.. Mike Kelly. Need we say anything more?
The "Village of Bartlett" and "Mike Kelly" have been synonymous terms for a long, long time. Kelly has been the champion of residents who, but for him, would not have had a voice in local affairs, for more years than we can count. We are very proud to endorse him for Village President.
... It's a measure of his popularity and service that one needs only refer to "Mike" within the boundaries of the village and everyone instantly knows who you are talking about. Most everyone can identify with the gentle, unassuming everyman who is always ready to listen and who is tireless when it comes to solving the problems of anyone who asks for his help.
... As township Supervisor, Kelly has vastly expanded services of the township's food pantry, been a champion for seniors and veterans, and has always demanded accountability for every tax dollar spent. The fact that he has accomplished all of this is remarkable enough. The fact that he has managed to defend the interests of the residents of Hanover Township even when faced with a board whose first priority was to discredit him, no matter what, is truly amazing. He has known trial by fire and emerged all the stronger for it.
... Kelly promises to focus village government on improving infrastructure and the local business climate and, given his record of performance, there is no reason to doubt that he will deliver. If we can't trust Mike Kelly, who can we trust?
... His opponent, Sherry Bormann, has run a lackluster campaign that does little to suggest that her heart is actually in the race. Bormann has served as a responsible trustee, but there is nothing about her resume to suggest that she would make for a better village president than Kelly.
... Like every municipality, Bartlett faces difficult times ahead. Tough times call for tough leaders like Mike Kelly. He is a leader that we can count on to make the difficult decisions and to squeeze the last drop of services out of every precious tax dollar. Kelly understands what so many politicians today do not: that government can not do everything, so it must establish priorities that make sense for the people and do only what it can with the resources available.
... As Supervisor, Kelly was spectacularly successful in engaging the private sector to help with worthwhile programs. This experience will be especially valuable as Village President, not only in finding ways to do more with less, but in broadening Bartlett's tax base by attracting new businesses.
... We look forward to Mike Kelly being sworn in to office. It's been a long time coming and Bartlett could not ask for a more qualified, more honest or more dedicated person to lead the village. We encourage you to do your part for Bartlett's future by voting for Mike Kelly on April 7.

For Bartlett Library Board

Jack Budz and Ralph Wood

... With a well-received, million dollar facelift, balanced budget, and topflight service, the Bartlett Public Library District is everything your typical Illinois government isn't. So, we can only advocate tweaking, rather than transforming, its leadership.
... Four candidates are vying for two 6-year terms: incumbents Jack Budz and Thomas Sieron and challengers Brian Kosobudski and Ralph Wood. We recommend something old, and something new.
... Jack Budz, a pillar of the Bartlett community, brings with him decades of financial experience in the banking industry. While property values have plummeted, staunching the Library's income stream, the costs of running the Library have steadily increased--from insurance to utilities to materials. As the Library Board is increasingly confronted with budgetary squeezes, Budz will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Board and to the residents of the Library District. Just as his fellow trustees often turn to him for his expertise, so should we by reelecting Jack Budz.
... Tom Sieron is an innocuous, long-time presence on the board. If there were no other choice, the Board would likely continue to govern well with his presence.
... But, there is a choice. Both Brian Kosobudski and Ralph Wood have been frequent attendees at Board meetings. Both seem to be genuinely interested and affable men, though Kosobudski was a no-show at the Woman's Club candidate forum last week.
... Our nod, goes to Ralph Wood. As his candidate statement on the Cook County Clerk's website reveals, Wood has ample affection and the proper regard for public libraries. Wood wrote, in part, "My library card has been my passport to every part of the world. Because of the library I was able to explore far away countries and cultures as well as the different regions of the United States. I also met heads of state and our presidents through biographies and autobiographies. The library helped shape me into the man I am today and set me on a career path of service to others."
... We like that he's relatively new to Bartlett, because he brings a fresh perspective to a team of long-time residents. That said, he also brings with him a long history of public service, most notably as library trustee in Minnesota. Which means he can hit the ground running and offer special insight, as evidenced in his sound policy discussion, which is also posted in his candidate statement.
... We endorse both Jack Budz and Ralph Wood for Bartlett Public Library District Trustees.

For Bartlett Fire Protection Board

John Whitmer

. It would be easy to cite John Whitmer's status as a living legend in Bartlett as reason to reelect him to the Board of the Fire Protection District. After all, his deep commitment and service to our community over many decades recommends him to the job.
. But Whitmer is something more: he is integrity personified. Public servants of his experience and character are hard to come by, and in the financially challenging years to come, we would like to see him stay right where he is, as our trustee.
. Moreover, Whitmer is a deeply thoughtful man, utterly without ego when it comes to what's best for the District. We are confident Whitmer will unswervingly put our interests first, and he has our endorsement.

For Bartlett Park District Board Trustee

Lori Bottoni

. . Commitment, involvement and a compelling desire to make things better are important qualities to possess for anyone running for public office. In our estimation these qualities are all well represented by Lori Bottoni, candidate for Bartlett Park District Trustee. Bottoni is a fifteen year resident of Bartlett and has been actively involved with youth recreational programs while serving on the Bartlett Raiders board for the past three years.
.. Additionally, Bottoni has been actively involved within the community as a volunteer in youth programs and activities at church and at the elementary school level. Clearly, her current and past community activities and experience demonstrate Bottoni's passion and sense of commimtment to the youth of Bartlett. These same qualities will serve her and the community well as a Park District Trustee.