The Forest's Edge

Tax Levy and Habitat Improvement

2009-11-10T19:48:00.004-06:00

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Commission discussed the next tax levy. We are planning to keep the tax rate flat. In fact, a $270,000 home will end up spending $0.36 less than in the past levy. We also recently approved a restructuring of some of our outstanding bonds that will abate additional taxes. We will know for sure how much that number is after we sell the new bonds at a lower rate than the current bonds.

Other business we addressed today is a Habitat Improvement Project at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. Our backup material noted that "Ecologically this area is very important; floral and faunal surveys have found 355 native plant species and 90 wildlife species, including one state endangered, six species in greatest need of conservation in Illinois, and 16 species of special concern regionally." It is amazing how quickly these areas rebound with restoration efforts.

St. James Farm Master Plan

2009-10-08T09:08:00.003-05:00

Many people ask me what is going on at St. James Farm. Well, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has posted our first take on a Master Plan and are soliciting your Comments. Here is a photo exhibit for you to see what it is like.

Danada Fall Fest

2009-09-28T09:19:00.002-05:00

Come to the Danada Fall Festival Sunday, October 11. Fun for the whole family!

NTRO Fall Brunch

2009-09-16T22:50:00.007-05:00

NTRO Fall Brunch Fundraiser!
Guest speaker: Michael Zak

"Michael Zak is a popular speaker around the nation. His message is that Republicans would benefit tremendously from appreciating the heritage of our Grand Old Party."

Naperville Township Republican Organization
Price: $65.00
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Meson Sabika
1025 Aurora Avenue
Naperville, IL
Map

To reserve you spot at the brunch, please give me a call at 630-336-4905.

Please Join Horticultural Consultants

2009-07-18T21:26:00.003-05:00

If you are on facebook, please join Horticultural Consultants group. I have a great sale on some extra plants for group members.

House 4 Sale Tour

2009-06-29T09:54:00.003-05:00

For those of you that wanted to see it, here is a virtual tour of my house.

House For Sale

2009-06-22T23:32:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted for quite a while because I have been getting my house ready for selling it this summer. We should have it listed this week. It has a new efficient furnace/AC, new doors, new windows, new carpeting...

Feel free to contact me if you are interested (or if you know of someone that might be).

The 35 Cent Club

2009-05-09T23:07:00.002-05:00

"The 35 Cent Club" is a fundraiser to help support the Naper Settlement. The next event is Wednesday, May 20th. I will be one of the guest bartenders. Come on out and help support Naper Settlement.

Notable guest bartenders include:
Carl Schultz, Commissioner - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Robert J. Schillerstrom - DuPage County Board Chairman
Joseph Birkett - DuPage County State's Attorney
Jim Healy - DuPage County Board Member
John Zediker - DuPage County Board Member
D. "Dewey" Pierotti Jr. President - Forest Preserve District of Dupage County

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Pre-Emption House Tavern - Naper Settlement
Street: 523 S. Webster Street
City/Town: Naperville, IL

And The Winners Are...

2009-04-10T17:48:00.002-05:00

Gary Vician - Supervisor
Warren Dixon - Assessor
Stan Wojtasiak - Highway Commissioner
Carol Bertulis - Clerk
Esin Busche - Trustee
Fred Spitzzeri - Trustee
David Wentz - Trustee
May Yurgaitis - Trustee

Republicans take all of the Naperville Township offices.

Elect Naperville Township Republicans

2009-03-16T11:26:00.004-05:00

Today is the start of early voting for the April 7th Consolidated Elections. I would like to encourage you to vote for the Republicans running for each of the Naperville Township offices. Here is their website: http://www.gop4napervilletownship.com/

Gary Vician - Supervisor
Warren Dixon - Assessor
Stan Wojtasiak - Highway Commissioner
Carol Bertulis - Clerk
Esin Busche - Trustee
Fred Spitzzeri - Trustee
David Wentz - Trustee
May Yurgaitis - Trustee

2009-03-03T16:09:00.004-06:00

For those that are interested, the Chicago Tribune has an online poll to log your vote as to whether Illinois should have a special election. Click on the link below to give your opinion.

Chicago Tribune Special Election Online Poll

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-special-election-vote,0,4043885.poll

Gov. Quinn Opens State Parks

2009-02-26T20:22:00.003-06:00

Hooray for Governor Pat Quinn! I had previously posted regarding former Gov. Blagojevich's ill-conceived decision to close several state parks. I agreed with Quinn then; and I applaud his decision to open 7 state parks and return them to the people.

“State parks protect some of our most precious habitat and provide opportunities for families to find outdoor recreation close to home. These are the people’s parks and the people have the right to enjoy them in good and bad economic times,” said Governor Quinn.

Today’s announcement officially starts the process of reopening Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park in Oregon, Illini State Park in Marseilles, Hidden Springs State Forest in Strasburg, Moraine View State Park in Leroy, Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton and Wolf Creek State Park in Windsor.

This Is Wrong

2009-02-09T08:54:00.004-06:00

It is scary that President Obama is transferring power controlling the 2010 Census from the Dept. of Commerce to direct White House control, under Rahm Emanuel! At the very least it looks bad. At its worst... Manipulating the Census can obviously affect presidential elections by ensuring more electoral votes go to States benefiting the current administration, not the actual count of U.S. citizens. That would also affect the make up of the Congress. The U.S. Constitution requires the Census as a responsibility of the Legislative branch. One would hope that Congress would not allow a blatant power grab by the President to stand, but a very partisan Speaker Pelosi is not likely to do it. The change is likely to benefit the Democrats, by adding members to States that they control. Evidently, that is the 'Change You Can Believe In'.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-21T08:41:00.004-06:00

President Obama said in his Inauguration Address, 'For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.'

Evidently, everybody figures that the government will just take care of everything for them. Perhaps the trash collectors are on a coffee break. Maybe it would help if people would just clean up after themselves!

Naperville Township Republican Caucus

2009-01-12T19:44:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow, January 13, is the Naperville Township Republican Caucus. The Caucus is to nominate those running for the various township offices. The Naperville Township Republican Organization endorses the following slate of candidates:

Supervisor - Gary Vician
Clerk - Carol Bertulis
Assessor - Warren Dixon Jr.
Highway Commissioner - Stan Wojtasiak
Trustees - Fred Spitzzeri, May Yurgaitis, Esin Busche, and David Wentz

Gary Vician is moving up to replace George Porter, who is retiring. David Wentz is stepping in to fill Gary's spot as Trustee. All of the others are incumbents.

Random Thoughts Of Another

2008-12-24T09:06:00.003-06:00

I like reading Thomas Sowell. For the uninitiated, Dr. Sowell is an economist that writes a syndicated column. Periodically, he writes a 'Random Thoughts' column. Two items in his most recent 'Random Thoughts' musings...

"Wal-Mart has done more for poor people than any ten liberals, at least nine of whom are almost guaranteed to hate Wal-Mart."

"If you didn't know that Governor Rod Blagojevich was a Democrat, you are unlikely to find out from the mainstream media. But, if you didn't know that recently convicted Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska was a Republican, the media made sure to tell you."

How True!

Partnering Is Good Government

2008-12-17T19:16:00.003-06:00

Today I attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Naperville for the construction of the intersection of Washington St. and 75th St. This will include establishing a trail under 75th St. Dignitaries included Naperville Mayor George Pradel, Councilmen Darlene Senger, Ken Miller, Dick Furstenau, County Board Members Michael Connelly and Jim Healy, Naperville Park District President Suzanne Hart, and myself. It was cold and windy, so we all kept our comments brief. Eventually the event will be shown on NCTV 17.

The project is a great example of partnering with other governments to accomplish many goals. For the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County the benefits include a safe passage under 75th St., connecting a couple of our trail segments, and allowing DuPage Citizens to enjoy more of the open space along the West Branch of the DuPage River. Working together makes the process more efficient, reducing the time to finish the project and at a lower cost for all concerned. This is good government at work. I look forward to continue to partner with others to achieve the most for our common interests.

Schadenfreude, Where Have You Gone?

2008-12-10T08:11:00.005-06:00

Normally I might feel a certain schadenfreude (that is, taking joy at someone's misfortune) when a Democrat puts their foot in it. However, the recent legal complaint against Governor Blagojevich just leaves me heartsick for the State of Illinois.

I have been no fan of Governor Blagojevich and have written about it in this blog. (here and here) He should resign and the Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn should be installed as the new Governor by weeks end. Short of that, I wonder how quickly Michael Madigan can dust off his impeachment memo?

Some State Parks To Stay Open

2008-11-24T10:12:00.006-06:00

It appears that the Governor has relented and will fund some of the State Parks. Thank you to the many people that responded to my earlier request to sign the petition. Still, the Governor is closing 7 parks and the historic sites.

With next year being the celebration for Lincoln's 200 birthday and all the folks coming to experience the Land of Lincoln, it will be a shame to have those historic sites closed. Governor Blagojevich's legacy is already one of neglect regarding our natural resources. Maybe the new leadership in Springfield will see Illinois caring for what it owns.

2008-11-10T08:01:00.006-06:00

I am starting to review the election results and have come up with a few things to think about for next election.

First, it appears that the reason I was behind so significantly at the start of the published returns is because the Election Commission counted the early votes, etc. first, instead of with each individual precinct. The Obama campaign was pushing early voting that brought out a lot of motivated Democrats (and Obama Independents) to early vote. That means that I had overwhelming support on Election Day. My efforts were focused on getting out the vote on November 4, so I am happy with that. Still, I think that early voting will be a significant issue for future elections.

Second, because early voting will be an issue, I will have to work on strategies to address that. I have three years to finalize a plan, so I would appreciate your comments now.

Third, since younger voters were activated this time around, I need to find ways to reach into that group. A flyer to their parents is probably not a good way to accomplish the result I would want.

Finally, perhaps this is just a coincinence, but I won by approximately the number of emory boards that I passed out. (Note to self - Buy more emory boards!)

Thank You

2008-11-05T09:32:00.004-06:00

It was a nailbiter early in the evening. One might say I was doing my part to support Edward Hospital's Cardiac Unit. The early results were disappointing... I was losing. But each update thereafter had me moving forward. Ultimately I won with a 2700+ vote cushion. You can read about it here in the Naperville Sun.

Thanks to everyone that helped me in this election. I couldn't have done it without you!

Endorsement, Interview and Campaign

2008-10-27T11:22:00.004-05:00

I will take a moment to bask in the recent Daily Herald endorsement. ... long enough. It's back on the campaign trail.

For those of you who have not caught my interview on NCTV17 (or live outside their viewing area), you might want to watch it on line. (click here) Select Carl Schultz and press Go to start video.

It is the last week of the campaign. I could use whatever help you might be able to give. This includes passing literature in the neighborhoods, making phone calls, putting out signs, train stations, and more. If you can help, contact me at horticarl@yahoo.com or call 630-336-4905.

THANK YOU!

Danada Fall Festival A Success

2008-10-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful day for families to get out and enjoy the Danada Fall Festival. The official estimate was 12,000. (I think that it was higher than that. You do not have to go through turnstiles and the place was packed!) You can read about the event here and here.

There was a parade of horse breeds, jumping demonstrations, a musical horseback drill team, and much more. There were also other fun things to see and do, such as, take a hay ride, go up a climbing rope (a little scary if you don't like heights), see the live raptor (hawks, falcons, and owls) exhibit, painting pumpkins, etc.

Whether you like to watch the horse events or just want to do the other fun things at the festival, you should pencil the Danada Fall Festival in your calendar next year! It is traditionally held on the Sunday before Columbus Day.

Danada Fall Festival

2008-10-05T11:43:00.003-05:00

Danada Equestrian Center in Danada Forest Preserve has a wonderful event for the family. The District will have its annual Danada Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. What will you see. To quote the District's post -

"Main-arena events will feature the Danada Equestrian Center's resident Percherons, American quarter horses and mustangs as well as the Danada volunteer musical horseback drill team. Numerous guest horses and riders will round out the day's performances.

Visitors can take a hayride through the autumn woods; watch as a farrier makes horseshoes; tour the Kentucky-style barn that once housed Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair; and learn about horse care, grooming, and tack. They can also visit the Danada House, the former home of Dan and Ada Rice, and view winners of the Friends of Danada Nature Art and Photo Show, a juried competition featuring local artists. Children can decorate paper hobbyhorses for a romp in the main arena, play in the straw pen, paint pumpkins or stop by the face-painting booth."

Admission and parking is free. There are affordable prices for some activities and food. Come and enjoy this wonderful experience.

When A Republican Agrees With A Democrat

2008-09-22T14:51:00.004-05:00

You won't find me agreeing with Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn on too many issues, but he is spot on regarding Gov. Blagojevich's decision to close 11 state parks and 13 historic sites. That is, we shouldn't do it!

This action by Governor Blagojevich is nothing new. The Governor has repeatedly reduced monies for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This has resulted in IDNR falling from a once nationally respected agency to a mere shadow of itself. The near term decline in our natural resources will over time be devastating to the legacy we pass on to our children and grandchildren.

So I would encourage you to go to http://www.saveourstateparks.org/ and sign the petition to save our parks and historic sites. You can also send an email to the Governor to encourage him to reconsider his decision to close them.