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The people of Lake Forest were confronted with a change to our very process of democracy, the removal of our right to vote. Some, like our Caucus Committee, viewed this measure as necessary to “preserve” the system of government they inherited and are trusted to steward. Others, like the Lake Forest Podcast, viewed it as an opportunity to press partisan division and misinformation into a community that has steered clear of such nonsense for over a century. Still others viewed it as an uphill battle against an established machine yet felt the battle was worth fighting. We viewed it as a moment to inform residents and express our commitment to this town, its established processes, and tradition of community involvement.
With the highest turnout of an Annual Meeting Vote in the history of Lake Forest, thousands (by our estimates) of residents showed up and the majority voted NO to eliminating our democratic process. No one person made this happen; we ALL did! We joined together in a common cause, we marched uphill, and we prevailed. We at Lake Forest for Transparency are humbled and proud of everyone who got involved, fought the battle, waited in line, took much more than five minutes for democracy, and voted their conscience. The voters of Lake Forest, the general Caucus members, did not sit this one out!
Our Democracy is Alive and Thriving, Thanks to All of You
While this is a victory of local government preservation, we still face an uphill challenge in restoring trust and involvement within our Caucus system of government. It is incumbent upon the residents of Lake Forest to continue to strive for openness and transparency from our Caucus Committee and demand fair representation for all. From our Library to our Historic Preservation; from our Central Business District to our Open Lands; ALL with a voice in what is best for Lake Forest.
Let’s continue to band together in support of restoring and reforming our Lake Forest Caucus system of government. Divided we stand alone, together we can move mountains.
To the residents of Lake Forest, THANK YOU! You are proof that in these trying times of partisan division, we can all stand together for a common goal - our love for the place we call home, Lake Forest.
Sincerely,
John Trkla
Susan Sailor Daly
Jennifer Karras
Dianne Casuto
-Lake Forest For Transparency
Laura Luce - April 2023
Reese Karras - April 2023
Susan Sailor Daly - April 2023
Jennifer Karras - April 2023
Chicago Tribune Editorial - March 2023
Phillip Arouca - March 2023
Susan Sailor Daily - March 2023
John Trkla - March 2023
Ray Buschmann - March 2023
William Andersen - March 2023
JoAnn Desmond - March 2023
Suzanne Sands - March 2023
Susan Sailor Daly - March 2023
Jennifer Karras and John Trkla - March 2023
Susan Sailor Daly - March 2023
Jennifer Turner - March 2023
Arthur Miller - March 2023
Letter to Patch Editor From John Trkla - March 2023
Letter to Patch Editor from Philip Arouca Lake Forest Caucus, Ward 2 Chair
Daniel I. Dorfman Pioneer Pres
Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Letter to Tribune Editor from Lake Forest Resident Rommy Lopat
By Daniel I. Dorfman
Pioneer Press
By Daniel I. Dorfman
Pioneer Press
Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Letter to Tribune Editor from the League of Women's Voters LFLB
Letter to Patch Editor From Mike Rummel Lake Forest Caucus, Former Mayor