Affordable Housing Letter to Editor

I am writing in response to the comments generated by your December 8^th article: “Geneva Reconsiders Affordable Housing” and Alderman Ron Singer’s attempt to establish a housing commission.

As stated, the commission would attempt to insure that a certain level of affordable housing be available in Geneva as part of a sensible planning process.

The League of Women Voters of Geneva-St. Charles’ believes that affordable housing is a local problem that requires a local solution and has been supporting governmental and community efforts to ensure affordable, safe, and decent housing for the citizens of our towns since 2004.

It is a misconception that taxes would have to be raised to begin focusing on affordable housing issues. We encourage elected officials at both the county and municipal level to explore creative ways to expand the supply of housing for citizens at every income level, from those holding down service jobs to seniors living on fixed incomes to persons with disabilities.

The League would like to thank Alderman Singer for his willingness to advocate for what is necessary and right for the community.

Darlene Bakk, President, LWV Geneva-St. Charles

League Of Women Voters Marks Bill of Rights Day: Calls for Continued Protections of Civil Liberties

The League of Women Voters of Geneva-St. Charles marked the 218th anniversary of the signing of the Bill of Rights with a call for civic vigilance and participation in our local municipalities.

For 88 years, the League has worked to defend civil liberties and promote citizen engagement in democracy, and we continue this emphasis today. It is particularly important to Americans, especially all those who voted for the first time during this historic election season, to recognize the critical importance of protecting and honoring our most cherished constitutional rights.

Throughout the year, League members work in our community to protect our liberties and make the most of them by encouraging voting, discussing important issues, and holding elected officials accountable for their actions. In the last few months our league has held candidate forums, provided e-slate training for seniors, assisted high school students in a mock election, registered voters, published an on-line voters' guide, and established an observer corps to monitor county government.

The Bill of Rights is not only an important part of our nation's history, but also a living document that will guide us into the future.

Join us in making democracy work! Visit our web-site for more information.

Election Day Complaints

Kane County voters who observe or experience voting problems or irregularities during the election can report them to the Kane County States Attorney's office on Tues. Nov. 4th (election day) from 6 am to 7 pm at 630-208-5328.

For general questions about the elections--polling times and places, call 630-232-5990.

Kane County 2008 Candidate Guides

It's not easy trying to find information on candidates running for elected offices in Kane County. The Beacon Blog however has some great information on interviews it did with candidates. Check it out. Also, check out the League's candidate online voter guide

Praise from The Kane County Chronicle

Joe Grace writes in his October 7, 2008 column in the Kane County Chronicle: "I love a good debate. And on Sunday, I got to see one. I had the wonderful opportunity to be a panelist at the League of Women Voters' Candidate Forum at the Norris Center in St. Charles between the candidates for the District 14 seat in the US House of Representatives, Democrat Bill Foster and Republican Jim Oberweis. It was a well-fought debate, with both sides making good points and answering the questions that were asked--something both U.S. vice presidential candidates had problems with. And it was a policy-oriented debate with few attacks on each other and quite enjoyable for this very reason."

2008 On-Line Voters Guide

Welcome to the LWV Geneva/St. Charles' newest voter education tool--the On-line Voters' Guide 2008. We have been looking at new ways to reach voters because we believe educated voters make the best choices. We hope this added feature will complement our traditional candidates' forums.

After reading the responses please comment on this site. We appreciate all the candidates who took advantage of this opportunity to let voters know their views. We encourage candidates running in future elections to participate as well.

Open Government in Kane County

Our league continues to explore expanding our Observer Corp. In a recent report from Progress Illinois by Angela Caputo, Sept. 18, 2008, entitled Is the Sun Setting on the AG’s Public Access Office? she writes that Illinois’ attorney general, Lisa Madigan’s public access office has become a casualty of cuts. “The idea behind the hiring of a public access counselor was to help average citizens and those elected officials with an independent streak understand state laws and, when needed, ride public bodies until they disclosed credit card statements, closed session minutes, cell phone records, and the like. Our members observe Kane County government meetings, Village of Campton Hills and Hampshire meetings. We need members to also observe their own municipality, school board meetings, etc. If you would like to be a league observer, please consider joining us.