Originally published in the May Hi-Lighter
Congratulations! Warm weather is finally arriving.
Since my last message, the Village passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2009. The budget provides two additional Police Officers, which increases sworn personnel to 54 officers. It is my hope in the future to continue increasing Police staffing toward a goal of 61 sworn officers. The Village Board also approved two additional Code Enforcement Officers, promotions in Community Development and Police Records and eliminated the Village Collector position. While it is important to keep our expenditures low, during this time of great change when other taxing bodies are impacting our taxes in a major way, I hope to find solutions to support increases in Public Safety staffing and customer service improvements. With greater Police staffing improved community policing programs can be initiated including programs in which Officers work with children and meet with residents, in addition to accomplishing core public safety needs.
I’m not pleased that Todd Stroger, President of Cook County Board, hit all of Cook County with an additional sales tax increase of 1%. Every suburban Mayor that I have had the pleasure to meet works very hard to keep taxes under control. Perhaps, Mr. Stroger should educate himself in the practice. I am pleased to see that Tim Schneider, Cook County Commissioner who represents Hanover Park, did not support the increase and has been there to support Hanover Park. The tax is estimated to produce an additional $900,000 to Cook County from Hanover Park sales.
On May 1st at the CONECT Committee Realtor Luncheon and on May 6th at the first Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce luncheon, I presented the State of the Village Address. As I stated, I am very excited at the increasing levels of citizen involvement in our Village. As Mayor, I seek to support residents to encourage this investment of time and energy in our community. We now have a functioning Environmental Committee and a new Cultural Inclusion and Diversity Committee. I’m planning to have an initial listening session to kick-off the Cultural Inclusion and Diversity Committee on June 16th at 7:00 PM in the Fire House. To those who are interested, please notify the Mayor’s office, email, or leave me a voice mail, and I will keep you apprised. Trustee Carter will be the Board Liaison to this Committee.
June 13th at 6:00 PM the “Relay For Life” will begin at the Hanover Park Park District Community Center. Many thanks go out to the Hanover Park Park District Board President Jon Deusing and the District Leadership for their support and collaboration with this event. Please join a team by going to the web site identified in the Hi-Lighter and on the Village Web site. At this writing there are over 30 teams, so please join one. I invite any interested individual to join my team and walk a mile with the Mayor to help support this good cause.
Recently, the Village Board passed changes in RV parking. We also adopted the most recent Building and Fire Codes. These changes protect public health and safety through requiring specific materials and methods of construction. A homeowner or business is encouraged to contact the Community Development Department about permits and specific regulations. By inquiring in advance about building improvements, property owners minimize surprises.
For 50th Anniversary fun, remember the Family Festival August 14-17. Call if you want to participate in the Parade Saturday August 16th. Our parade leadership team is reaching out for participants. Thanks to Hahnz Teope, Scouting; Ray Kiel, HP Little League; and Rick Roberts, Past President HP Football and Cheer Program; for their work. John Holderman is co-sponsoring the car show on Sunday August 17th. We expect over 300 cars. I even hope to have a special Hi-efficiency car on display that should be interesting to see. I’m also excited to acknowledge all our Hanover Park Eagle Scouts and Gold Star recipients. It should be a fun weekend. Make plans now to join in the fun!
It continues to be my pleasure and a blessing to represent the people of Hanover Park, our hometown. Take an opportunity to get involved.
RCraig@hpil.org
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Happy Memorial Day: Remembering Our Heroes
Sometimes individuals do such a great job of representing our thoughts, it is difficult to improve upon the words and the work. The statement copied below was posted on the Secretary of Transportation's Blog and written by Secretary Peters. This was shared via email with all FAA employees today, and as a Veteran of 6 years and a Federal employee serving for a total of 38 years, I thought that it was worth pass along.
Remembering Our Heroes
As you know, Monday is Memorial Day, a time when we take a break from our regular routines and remember the brave men and women who keep us free.
Our country – and the world – is safer because we have troops who selflessly serve the cause of freedom.
They leave behind their family and friends to travel to distant lands and give freedom a foothold in far-off regions of the world. Ultimately, some leave their family and friends behind for good… one of our nation’s most serious sacrifices, and one that we do not take lightly.
It is a life of service and defined by long, lonely periods away from those loved the most.
It is a life filled with challenge, pitting the skill, training and courage of our soldiers against the full furies of those who would otherwise do us harm.
Yet, thankfully, in every generation, America has been blessed with men and women willing to face these difficulties in order to safeguard our national security and promote freedom.
Today is no exception. Despite the hardships, a new generation of service men and women – soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and cadets – are eagerly training to take their place on our nation’s front lines of freedom.
I want to express my deepest appreciation for our armed services and the sacrifices they make. On Monday, there will be a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., and I encourage everyone to participate.
On Sunday, my retired Marine Corps husband and I will also commemorate this important holiday by participating in Rolling Thunder, an annual motorcycle ride in support of our troops, veterans and POW/MIAs in Washington, D.C.
This Memorial Day, let us not forget to respectfully honor the memory of all those who have earned America’s gratitude for their extraordinary sacrifices for our nation and our freedoms.
-Secretary Peters
http://fastlane.dot.gov/secretarysblog/2008/05/remembering-our.html
Remembering Our Heroes
As you know, Monday is Memorial Day, a time when we take a break from our regular routines and remember the brave men and women who keep us free.
Our country – and the world – is safer because we have troops who selflessly serve the cause of freedom.
They leave behind their family and friends to travel to distant lands and give freedom a foothold in far-off regions of the world. Ultimately, some leave their family and friends behind for good… one of our nation’s most serious sacrifices, and one that we do not take lightly.
It is a life of service and defined by long, lonely periods away from those loved the most.
It is a life filled with challenge, pitting the skill, training and courage of our soldiers against the full furies of those who would otherwise do us harm.
Yet, thankfully, in every generation, America has been blessed with men and women willing to face these difficulties in order to safeguard our national security and promote freedom.
Today is no exception. Despite the hardships, a new generation of service men and women – soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and cadets – are eagerly training to take their place on our nation’s front lines of freedom.
I want to express my deepest appreciation for our armed services and the sacrifices they make. On Monday, there will be a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., and I encourage everyone to participate.
On Sunday, my retired Marine Corps husband and I will also commemorate this important holiday by participating in Rolling Thunder, an annual motorcycle ride in support of our troops, veterans and POW/MIAs in Washington, D.C.
This Memorial Day, let us not forget to respectfully honor the memory of all those who have earned America’s gratitude for their extraordinary sacrifices for our nation and our freedoms.
-Secretary Peters
http://fastlane.dot.gov/secretarysblog/2008/05/remembering-our.html
Monday, May 12, 2008
Walk a Mile with Mayor for a Good Cause
All interested individuals are invited to join my team as we step forward in the battle against cancer. Please join our community in the Relay for Life on June 13th at 6p.m. at the Hanover Park Park District Community Center for the kick-off event. Every dollar goes a long way toward a cure.
Here is the direct Link to join the Relay For Life Team of Mayor Rod Craig.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeIllinoisDivision?team_id=291475&pg=team&fr_id=7485
I am personally walking to support the friends we have lost to cancer. I am especially walking in honor of former Assistant Fire Chief Ed Herzog, who is fighting colon cancer. Ed and I have been friends since our sons were in Scouting many years ago. I am also walking in honor of our past two mayors Sonya Crawshaw and Irv Bock, both of whom lost their battles with cancer. My team and all of the teams who are participating do so with the hope that those who face this dreaded illness in the future will do so a cure in hand.
I look forward to seeing you at this event.
Rod...
Here is the direct Link to join the Relay For Life Team of Mayor Rod Craig.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeIllinoisDivision?team_id=291475&pg=team&fr_id=7485
I am personally walking to support the friends we have lost to cancer. I am especially walking in honor of former Assistant Fire Chief Ed Herzog, who is fighting colon cancer. Ed and I have been friends since our sons were in Scouting many years ago. I am also walking in honor of our past two mayors Sonya Crawshaw and Irv Bock, both of whom lost their battles with cancer. My team and all of the teams who are participating do so with the hope that those who face this dreaded illness in the future will do so a cure in hand.
I look forward to seeing you at this event.
Rod...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Immigrant Welcoming Day at COD
The Governor’s Office has selected College of DuPage to be the first site for its Immigrant Welcoming Day initiative. The purpose of Welcoming Day is to help immigrants learn that much needed services are available to them through the state. On Welcoming Day many of those services will be available at College of DuPage.
On Saturday, May 31st at 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. state and local agencies will be on campus to provide the following services to immigrant families:
View Larger Map
On Saturday, May 31st at 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. state and local agencies will be on campus to provide the following services to immigrant families:
- FREE health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes; physicals, vision and dental exams, along with information and workshops on housing, senior services, education, employment, foreclosure prevention, and car seat giveaways.
- Location
College of DuPage“K” Building Commons Area
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137
View Larger Map
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Hanover Park Celebrates Arbor Day
Hanover Park celebrated Arbor Day by planting a white oak tree at Elsie Johnson School in recognition of the school’s 25th anniversary. The tree was also planted in conjunction with the Village of Hanover Park’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Students from Mrs. Cook’s and Mr. Leonard’s Instructional Program spoke about the importance of recycling. Short speeches and a poster were presented by the students.
Hanover Park has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This is the 23rd consecutive year Hanover Park has received this national recognition. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. To become a Tree City USA, a community must have the following four standards; a tree board or department, a city tree ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
Pictured: (l-r) Trustee Robert Packham, Principal Cathy Ratcliffe, Trustee Lori Kaiser, Illinois State Representative Randy Ramey and son, Village President Rod Craig and Village Forester Lou Schavie.
Students from Mrs. Cook’s and Mr. Leonard’s Instructional Program spoke about the importance of recycling. Short speeches and a poster were presented by the students.
Hanover Park has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This is the 23rd consecutive year Hanover Park has received this national recognition. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. To become a Tree City USA, a community must have the following four standards; a tree board or department, a city tree ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
Pictured: (l-r) Trustee Robert Packham, Principal Cathy Ratcliffe, Trustee Lori Kaiser, Illinois State Representative Randy Ramey and son, Village President Rod Craig and Village Forester Lou Schavie.
Info on Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns
This information on stimulus payments was forwarded to me, and I thought it was worth sharing. This is from the IRS Web site, at this link: Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns. For more information, please consult the IRS site.
-----------------------------
Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed by April 15
Economic stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. For joint filers, the payments will go out based on the person listed first on the return. Payments will be made by either direct deposit or paper check, consistent with how people filed their 2007 tax return.
People who use direct deposit also will be among the first to receive the payments starting April 28. Direct deposits will be made daily and completed by the date listed below:
DIRECT DEPOSIT
Last two SSN digits, Payments will be transmitted no later than:
00 through 20: May 2
21 through 75: May 9
76 through 99: May 16
Paper checks will also go out based on Social Security number. For Social Security numbers ending in 00 through 09, the paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and will continue through May 16. A similar process will be repeated in the following weeks.
PAPER CHECK
Last two SSN digits, Payments will be mailed no later than:
00 through 09: May 16
10 through 18: May 23
19 through 25: May 30
26 through 38: June 6
39 through 51: June 13
52 through 63: June 20
64 through 75: June 27
76 through 87: July 4
88 through 99: July 11
People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably later than the schedule shows. A return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year. See the online calculator for an estimate of the amount you will receive.
A small percentage of tax returns will require additional time to process and to compute a stimulus payment amount. For these returns, stimulus payments may not be issued in accordance with the schedule above, even if the tax return was processed by April 15.
-----------------------------
Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed by April 15
Economic stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. For joint filers, the payments will go out based on the person listed first on the return. Payments will be made by either direct deposit or paper check, consistent with how people filed their 2007 tax return.
People who use direct deposit also will be among the first to receive the payments starting April 28. Direct deposits will be made daily and completed by the date listed below:
DIRECT DEPOSIT
Last two SSN digits, Payments will be transmitted no later than:
00 through 20: May 2
21 through 75: May 9
76 through 99: May 16
Paper checks will also go out based on Social Security number. For Social Security numbers ending in 00 through 09, the paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and will continue through May 16. A similar process will be repeated in the following weeks.
PAPER CHECK
Last two SSN digits, Payments will be mailed no later than:
00 through 09: May 16
10 through 18: May 23
19 through 25: May 30
26 through 38: June 6
39 through 51: June 13
52 through 63: June 20
64 through 75: June 27
76 through 87: July 4
88 through 99: July 11
People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably later than the schedule shows. A return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year. See the online calculator for an estimate of the amount you will receive.
A small percentage of tax returns will require additional time to process and to compute a stimulus payment amount. For these returns, stimulus payments may not be issued in accordance with the schedule above, even if the tax return was processed by April 15.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Statement About Over Payment of the Village Clerk
While I have spoken publicly to the Daily Herald, I want to send along a statement about the salary over payment of the Village Clerk, my wife, Sherry Craig. Sherry and I have always acted with openness and integrity as public officials and with our dealings with the Village. While the timing of this revelation is politically motivated, we have acknowledged the oversight and are working to payback the Village immediately when the dollar amount is determined. We have been unaware of this and have intended in no way to take unearned compensation. With the salary of the Village Collector and Clerk commingled into one check and with retirement, Federal, State, Medical, Social Security, and employee scholarship fund deductions, we did not notice the small difference per pay check (about $30.00). This is an embarrassing situation for us that we are seeking to set right.
I am saddened at the way that this issue has been handled. In March, without discussion or indication of any problems, the majority that controls the board eliminated the collector's position, a move that was not discussed in any planning meetings and was clearly motivated by personal political agendas. Now, this issue has arisen through secret "tips" given to trustees as they seek to justify the unqualified termination of a position Sherry held. Despite the fact that the payroll department, finance department, human resources department and eight years of audits under three different mayors reviewed this data, no one has ever caught this mistake. But, it now appears that someone recognized this mistake and has been waiting for a time to use it. Yet, this person did not approach Sherry or myself. We do not know how long this person has known or why they did not bring this forward sooner. If anyone had approached us about this, we would have acted to remedy the situation, like any other payroll error that anyone might experience at some time in their career. Unfortunately, this mistake has become a political tool used by self-serving individuals who are not happy that they lost the last election.
Even though we wish that this had been brought to our personal attention in other ways, we are glad that this issue has come forth, and we are now awaiting corrections to be calculated to permit an immediate repayment. We will not, in any way, break the public trust.
We want to thank all of the people who have called us and extended their support and understanding. We greatly appreciate the many friends and supporters who make up our Hanover Park family. All of you are the reason that we continue to work so hard. Thank you.
Rod Craig
I am saddened at the way that this issue has been handled. In March, without discussion or indication of any problems, the majority that controls the board eliminated the collector's position, a move that was not discussed in any planning meetings and was clearly motivated by personal political agendas. Now, this issue has arisen through secret "tips" given to trustees as they seek to justify the unqualified termination of a position Sherry held. Despite the fact that the payroll department, finance department, human resources department and eight years of audits under three different mayors reviewed this data, no one has ever caught this mistake. But, it now appears that someone recognized this mistake and has been waiting for a time to use it. Yet, this person did not approach Sherry or myself. We do not know how long this person has known or why they did not bring this forward sooner. If anyone had approached us about this, we would have acted to remedy the situation, like any other payroll error that anyone might experience at some time in their career. Unfortunately, this mistake has become a political tool used by self-serving individuals who are not happy that they lost the last election.
Even though we wish that this had been brought to our personal attention in other ways, we are glad that this issue has come forth, and we are now awaiting corrections to be calculated to permit an immediate repayment. We will not, in any way, break the public trust.
We want to thank all of the people who have called us and extended their support and understanding. We greatly appreciate the many friends and supporters who make up our Hanover Park family. All of you are the reason that we continue to work so hard. Thank you.
Rod Craig
Friday, May 2, 2008
HPCRC Conference Invitation
Network with other businesses
Become involved in your community
Touch the life of a child ... at the convenience of you lunch break!
THE HANOVER PARK COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER invites you to a conference
Thursday, May 8, 2008
12 to 1 p.m.Living Christ Lutheran Church
1402 Arlington DriveHanover Park, IL 60133
featuring:
Rodney Craig, Mayor of Hanover Park
Rodney Craig, a former trustee was elected Mayor of Hanover Park in April 2007. Seeing a real need for resources for residents in the community, he started the HPCRC partnership with DuPage County Area Project (DuCap) and Living Christ Lutheran Church.
James O’Donnell, Vice President, Camcraft, Inc.
Since 1996, Camcraft has been working with fifth and sixth graders from local elementary schools and founded an after school and summer program, Crossroads of Illinois.
HPCRC is looking for people interested in influencing lives in their own community. To learn how you can become involved please join us. Lunch & Starbucks coffee will be provided.RSVP by Monday, May 5 to Alison Swade at (630) 244-931
Become involved in your community
Touch the life of a child ... at the convenience of you lunch break!
THE HANOVER PARK COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER invites you to a conference
Thursday, May 8, 2008
12 to 1 p.m.Living Christ Lutheran Church
1402 Arlington DriveHanover Park, IL 60133
featuring:
Rodney Craig, Mayor of Hanover Park
Rodney Craig, a former trustee was elected Mayor of Hanover Park in April 2007. Seeing a real need for resources for residents in the community, he started the HPCRC partnership with DuPage County Area Project (DuCap) and Living Christ Lutheran Church.
James O’Donnell, Vice President, Camcraft, Inc.
Since 1996, Camcraft has been working with fifth and sixth graders from local elementary schools and founded an after school and summer program, Crossroads of Illinois.
HPCRC is looking for people interested in influencing lives in their own community. To learn how you can become involved please join us. Lunch & Starbucks coffee will be provided.RSVP by Monday, May 5 to Alison Swade at (630) 244-931
Funding Challenges
Today's Daily Southtown reports this article about the current state of funding in Illinois, Mayors: Funding a challenge for diverse communities.
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