Community Corner
Cross: Legislation Result of 'Reckless Decisions' at Plainfield Park District
State representative speaks out on legislation to expand park board from five to seven members.
By State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego):
The Illinois General Assembly has adjourned for the summer and while our state still faces many challenges, I was glad that we were able to reach some bi-partisan solutions, including one that addressed a pressing local concern.
For many months we witnessed the Plainfield Park District Board struggle with accountability, transparency and proper management. Reckless decisions left residents wondering what had happened to the traditionally well-run and respected park district. Even after concerns were raised about the direction of the park district, the majority of the board continued to move the board in the wrong direction.
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With few options to address this confounding problem, we developed an innovative legislative remedy. Working with Rep. Natalie Manley and Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant we developed a bipartisan solution to a nonpartisan problem. Our team introduced legislation that allowed for the appointment of two more members to the park board to break up the influence of the majority and put those seats before voters as soon as possible at the next municipal election in 2015.
Navigating the murky waters of passing this bill in the General Assembly would not have happened without the bipartisan support of Senator Bertino-Tarrant and State Representative Natalie Manley. With their help the bill was able to pass the House and the Senate and now only needs Governor Quinn’s signature to become law.
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As you may know this will be my last year in the General Assembly since I am giving up my seat to run for State Treasurer. It has been a truly wonderful experience representing and helping this area through times of unprecedented growth and expansion. Thank you for all your support throughout the years and I hope that we can continue working together to keep this area a great place to live and work.
-Tom Cross is the Illinois State Representative for the 97th District and the Republican nominee for state treasurer.
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