As more people are communicating electronically, both privately and through social media, the absence of facial expressions and vocal intonation can cause misunderstandings. Furthermore, complaints over social media to people who are not tasked with the solution can quickly escalate, as those whose job it is to respond are not informed of the problem in a timely manner or perhaps ever.
If you have a question, concern or complaint about a City service or bill, please check the City website first. Many questions are answered there, and you may save yourself time. You can contact the City directly at (847) 432-0800. As your Councilmember, I am always happy to help residents solve city-related problems or answer your questions and concerns – just email me and I will connect you to the right staff person to address your issue.
Category: Get Involved
How Can You Help?
Thank you to everyone who is supporting our front line workers – health care, grocery store employees, and pubic safety. They are working very hard, and it helps them to know that the community appreciates their efforts. Many people have lost jobs or income due to the pandemic and are struggling to pay their bills. If you are able to, please consider directing donations to Moraine Township Food Pantry or the Highland Park Community Foundation. Both of these organizations support those in our community who are in need of help.
Be Counted!
While you are home, please fill out the Census here if you have not already done so. The Census Bureau advises completing the Census now, even if you haven’t yet received your 12 digit ID by mail. Your information is confidential, and your response helps to direct federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
Job Opportunity – Greenest Region Corps
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is partnering with Americorps to identify enthusiastic volunteers to lead sustainability projects in one of eight suburban Chicago communities. The deadline to apply is September 9, 2018 and you can find information and an application here. Volunteers will be paid a living allowance and will be provided health insurance. Upon completion of the program, volunteers will be eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps Educational Award.
All Hands on Deck
On Monday, July 3 from 8:30 – 9:30 am, you can join others at Park Avenue Beach for All Hands on Deck. On that day, people across the Great Lakes will link hands around the lakefront in their respective cities in support of Great Lakes Protection efforts. The Great Lakes is the largest source of fresh surface water on Earth, containing 18% of the world’s supply of fresh surface water and 90% of the US supply. Our drinking water comes from Lake Michigan. With this proximity to the lake comes a special responsibility to protect it. The choices we make have an impact on the health of the Great Lakes. Please join us to show your support for protection of this important resource.
Go Green Illinois – an Introduction
Go Green Illinois works to encourage and support the establishment of citizen’s environmental groups in every community in the northern suburbs, to share best practices among the groups and to collaborate on addressing environmental challenges that cross municipal boundaries. The group meets every other month to coordinate and share ideas. Presentation topics have included active transportation, electrical aggregation, natural landscape practices, local politics, recycling, stormwater management, community solar, community engagement and food waste. Please go to the website to learn more about how to get involved, and to sign up for their email newsletter.
Please Vote and Bring a Friend
Turnout in the municipal elections is typically low. Please help change this trend by voting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 4. Polls will be open from 6 am to 7 pm. You can confirm your polling place and registration here. If you previously voted at Northwood Jr. High, your new polling place is the Chinese Christian Union Church, 1506 Half Day Rd. (just west of 41 on the south side of the street.)
There are 22 candidates running for positions at the City, School Districts 112 and 113 and Park District. Many people have been asking how to learn about the candidates. The most comprehensive source of information is the League of Women Voter’s Candidate Guide. Candidates for either Moraine or West Deerfield Township will also be on your ballot along with Trustees for College of Lake County.
Be a Voter
It’s time to vote. Are you an early voter or do you prefer to go on election day? Please look at your calendar now, and mark a time to go vote. Turnout has been very low so far, and I ask for your help to change that. Please encourage others to vote. Bring a friend with you to the polls. Please cut and paste the below voting information into an email or text and send it to your friends, family and colleagues. Thank you!
Early Voting:
Highland Park Police Station, 1677 Old Deerfield Rd.
Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm through April 1
Additional Early Voting options:
You can early vote early at any Lake County early polling location, and some have extended hours. A list of locations and hours is here.
Election Day:
On Tuesday, April 4 polls will be open from 6 am – 7 pm. Click here to confirm your polling place and registration. If you previously voted at Northwood Jr. High, your new polling place is the Chinese Christian Union Church, 1506 Half Day Rd. (just west of 41 on the south side of the street.)
Candidate Forum, Voter Guide and Polling Place Changes
Come hear from candidates for City Council, Park District, and both School Boards at the Candidate Forum sponsored by League of Women Voters on March 19 from 1 – 4:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public. You can read about the local candidates in this voter guide. Some polling places in Highland Park have changed. Click here to confirm your voter registration and polling place location.
Martin Luther King Day of Service
Join us on Monday, January 16 from 10 am – 2 pm for Highland Park’s 8th annual day of service at the Recreation Center of Highland Park. There will be service projects for all ages, and the event is free and open to all. Details are here.