| Dupage Policy Journal

Hinsdale, Casa Margarita agree on train station lease

By Mark Reccek | Mar 16, 2015

The Village of Hinsdale recently reached an agreement with Casa Margarita to open a full-service restaurant in the Brush Hill Train Station. Casa Margarita was selected through a competitive process that included a request for proposals. The requests were issued in the fall of 2014.

College of DuPage hires PR firm after missing audit deadline

By LocalLabs News Service | Mar 16, 2015

Following word from school officials that a deadline to agree to a state-run audit would not be met and a threat from Illinois lawmakers to slash funding, the College of DuPage has hired the PR firm Res Publica Group. The audit comes as a result of continuing questions about financial oversight at the College of DuPage, which is supported by property taxes, state appropriations and tuition,, that saw the board approve a nearly $763,000 severance package for school President Robert Breuder.

Warrenville discusses 2016 draft budget

By Mark Reccek | Mar 16, 2015

The Warrenville City Council held its annual budget workshop on March 14.

Kirk praises EPA's sole-source designation for Mahomet Aquifer

By Mark Reccek | Mar 15, 2015

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) strongly supports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent decision to allow special protections for the Mahomet Aquifer by designating it as a sole source of drinking water for residents of east-central Illinois.

Elk Grove police turn up heat ahead of St. Pat's Day

By Mark Reccek | Mar 13, 2015

The Elk Grove Village Police Department is beefing up traffic enforcement activities through March 22. The activities are tied to the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaigns, as well as St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday.

Elmhurst installs new bike-repair station downtown

By Mark Reccek | Mar 13, 2015

Elmhurst has a new Dero Bike Fix-It bicycle repair station, which the city recently installed downtown. The station was funded out of proceeds from the 2014 Elmhurst Cycling Classic, donated by the Elmhurst Master’s Competition Cycling Team.

Oak Brook election for president, clerk, trustees April 7

By Mark Reccek | Mar 13, 2015

Oak Brook residents will go to the polls on April 7 to cast their votes in the general consolidated election. The first day for early voting is March 23, and the final day for grace-period registration, grace-period voting and early voting is April 4.

DuPage approves incentives aimed at building green

By Mark Reccek | Mar 12, 2015

An incentive program to encourage developers and property owners to build green projects throughout DuPage County has been approved by the county board. The board recently unanimously voted to implement a list of incentives that reduce permitting time and costs for projects that qualify under U.S.

Cullerton legislation hopes to increase voter participation in school board elections

By Mark Reccek | Mar 12, 2015

BodyState Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-23rd) recently introduced legislation that will permit Illinois residents to vote for school board members alongside candidates for the White House and U.S.

Willis supporting stronger protections against ID theft

By Mark Reccek | Mar 12, 2015

State. Rep. Kathleen Willis (R-77th) has joined Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and House colleagues in sponsoring legislation to strengthen security requirements for websites and other storers of personal financial information.

Bloomingdale's Finance Department honored for 25th time

By Mark Reccek | Mar 12, 2015

Village receives award from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Itasca to hold public hearing on village vision plan

By Mark Reccek | Mar 11, 2015

The Village of Itasca's Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on March 18 to consider recommending approval of the draft comprehensive plan prior to adoption. The hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Itasca Village Hall, 550 W. Irving Park Road, in the second-floor boardroom.

City council, school board candidates to speak at March 26 forum

By Mark Reccek | Mar 11, 2015

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce will host event.

Durbin, Wescott discuss Rock Falls area's needs

By Mark Reccek | Mar 11, 2015

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rock Falls Mayor Bill Wescott met in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to discuss 2015 regional priorities, including infrastructure initiatives. “Mayor Wescott proudly serves the City of Rock Falls, Illinois, and it was great to meet with him today,” Durbin said.

Pressure causes ATF to retract ammunition ban

By Mark Reccek | Mar 11, 2015

Pressure asserted on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) and 237 of his colleagues has caused the ATF to retract its plan to ban popular and commonly used ammunition for sporting and home protection firearms.

Mayor Broda requests preservation of state budget

By Amanda Rupp | Mar 10, 2015

Mayor Broda recently requested that Gov. Rauner preserve the state budget without removing any revenue.

Downers Grove prepares for any state revenue cuts

By Mark Reccek | Mar 10, 2015

The Village of Downers Grove has taken steps to prepare for the possible loss of state revenue, as outlined in the village's "Long Range Plan for 2013-2015." Under Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposed 2015-16 budget, the village would see a reduction in Income tax distribution to local governments by 50 percent.

Cullerton calls on federal government to conduct O'Hare noise study

By Mark Reccek | Mar 10, 2015

Senator seeking petition signatures urging EPA, FAA to take action.

Clean Slate candidates call for College of DuPage audit

By DuPage Policy Journal Reports | Mar 10, 2015

College of DuPage Vice-Chairman Kathy Hamilton and the “Clean Slate” reform college trustee candidates aligned at a Tuesday morning press conference in declaring their support for a state audit of the college. Fourteen members of the Illinois General Assembly wrote to the college last week calling on it to agree to the costs and terms of cooperation of the State Auditor General.