HANOVER PARK, IL--Five Hanover Park residents officially filed the paperwork for Village office today on the Hanover Park Progress ticket.  Over 1000 residents signed their nominating petitions.  "The support we are getting from residents is unbelievable," commented Hanover Park Progress Party Chair and Trustee Candidate, Rick Roberts.  "People are really stepping forward to bring needed change to Hanover Park." 

The individuals on the Hanover Park Progress ticket include the current Village President Rodney Craig, who will again be running for the Village's top spot.  Eira Corral, Media Relations and Field Coordinator for a major non-profit organization, has filed to run for Village Clerk.  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. 

"I have reached out to these individuals who have already demonstrated their commitment as leaders in our community.  I've asked them to join me in bringing the people of Hanover Park together to face the challenges before us," commented Village President Craig. 

Over eighty residents came together in the fall to help organize Hanover Park Progress as a local party.  Republicans, Democrats, and Independents from many backgrounds came together to push for change in Hanover Park.  In October, the party officially put forward a slate of candidates who were approved by party members.  These candidates filed their nominating petitions with the Village today.

"It's our goal to end the culture of no that exists within the Village government," noted Eira Corral, candidate for Village Clerk.  "We stand for leadership, inclusion, and open government."
The members of Hanover Park Progress have set public safety, energy sustainability and, government accountability as the core of their party's platform.  In the last year, the Village Board has degenerated into a state of dysfunction as personal agendas and petty politics has taken precedents over the needs of residents.

"Following the recent violence in our town, Mayor Craig took action, but the majority that controls the Village Board would prefer to play politics," noted Ed Zimel, candidate for Village Trustee. "They continue to spend and spend, but some how, they can't find budget money for more police officers.  If they aren't willing to find the money in the budget, Hanover Park Progress can and will." 

The majority that controls the Village Board has opposed almost all of the initiatives put forward by Mayor Craig.  As a matter of policy, they have refused to increase police staffing, leaving that decision to the Village Manager.  They have blocked progress for sustainable energy, refused to provide support for the Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and have taken no leadership in commercial code enforcement. 

"After public safety, maintaining property values and pride in our community should be next on our list," said Rick Roberts, Candidate for Village Trustee.  "Our homeowners need support.  They are not getting enough support."

Bill Cannon, Candidate for Village Trustee, agrees, "We are in the midst of a major economic crisis, and our Village government needs to make smart decisions.  When people are hurting, our Village needs to listen and act.  We need a government that brings people together for the betterment of our community." 

The Hanover Park Progress candidates invite all residents of Hanover Park to join them in making progress a reality.  For more information about Hanover Park Progress, visit their Web site at www.hanoverparkprogress.com.