Morton Grove Action Party Declines Invitation to Candidates’ Forum

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar. 26, 2009 - The Action Party candidates wanted to participate in a candidates’ forum that would be open to all involved, but learned (after the fact) that such an event had already been set for a date that they had already scheduled a local “Meet the Candidates” get-together. They did not want to cause any hardship or inconvenience to their supporters, many of whom have gone out of their way to open their homes and host similar “Meet the Candidate” events since the campaign began. Although an eleventh-hour alternative date was proposed, the Action Party felt its candidates would rather continue meeting residents in their neighborhoods and homes, and taking a more personal approach in answering residents’ questions. Thus, regrettably, it doesn't appear that a debate or forum will take place in 2009.

The Action Party found itself in the unfortunate position of declining to participate in a Candidates’ Forum when it learned that the date had been set and published in print and online by the Morton Grove Public Library a scant six weeks prior. “With events set many months ago to meet with interested citizens in their homes and at their businesses, efforts undertaken by the Library (with word first reaching the Action Party in late January) did not allow us sufficient time to reschedule those March engagements already on our calendar,” stated Action Party Media Director, Maria Toth. Further, a review of past Library Board minutes revealed that discussions regarding a Candidates’ Forum were held as early as June 12, 2008, and that the event was approved by the Library Board on November 13, 2008. The Action Party was not approached to participate in a debate until late January. The Library’s underestimating the lead time that the organization needed to clear its candidates' schedules was definitely a factor.

Action Party candidates (Dan Staackmann-Village President, Tony Kalogerakos-Village Clerk, Dan DiMaria, Larry Gomberg and Bill Grear-Trustees) have stated that they are always interested in sharing their message of good, open and honest government with all the residents of the Village. They have been doing just that for many weeks.

The candidates have been diligently knocking on doors and hosting open houses at Action Party Headquarters (located at 6005 W. Dempster, at the corner of Dempster & Austin). They have also accepted numerous invitations into people’s homes to meet with these voters, their family, friends, and neighbors in order to discuss issues affecting the Village, and to learn what residents really want from their elected officials.

All of the Action Party candidates feel they know the issues important to the voters since they have been hearing about them first-hand when talking to residents from all parts of town and speaking with those who have come into Action Party Headquarters. Some of the issues residents shared as being of vital importance to them personally, or to the Village overall are: Taxes; Property Maintenance; Senior Housing; Street Maintenance; Flooding; Ethics and Credibility in Government; and Economic Development.

The Action Party urges all interested citizens to separate fact from fiction in the upcoming campaign, then cast their ballot on April 7 (early voting is available at Morton Grove’s Village Hall until April 2). "The voice of the voter must be clearly heard by the next administration on how the Village should be governed. If the voters of Morton Grove honor me with their vote, I will be there to listen and act for them first and foremost," stated Action Party Mayoral Candidate (and current Village Trustee) Dan Staackmann.

The Action Party, a grassroots Morton Grove-based political party, prides itself in the fact that its members are non-partisan – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – who are dedicated to providing the Village of Morton Grove with experienced, independent, and dedicated leadership.

Look for more information about the Action Party of Morton Grove, its candidates, and the upcoming April 7 election on our website: www.actionparty.org.