Veterans Honor Roll Application

We all value the commitment and service our veterans have given to our country. In recognition of this, we have formed a Veterans Committee as a Mayor's initiative here in Hanover Park. One of the first activities of this committee is to reach out to the veterans in our committee and recognize them for their service. Here is the application for our veterans:

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Crime Prevention in Hanover Park

The following was posted to the Hanover Park Progress blog. I wanted to share it with you.

Crime Prevention in Hanover Park

We wanted to share this article from today's Daily Herald that highlights some important issues facing Hanover Park. While the reduction of crime in Hanover Park follows the statewide trend, Hanover Park is not benefiting from this downward trend as it might, which is why the Chief of Police has requested an increase in staffing to match regional standards.

The reduction of crime is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers. The following issues (some of which are highlighted in this article) are cause for concern:

• Our police department has been forced to focus on "hot spots of activity" and not a comprehensive approach.
• There are times when only one officer is on duty for the entire community.
  
• The drug education program has been dropped.
  
• The crime prevention unit has been dropped.
  
• Hanover Park has the lowest ratio of officers to number of residents for all of Cook and DuPage Counties.
  

The significant question facing Hanover Park is what will happen when the statewide trend reverses itself (which it eventually will)?

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Crime down in Hanover Park, countering image
By Kimberly Pohl | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 1/29/2009 12:01 AM

A staffing crisis, cramped police station and community backlash from two high-profile homicides can't curb an ongoing trend: Hanover Park is getting safer.

In 2008, crime in the village dropped to its lowest level since statistics were first tracked in 1974.

Chief Ron Moser attributes the improvement to a gradual shift in how the department's limited resources are allocated.

"We are an intelligence-driven police department, which isn't widely used," Moser said. "We rely a great deal on data collection, trends and concentrating on hot spots of activity."

In 2008, there were 656 reported Part 1 crimes in Hanover Park, down from 704 the year earlier. Part 1 crime is an FBI bench mark covering murder, criminal sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson. The biggest decline was in robberies, which fell 32 percent.

The 2008 crime rate was 1,714 crimes per 100,000 people. Most towns are still compiling last year's data, but 2007 figures show neighbors including Hoffman Estates (1,863), Schaumburg (4,207) and Streamwood (2,523) with higher rates.

"It was a matter of shifting priorities," Moser said. "To address issues, we decided to get away from traffic-related functions."

Budget restraints have forced the department to do away with its drug education program and crime prevention unit.

Instead, one new strategy emphasized curfew enforcement. Youth out after hours don't just get a warning; they get escorted to the station and cited, said Deputy Chief David Webb. And now more field officers get out of their squad cars and walk business districts, schools and problem neighborhoods. The investigations division was restructured, resulting in more comprehensive follow-up to crimes.

Moser lauded his department for its response to two homicides that occurred within a week of each other in November. Suspects in each case were quickly arrested and have been charged with murder.

The community outcry from the murders led Mayor Rod Craig to form a crime prevention advisory team of local law enforcement, clergy, school officials and other leaders including U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam and state Rep. Fred Crespo. The group met Wednesday to brainstorm different programs that would address what Crespo called "social illnesses."

Last February, Moser asked the village board for an additional nine to 19 officers to "adequately" staff the force. Findings from a police manpower study showed Hanover Park averages just 1.36 officers per 1,000 residents - the lowest ratio of surveyed towns in Cook and DuPage counties.

Officials estimate it would cost $105,000 to employ one officer for a year and haven't carved out room in the budget for more than a couple of new hires. As a result, the staff remains unchanged at 52 sworn officers.

The steady decline of crime in Hanover Park follows a statewide trend. The crime rate in Illinois fell nearly 4 percent in 2007 from the year before to 3,554 per 100,000 people.

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Want to help us bring Progress to Hanover Park? You can help us in two ways:

First, forward this message to your friends and family who live in Hanover Park. Or, just tell them about it! By spreading the word, you help us reach out to voters.

Second, donate online or by mail. Your contribution helps us to afford the many costs to running our campaign. You can contribute online here: http://www.hanoverparkprogress.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute.

Or, you can contribute via check made out to Hanover Park Press. Send checks to:
Hanover Park Progress
PO Box #1232
Streamwood, IL 60107

Bringing People Together

I wanted to share this piece from the Hanover Park Progress blog.

Bringing People Together


HANOVER PARK, IL--Since the election of Rod Craig as Village President, he has brought people across Hanover Park together to solve problems. The members of Hanover Park Progress understand the importance of having a team that works with leadership and cooperation. They aim to support Mayor Craig's efforts with quality debate and complete staff work to support those efforts, once elected on April 7th.

"The strength of Hanover Park is its people," said Eira Corral, Candidate for Village Clerk. "As Village Clerk, it will be one of my goals to reach out to the people in our town to work toward progress across all cultural boundaries. Together we can make a difference and achieve better solutions."

The Crime Prevention Advisory Board is exemplary of the sort of effort that Hanover Park Progress seeks to continue. This past November, Mayor Craig brought together police leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, State Representatives, our Congressman and other elected officials to address crime prevention in Hanover Park.

The Wind Turbine Alliance is a regional effort organized by Mayor Craig that has brought together regional leaders to work toward more sustainable and cost-effective energy options. What began as an idea from Keeneyville School District, the collaboration with College Districts, and Municipalities just makes sense. Mayor Craig has a passion to seek solutions to avoid raising taxes by working with our School Districts, State Officials like our Congressman and State Representatives to support green initiatives. Bi-partisian issues are resolved and moved forward like the Wind Turbine Alliance objective. A reality requires grass root support that is being modeled today to make shared wind farms a reality across Illinois.

Hanover Park's Cultural and Diversity Committee is another example of people coming together to address issues facing our town. This committee, supported by Mayor Craig and led by Trustee Carter, held a community event "Surviving the Economic Crisis" in December of this past year. This exceptional success was acknowledged by many as having value for families by those who attended from outside our town.

The Environmental Committee was unpopulated for years when resurrected by Mayor Craig. This team has been growing and working together preparing for future challenges. This group is exploring opportunities for community development, cost savings, and growth that have less impact on natural resources. This includes options for water conservation, recycling, and alternative energy options.

Another group of residents working for progress under the direction of Mayor Craig is the recently created Mayor's Veterans Advisory Committee. This group, chaired by Rick Roberts, is working to identify veteran’s needs and recognize the sacrifices made by Hanover Park citizens who served their country.

"The motto of Hanover Park Progress is that we 'stand for people, not politics,'" notes Rick Roberts, candidate for Village Trustee. "These are not just empty words for us. We want to follow the leadership of Mayor Craig and include all of our citizens in making Hanover Park a great place to live."

Mayor Craig has reached out to find volunteers, business, and religious leaders who care about Hanover Park. These people have come together to form Hanover Park Progress in order to support Mayor Craig's existing efforts and to contribute their energy to new efforts. It's time for Progress in Hanover Park.

Remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King:

Today, our nation takes a day to recognize the leadership and inspiration provided to us by Martin Luther King, Jr., and tomorrow we celebrate the inauguration of a new president. This is a fitting time for us to pause and recognize the importance of the diversity all around us.

Hanover Park is blessed to be made up of a rich cultural quilt that represents the diversity of America and our global community. Over 38 languages are spoken in our schools by children who have come to our country with their families as they follow their dreams for a better life. We are a nation of immigrants, and, as such, let it always be our goal to not let the things that may otherwise divide us, such as language and country of origin, separate us. Let us overcome the divides that stand in our way, and let us learn that Hanover Park's cultural richness will be our advantage in the future.

I want to especially acknowledge the work of our Inclusion & Diversity. They are volunteers who are working to strengthen Hanover Park and address the needs of all of our residents. We are better and stronger for their work.

We live in a country that is founded on equality and freedom. Let us apply these national values to the work we carry out at the local level.

Hanover Park Progress Shows Wide Support

Hanover Park Progress Shows Wide Support with Over 1000 Signatures

HANOVER PARK, IL--On January 19th, the candidates for office from Hanover Park Progress submitted their filing petitions. The minimum number of signatures required to get on the ballot was 68. The members of Hanover Park Progress have submitted 1033 signatures on their filing petitions.

"So many people want to join us," commented party chair and candidate for Village Trustee, Rick Roberts. "This has to be a record number of signatures submitted for Hanover Park Village office. We see this as an indication that the residents want to see changes in Hanover Park."

The 1033 signatures submitted by Hanover Park Progress represents the groundswell of support at the grassroots of Hanover Park. The people who work in volunteer organizations, schools, business, and religious groups want to re-energize the Village government. In October, 80 people from across Hanover Park came together to form Hanover Park Progress. These initial members have gone out in the community and worked to bring together their neighbors and friends.

"Our motto has been that we stand for people, not politics," says Bill Cannon, real estate manager and candidate for Village Trustee. "And, I think that this support shows that we are living our motto."

The members of Hanover Park Progress understand that signatures on filing petitions do not guarantee victory in the April election. All residents of Hanover Park are invited to join the Progress Party as their members work toward victory.

"We are going to double our efforts and our outreach," said Ed Zimel, businessman and candidate for Village Trustee. "We are taking nothing for granted."

"Each one of those 1033 people who signed our petitions is someone who is willing to take a stand for a better Hanover Park," commented Eira Corral, candidate for Village Clerk. "It is great to see the energy and interest from our friends and neighbors."

Any resident interested in joining Hanover Park Progress is invited to join the our email list at www.hanoverparkprogress.com or to just send an email to hanoverparkprogress@gmail.com.

Candidates Officially File for Hanover Park Village Office

Candidates File For Hanover Park Village Office

HANOVER PARK, IL--Five Hanover Park residents officially filed the paperwork for Village office today on the Hanover Park Progress ticket. Over 1000 residents signed their nominating petitions. "The support we are getting from residents is unbelievable," commented Hanover Park Progress Party Chair and Trustee Candidate, Rick Roberts. "People are really stepping forward to bring needed change to Hanover Park."

The individuals on the Hanover Park Progress ticket include the current Village President Rodney Craig, who will again be running for the Village's top spot. Eira Corral, Media Relations and Field Coordinator for a major non-profit organization, has filed to run for Village Clerk. Running for the Village Board will be property manager William Cannon, past Hanover Park Hurricanes Football Association president Rick Roberts, and business leader Ed Zimel.

"I have reached out to these individuals who have already demonstrated their commitment as leaders in our community. I've asked them to join me in bringing the people of Hanover Park together to face the challenges before us," commented Village President Craig.

Over eighty residents came together in the fall to help organize Hanover Park Progress as a local party. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents from many backgrounds came together to push for change in Hanover Park. In October, the party officially put forward a slate of candidates who were approved by party members. These candidates filed their nominating petitions with the Village today.

"It's our goal to end the culture of no that exists within the Village government," noted Eira Corral, candidate for Village Clerk. "We stand for leadership, inclusion, and open government."
The members of Hanover Park Progress have set public safety, energy sustainability and, government accountability as the core of their party's platform. In the last year, the Village Board has degenerated into a state of dysfunction as personal agendas and petty politics has taken precedents over the needs of residents.

"Following the recent violence in our town, Mayor Craig took action, but the majority that controls the Village Board would prefer to play politics," noted Ed Zimel, candidate for Village Trustee. "They continue to spend and spend, but some how, they can't find budget money for more police officers. If they aren't willing to find the money in the budget, Hanover Park Progress can and will."

The majority that controls the Village Board has opposed almost all of the initiatives put forward by Mayor Craig. As a matter of policy, they have refused to increase police staffing, leaving that decision to the Village Manager. They have blocked progress for sustainable energy, refused to provide support for the Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and have taken no leadership in commercial code enforcement.

"After public safety, maintaining property values and pride in our community should be next on our list," said Rick Roberts, Candidate for Village Trustee. "Our homeowners need support. They are not getting enough support."

Bill Cannon, Candidate for Village Trustee, agrees, "We are in the midst of a major economic crisis, and our Village government needs to make smart decisions. When people are hurting, our Village needs to listen and act. We need a government that brings people together for the betterment of our community."

The Hanover Park Progress candidates invite all residents of Hanover Park to join them in making progress a reality. For more information about Hanover Park Progress, visit their Web site at www.hanoverparkprogress.com.

PACE Route 554 in Hanover Park

Left to Right: RTA Director Jan Carlson, Elmhurst Mayor and PACE Director for NW DuPage Thomas D. Marcucci, Mayor Rod Craig, and PACE Executive Director T.J. Ross.

Many came together including Mayor Billie Roth of Streamwood to celebrate the improved service on PACE Route 554. The old route was a direct path from Elgin traveling down Schaumburg Road, North on Barrington Road, East on Golf Road to Woodfield. Now the route includes a significant portion of Streamwood and Hanover Park. Today the PACE Bus will travel from Elgin down Irving Park Road to Park Road in Streamwood, transition South to Lake Street (rt. 20) to the Hanover Park train station. It will then travel along Barrington Road North to St. Alexian Hospital in Hoffman Estates and transition to Golf Road East to Woodfield.

What a great route for Hanover Park as the bus will be traveling in both directions. This gives our residents a transportation option beyond their own cars. My next goal as I continue my work with the DuPage Mayor and Managers as Director of the Transportation Planning Implementation Team is to find connectivity in DuPage County. A circulator to include Stratford Mall in Bloomingdale, Downtown Roselle, the Carol Stream industral park and our own industral parks is in the future. That circulator could have connectivity to the Wheaton Government Center and DuPage Hospital. Lots of opportunities in the near future as I work to make these routes a reality for Hanover Park.

Last Night's Meeting with the Development Commission

On January 8, 2008 I met with the Development Commission and presented the latest information on the Wind Turbine Initiative as it pertains to the Alliance of School Districts, Municipalities, and College Districts. I shared the power point presentation, House Bill 6660, and the boiler plate resolution. The purpose of this sharing was to ensure that an appropriate internal process was followed by our Village. Due to political pressures, the Village Board chose to move on the resolution at the previous meeting and may be considering it at the next Village Board meeting. I do not want them to bypass our review process. It is my goal for Hanover Park to include the Development Commission, the Environmental Committee, and the Village Board to engage all aspects of energy savings via a sustainable energy process. I look forward to future meetings and dialog within the Village for this outstanding endeavor.

Thank You Pack 398

A Visit to Pack Night at Einstein School

Congratulations to our future leaders, Mom's and Dad's who are sharing this special time together.

Thank you Pack 398







front row l-r Jake Spitz, Logan York, Justin Seybold, Adam Smorynski, Vorrence Reckley

2nd row l-r Tommy Bonjiorno,Kyle Hall, Harry Ehorn, Chris Kasman, Nathan Baraza

3rd row l-r Chris Laker, Justing Fortney, Dylan Kozlick, Nathan Lopez, Kevin Traznik, Jerry Box

back row l-r Cathy Traznik, Darlene Kozlick, Mayor Rodney Craig, Chase Ehorn, Jim Kazman, Sandy Laker

Reflections on a Career

Reflections on a Career
from Village President Rodney S. Craig

I am excited to announce that I will be focusing my full energies on the issues facing Hanover Park following my retirement from my full time job. After six years of Military Service in the US Navy and 32 years of FAA employment, I am ready to take my next step on my life's journey.

It has always been my goal to follow my passion in life, and I have been most fortunate to be able to do this. I spent three tours to Vietnam aboard the USS Lofberg DD759, the USS Orleck DD886, and the USS Southerland DD743. I have volunteered with my children as a sports coach, an Indian Guides Chief, and Scoutmaster with Troop 398.

When I became a Trustee to the Hanover Park Fire Protection District, the newest truck was 25 years old. We addressed the fire safety needs. I continued this commitment as President of the Fire District in my support of the people of Hanover Park and our excellent firefighters. We now have a Municipal Department that reflects the highest quality.

I continue to be active in my Church family. In my professional career with the FAA, I have been greatly rewarded as a manager for the National Airspace System Operations infrastructure for a third of the country, the last 6 years at Chicago Air Traffic Control Center, Regional Office prior to that following 11 years at O’Hare Tower. These opportunities have presented me with great challenges and opportunities.

As a Village Trustee and Village President over the last several years, I worked in my free time and used personal time to serve our people. Today, I begin a period of my life where I have the opportunity to dedicate all of my time to the people of Hanover Park.

When I make a commitment, I do all that I can to follow through. I have committed myself to the people of Hanover Park, and I am looking forward to engaging the varied challenges that come before us in order to seek solutions that will make our hometown a great place to live.

When in the Village Hall, come by and say hi…