Comments at Peace Vigil

November 25, 2008
Comments of Mayor Rodney S. Craig, Hanover Park.

My fellow citizens of Hanover Park we have joined together this evening to share our pain in the event that has transpired this past week. We are surely offended by what has occurred when a resident of our town, Vatsala Thakkar, lost her life while working in the Dollar Plus store across the street.

My goal as Mayor is to assure residents are safe where you work, in your home, and at your school. Hanover Park has one of the finest Certified police departments in the Nation. They were able to solve the crime as a result of good police work in collaboration with the DuPage County Crime Task Force and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. The good work of our Police Department will be acknowledged and recognized.

However, Crime Prevention must be our highest priority. I have been listening to the residents and they expect patrols where the neighborhoods are changing, we need to respond. The Police Chief has a plan to increase those patrols where needed. I have read the staffing reports from the Police Chief, and we have a minimum requirement of 61 officers to enable Hanover Park to permanently staff the Crime Prevention office to support citizen involvement as we aspire to keep our neighborhoods safe. I have been seeking greater staffing of our Police Department since I became your Mayor. I have asked for staffing in our Crime Prevention, and I have asked our residents to support this need. Making this happen will require budgetary support. We have a tough road ahead of us, and we must meet the needs of Hanover Park residents to assure that our quality of life, our safety, and our peace of mind is preserved.

I must also thank the Keeneyville School District for their responsiveness to our Police Department. They made sure everyone was safe as the activity was occurring on the street. They are an excellent school, and they care deeply for the students that attend their schools. The students were totally safe in their charge. Thank you to Springwood Principal Craig Barringer, and Greenbrook Principal Todd Tecktiel and his staff.

To the residents who spoke up and helped the Police by sharing their story about what happened, we thank you.

Finally, thank you to our neighborhood leaders here in Evangel Church, at Living Christ Lutheran Church, and at the Keeneyville School District Schools. Together we can make a difference in our “Hanover Park Community Resource Center” with after school programs, ESL classes, and aid when needed. We care and we are here.

Thank you all,