If you value our forest preserves, vote yes on referendum
Public open space, safely connected trails and healthy waterways offer our residents a high quality of life. I delight in seeing youngsters fishing, hiking seniors pausing on a bench, hearing a biker’s call, “On your left!” and watching families learning together — all outside!
A balanced budget, thoughtful long-range planning and intergovernmental cooperation bolsters my confidence in government spending. The presence of great horned owls and blue herons, water-cleansing mussels, shy mink and salamanders are tribute to the ecological and human harmony nurtured here in DuPage County, the second most populous in Illinois.
I support a yes vote on the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County referendum on the Nov. 5 election ballot. Currently, the portion of our tax bills going to the forest preserve district is less than 2%. If this referendum passes, it will still be less than 2%, and the district will be better positioned to manage the 83% growth in visitors since 2006.
Forest preserves play a vital role in stimulating the physical and mental health of our community. Forest preserves are a good investment. Vote yes.
Mary Lou Wehrli, Naperville
Future generations will benefit from more DuPage open space
In today’s digital age it is more important than ever to provide forest preserves and outdoor recreational programs and places where young and old can play and be physically active. Our DuPage County forest preserves play a vital role in promoting the physical and mental health of our community.
The Nov. 5 election provides DuPage County residents an opportunity to improve their forest preserves, their quality of life and our environment.
On the ballot is a referendum that, if approved, would allow the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County to protect and preserve many acres of irreplaceable natural lands. It would also restore native habitats, plant thousands of trees, and improve public access and recreational opportunities in our forest preserves.
We are fortunate to live in an area where a significant amount of natural land already has been preserved for the benefit of all DuPage County residents. Citizens and civic leaders in the past made important choices to protect open space that now makes up our marvelous parks and forest preserves.
Preserving natural lands is a lot like planting trees: we cherish the trees that people planted long ago and plant new trees for the benefit of future generations. As chairman of the board for The Morton Arboretum, I can tell you firsthand how important it is to protect our forest preserves, improve our air and water quality, and plant trees for our children and grandchildren.
On Nov. 5 we can vote “yes” to preserve and enhance natural lands that will be appreciated for generations to come.
Robert J. Schillerstrom, Naperville
Co-Chair, Neighbors for Open Space, Clean Water and Clean Air
AAUW Naperville encourages citizens to vote and be heard
Between now and Nov. 5, all registered U.S. citizens have the opportunity to make their voices heard. Many of us are busy and don’t have the time to research all of the issues facing our nation so it is critical to elect quality leaders who will be effective in representing our community locally, statewide and nationally.
While our organization does not endorse candidates, we view equity with respect to gender, education, safety and health care as basic human rights.
We encourage all residents to think about their own key values and concerns, and learn which candidates most closely align with them. One important tool is the League of Women Voters Vote 411 website (vote411.org/illinois), which includes information on voter registration, polling places and ballots.
In the 2020 general election, 75% of registered voters in Will and DuPage counties turned out to vote. Create a voting plan now, and encourage friends and family to get to the polls so that everyone has a voice in democracy.
Nikki Batsch
President, AAUW Naperville Area
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