balderman needs to go

[for the good of our town]

i'm sorry to say i supported this man, but for the things and not the things he did in the past he has to go. i hope the residents realize we made a mistake.

[Lifetime Resident]

What are you talking about?
He has been a great mayor.

[I like him]

I think he is doing a great job. He is really trying to bring the community together and has great ideas.

[opinion too]

He has done a great job. He is a true public servant. He has brought the community together, attends events, and has proven to be a good leader.

[say what]

He's good at organizing social events. As a village trustee, he was very loyal to Mike Smith's political ideology of Chicago-style politics. As an example, his use of our public schools to get petitions signed to run for mayor, and then submitting them knowing the action was wrong is indicative of his lack of principles and respect for the office. I believe a public servant serves the public with respect and in an open and honest manner and with democratic principles as a priority, not just when it is convenient.

It is obvious that we need to clean up our government in this state and not reward those who participate in these types of activities by re-electing them.

When faced with a difference of opinion, how does he respond? Reminds me of the Chicago way.

Many people may like him personally, but I don't vote for someone just because he or she is nice. I look at his or her record and actions as an elected official.

[say what]

As a village trustee, Baldermann voted to support Mike Smith in his appointment of Madsen to fill Weigel's seat rather than to have an election so the people could choose their trustee.

He said he understood the politics.

Politics trumped democracy - and no one cared because that's how it's done in Illinois.

[to say what]

You complain so much you do the job!!!!!!!!

[say what]

to say what wrote:

You complain so much you do the job!!!!!!!!

I vote on facts, record and actions, not on emotion.

[opinion]

say what wrote:

He's good at organizing social events. As a village trustee, he was very loyal to Mike Smith's political ideology of Chicago-style politics. As an example, his use of our public schools to get petitions signed to run for mayor, and then submitting them knowing the action was wrong is indicative of his lack of principles and respect for the office. I believe a public servant serves the public with respect and in an open and honest manner and with democratic principles as a priority, not just when it is convenient.
It is obvious that we need to clean up our government in this state and not reward those who participate in these types of activities by re-electing them.
When faced with a difference of opinion, how does he respond? Reminds me of the Chicago way.
Many people may like him personally, but I don't vote for someone just because he or she is nice. I look at his or her record and actions as an elected official.

He did not USE the schools to get signatures. Sass just wanted to help a friend and had his hand slapped. Everyone made way more out of that story than what the truth was. The school employees did not RUN his campaign. You think you know what you are talking about, but you don't.

[stones]

opinion wrote:

<quoted text>
He did not USE the schools to get signatures. Sass just wanted to help a friend and had his hand slapped. Everyone made way more out of that story than what the truth was. The school employees did not RUN his campaign. You think you know what you are talking about, but you don't.

Balderman's own actions show poor judgment not only in his public but also his personal life.

I won't get into the personal side....there is plenty of information out there already but continuing the fight on the EJE when it was obvious to everyone that the sale was going to be approved was a very poor judgement. While other towns were cutting their best deals we continued with a fight that we could not win. That's a poor use of tax dollars.

[No Surprise]

opinion wrote:

<quoted text>
He did not USE the schools to get signatures. Sass just wanted to help a friend and had his hand slapped. Everyone made way more out of that story than what the truth was. The school employees did not RUN his campaign. You think you know what you are talking about, but you don't.

Sad, disappointing response. And folks wonder why Illinois is in such bad shape....

[April election]

That is why it is so important to make sure you understand the relationship of the interested parties running for village trustee. Are they involved with the republican party politics? Are they involved with the schools or youth associations? Tim has his fingers in both those groups. I will probably continue to support the three incumbents just because they have shown independence and experience. Right now the last thing New Lenox needs is a padded board siding with the mayor.

[No Surprise]

April election wrote:

That is why it is so important to make sure you understand the relationship of the interested parties running for village trustee. Are they involved with the republican party politics? Are they involved with the schools or youth associations? Tim has his fingers in both those groups. I will probably continue to support the three incumbents just because they have shown independence and experience. Right now the last thing New Lenox needs is a padded board siding with the mayor.

While I generally tend to view a political party as not needing to be a catalyst to supporting local level candidates, I would have to agree with you regarding your concern about whether or not an elected official is affiliated with a party, specifically the Republican party in New Lenox. That in and of itself is a red flag. Unfortunately, it seems to be the tendency in this town to vote for party affiliation (Republican) rather than for the integrity of the candidate. It makes voting so easy when no thought is required.

I too will support those with independence, integrity, honesty, respect for constituents and open and honest government, and true commitment to selflessly serve the community without ego and fanfare.

[April]

April election wrote:

That is why it is so important to make sure you understand the relationship of the interested parties running for village trustee. Are they involved with the republican party politics? Are they involved with the schools or youth associations? Tim has his fingers in both those groups. I will probably continue to support the three incumbents just because they have shown independence and experience. Right now the last thing New Lenox needs is a padded board siding with the mayor.

Well, I am worried about the Smith connection to the Village and the schools. I saw in the newspaper that Sue Smith is seeking another term. Is Dave? Too comfy for me. I don't see independence, there.

[Lifetime Resident]

No Surprise wrote:

<quoted text>
While I generally tend to view a political party as not needing to be a catalyst to supporting local level candidates, I would have to agree with you regarding your concern about whether or not an elected official is affiliated with a party, specifically the Republican party in New Lenox. That in and of itself is a red flag. Unfortunately, it seems to be the tendency in this town to vote for party affiliation (Republican) rather than for the integrity of the candidate. It makes voting so easy when no thought is required.
I too will support those with independence, integrity, honesty, respect for constituents and open and honest government, and true commitment to selflessly serve the community without ego and fanfare.

This town is nice precisely becuses it has been built and run overwhelmingly by Republicans with Republican principles. Now, we get move-ins from Cook County, some of whom want to bring their Cook County Democrat traditions with them. The same Democrat local government tradition that has presided over the decline of nearly every south, southwest and western Cook County suburb. LET'S SEE: Dolton, Olympia Fields, Robbins, Dixmoor, Maywood, Bellwood, Harvey, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Worth, Midlothian, Clumet City, South Holland, Richton Park, Blue Island, Hazel Crest, Glenwood-----Tell me when to stop!!!
Coincidence that all these towns are run by Democrats?????
Now let's see. Towns run by Republicans with a strong local Republican Party:
New Lenox
Mokena
Frankfort
Naperville
Hinsdale
Wheaton
Glen Ellyn
Downers Grove
Homer Glen
etc., etc, etc.
Thanks, but as a lifetime resident, I'll keep my nice community and its tradition of a strong and active local Republican Party.

[LOL]

Lifetime Resident wrote:

<quoted text>
This town is nice precisely becuses it has been built and run overwhelmingly by Republicans with Republican principles. Now, we get move-ins from Cook County, some of whom want to bring their Cook County Democrat traditions with them. The same Democrat local government tradition that has presided over the decline of nearly every south, southwest and western Cook County suburb. LET'S SEE: Dolton, Olympia Fields, Robbins, Dixmoor, Maywood, Bellwood, Harvey, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Worth, Midlothian, Clumet City, South Holland, Richton Park, Blue Island, Hazel Crest, Glenwood-----Tell me when to stop!!!
Coincidence that all these towns are run by Democrats?????
Now let's see. Towns run by Republicans with a strong local Republican Party:
New Lenox
Mokena
Frankfort
Naperville
Hinsdale
Wheaton
Glen Ellyn
Downers Grove
Homer Glen
etc., etc, etc.
Thanks, but as a lifetime resident, I'll keep my nice community and its tradition of a strong and active local Republican Party.

Go Bush!!! LOL

[truth]

Lifetime Resident wrote:

<quoted text>
This town is nice precisely becuses it has been built and run overwhelmingly by Republicans with Republican principles. Now, we get move-ins from Cook County, some of whom want to bring their Cook County Democrat traditions with them. The same Democrat local government tradition that has presided over the decline of nearly every south, southwest and western Cook County suburb. LET'S SEE: Dolton, Olympia Fields, Robbins, Dixmoor, Maywood, Bellwood, Harvey, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Worth, Midlothian, Clumet City, South Holland, Richton Park, Blue Island, Hazel Crest, Glenwood-----Tell me when to stop!!!
Coincidence that all these towns are run by Democrats?????
Now let's see. Towns run by Republicans with a strong local Republican Party:
New Lenox
Mokena
Frankfort
Naperville
Hinsdale
Wheaton
Glen Ellyn
Downers Grove
Homer Glen
etc., etc, etc.
Thanks, but as a lifetime resident, I'll keep my nice community and its tradition of a strong and active local Republican Party.

While I will not go as far as to say GO BUSH, I will say that this poster has a valid point. I would also like to add that our County is typically Republican. Where else do you have a 40 Plus Million dollar surplus of money in Illinois? Where else are you flush with cash and have had to suffer through no Lay-offs at the county?

I will say that I am impressed with the FISCAL conservatism that we see. I am not all that impressed with all the Social conservatisms that we see, but in this day in age, who cares about Gays, Abortions and other bullshit. Let Government provide us with a safe area to live in as well as lower than the average sales tax. And I am good with that.

[Jen]

truth wrote:

<quoted text>
While I will not go as far as to say GO BUSH, I will say that this poster has a valid point. I would also like to add that our County is typically Republican. Where else do you have a 40 Plus Million dollar surplus of money in Illinois? Where else are you flush with cash and have had to suffer through no Lay-offs at the county?
I will say that I am impressed with the FISCAL conservatism that we see. I am not all that impressed with all the Social conservatisms that we see, but in this day in age, who cares about Gays, Abortions and other bullshit. Let Government provide us with a safe area to live in as well as lower than the average sales tax. And I am good with that.

Typically Republican, yes, but trending Democratic. Every county-wide race was won for the Democrats this November. Demographically, it's moving that way.

[No Surprise]

Not sure what is meant by New Lenox being fiscally conservative. One only needs to look at the history of their tax bill and the local machine politics to figure out it's all lip service. While they call themselves Republicans to get your votes, they operate like Cook County Democrats.

They are not inclusive, It is a club, just like Chicago, just like Cook County.

Look at their selection process for candidates - former NL plan commissioner Kavanagh leads the decision to back Baldermann and Ozinga - both horrible choices, obviously not properly vetted, and we lost a seat. Were we included in replacing Weigel? No. And who supported that? Most of the board, including the current mayor.

Many NL Republicans have morphed from Cook County politics. Mike Smith was proud to tell a reporter after being grilled about his campaign contributions from developers that this is how it's done and it buys access to the office.

Now remember who supported him in his decisions for NL while he was mayor and look at the political circus at our school district, the raises to administration and how they came about, the political fight with the board that drug in the teacher's union, using the schools to campaign, candidates openly stating that they are running to support the superintendent.

If they want to call themselves Republicans, it's an embarrassment to the Republican party and conservative values.

[Truth be told]

No Surprise wrote:

Not sure what is meant by New Lenox being fiscally conservative. One only needs to look at the history of their tax bill and the local machine politics to figure out it's all lip service. While they call themselves Republicans to get your votes, they operate like Cook County Democrats.
They are not inclusive, It is a club, just like Chicago, just like Cook County.
Look at their selection process for candidates - former NL plan commissioner Kavanagh leads the decision to back Baldermann and Ozinga - both horrible choices, obviously not properly vetted, and we lost a seat. Were we included in replacing Weigel? No. And who supported that? Most of the board, including the current mayor.
Many NL Republicans have morphed from Cook County politics. Mike Smith was proud to tell a reporter after being grilled about his campaign contributions from developers that this is how it's done and it buys access to the office.
Now remember who supported him in his decisions for NL while he was mayor and look at the political circus at our school district, the raises to administration and how they came about, the political fight with the board that drug in the teacher's union, using the schools to campaign, candidates openly stating that they are running to support the superintendent.
If they want to call themselves Republicans, it's an embarrassment to the Republican party and conservative values.

If I am current, the village positions are suppose to be non-partison. Working with both parties is probably the right position to take. And as far as Weigel's replacement, their was only ONE board member who did not support Madsen, and there was only ONE board member that challenged Mike Smith. That is probably the only board member I will vote back in office this April.