Walking The Public Me, Private Me Line

Elected officials walk the line, all day, every day

Over the last month or so, I've had a heightened awareness of my potential influence as a public figure. Even 5 years into serving as an elected trustee for the Village of Lake in the Hills Board of Trustees, I am still often surprised by how blurry the line is between my public self and my private self.

Make no mistake, what you see is what you get. My public persona is so very closely tied to who I am in private. However, because of two recent hot current events in the US,  I've been forced to think about the line I walk and how it affects those in my sphere of influence.

First, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that has been sending waves across all media over the last few weeks. Of course, I've been "challenged" just like anyone else possibly reading this blog. I chose to quietly make a donation to ALS and not participate in a dousing, video or announcement of the such.

By the some of the commentary in various strings of my social media as well as evidenced in texts, calls or private messages, this was not a very popular move.

"You're a leader - why aren't you doing it?"

"People listen to you, don't you want to use your influence for good?"

Two of the many messages I got during my refusal to do the challenge.

Secondly, I was constantly questioned (publicly and privately)  in the aftermath of the controversial killing of Michael Brown, the unarmed teenager from Ferguson MO. Over the last two weeks since his death, I have made a handful of posts that generated oh, so many comments and debate. I am not going to post some of the the things people sent me privately about that, but I will say this.

Elected officials are people first.  We have feelings, thoughts and reactions - just as you do.

While I walk a line between my public persona and my private self - I am acutely aware that people are watching and listening. 99% of every month, I am representing just me and my own personal views. The 1% of every month (and that creeps to 5% depending on the issues we are facing) that I am serving the residents of the Village of Lake in the Hills, I represent, as best I can, the best interests of the 30,000 people who live in our borders.

That said, I am proud of my values and views. I don't shy away from much. However, I'm not particularly fond of cold water and my schedule has been very pressed as an entrepreneur this August.  Further,  I am completely exhausted by the heightened racial tensions we've experienced in the US since 2008. And that timing just so happens to coincide with my time as an elected official.

Forgive me if it appears that I am lacking interest in the two hottest topics sweeping our nation. Public and private Denise Barreto is indeed processing these and I am happy to have one-on-one conversations about this with anyone who reaches out. But don't creep my social media tabs looking for soundbites or video clips. There won't be much.

I'm too busy changing the world, one relationship at a time.

Home Stretch

With 7 days left in the 2013 Election cycle, you will find me spending all this time talking to voters door-to-door.

Reminding voters of the accomplishments so far and the work I'd still like to do for the Village of Lake in the Hills.

In case you don't see me or my crew door-to-door, here goes:

Co-lead a team to tackle a minor parking issue that was causing major distress to working Lake in the Hills residents that resulted in an ordinance/code alteration

Used my vision casting talents to assist Parks and Recreation department in creating a new mission statement and direction

Lead a cross-functional strategic marketing planning committee to leverage better our Lake in the Hills C3K airport benefits and features for the flying public

Built relationships on behalf of the village on both the county and state levels

Oversaw management of finances from difficult cost-cutting mode when I entered office to the ability to  extend tax levy DECREASES for the last two consecutive years

Driving our village to create and execute a strategic plan to proactively set a course of action for the next 5 - 10 years.

This is just a sampling of the work I've done and would like to continue as village trustee for Lake in the Hills.

As always - I am open and available to chat about any topic listed or others that have your attention. Leave a comment here or feel free to call me at 708.917.7696.

Don't forget to vote - now thru Saturday early voting or next Tuesday April 9.

3 Reasons You Should Send Me Back To The Board!

Signs you may see around town starting tomorrow!

I'm baaaaaaack!

Happy day to anyone breezing by! Chances are you are on this page because you are curious to learn more about Denise Barreto - candidate for Lake in the Hills Trustee Board.

Thanks for coming by. And yes - you are in the right place. The online home for the 2013 re-election campaign for Denise Barreto.

I am excited to be running for Village trustee again in 2013. Over the next 6 weekends you may see me out and about telling my story and asking for your vote. If by chance we don't connect personally, I wanted to have a place where you can hear the top three reasons I want to go back to the Lake in the Hills Village Board of Trustees:

Proven Leadership

Four years ago when I asked for your vote, you had to trust me on my leadership that was mostly honed in corporate America. Since then, I've served you on the board of trustees and am proud of my service thus far. Additionally, I've started a strategic business firm serving organizations from many industries including government and non-profit agencies. Over the last few years, I've become a trusted resource for employee development within parks and recreation agencies across the state of Illinois. Being a leader and developing leaders within other organizations is a great reason to send me back to the board.

Represents Working Families and Small Business

Over the last four years, I have continued to help others get elected in McHenry County keeping me close to our residents and their concerns. The Barretos are a working class family and we understand the concerns working families have around property taxes, public services, safety and other topics. Lake in the Hills has been and continues to be a great, affordable community for working families. We want to keep it that way. As an entrepreneur, I also have a unique perspective on the concerns small businesses have in our village. Lake in the Hills needs to continue to be a place where small business can grow and thrive.

Serving You Well Now

I'd like to go back to the board for another term because I am currently serving the residents of Lake in the Hills well. For two consecutive years, we have REDUCED the tax levy on your property tax obligation to Lake in the Hills. Yes, not held steady - reduced. Our staff has worked hard to serve the residents on less revenue and that is to be commended. We understand what has happened with property values and we've acted accordingly. I am leading a team to raise visibility and usage of our airport. Building relationships on the county and state level to help us make the airport the economic engine it could be for Lake in the Hills and McHenry county.  I am also driving us to implement a strategic plan to serve you better.

I have only just begun to activate my talents fully for the Village of Lake in the Hills. As you may or may not know, government moves slower than the marketplace. It takes time to get things done, and even more time to get things done, well. I've spent the last four years learning a lot and getting hand-on experience serving you in this capacity. I want to continue.  I do not believe in being a politician for a lifetime. I see it as service and temporary. I'd like you to extend your trust to me again and vote for me April 9.

Keep coming back here as I plan to connect on this page for the remainder of the campaign. Post questions or concerns and check out where I plan to be in the community.

Thanks for your support!

The Power of 10%

Recently, someone razzed me for pumping gas in Algonquin.

At first, I was annoyed then I quickly retorted - "Yeah, but for every three fill-ups - I intentionally fill-up in Lake in the Hills."

Then I got to thinking about all the people who live and do life in Lake in the Hills and what would happen if they all INTENTIONALLY directed at least 10% of their spending to businesses in Lake in the Hills.

I will be the first to admit that I did not drastically change my habits until I read the budget and studied the finances of the village.

We are doing more with less and have been for quite some time. Did you know that our staffing levels are currently at pre-2005 levels? Meaning -we have more people living in and being served in Lake in the Hills in 2010 by the same amount of employees as we did before 2005.

There's more nuggets like that and if you care to discuss - call or message me. I'll buy you coffee for your trouble.

My point is not to debate how we are doing with our current resources and revenues -FACT- revenues are down. FACT -we are "getting by" with what we have and FACT - Lake in the Hills is landlocked and we are really dependent on businesses in our neighboring communities to live our lives. However, often times people want to know what they can do to help. This is just my humble suggestion - divert some of your current spending to Lake in the Hills.

I intentionally direct more than 10% of my spending to Lake in the Hills - no matter what. Here are my top 4  contributions:

1. Eating out - whether it's ordering pizza or the occasional date night with my husband - I intentionally direct money that I used to spend in other areas to Lake in the Hills.

Brass tax - Bistro Wasabi over Bangkok Thai or White Castle versus Burger King - it's easy and since we don't eat out regularly - it is not hard to remember to give the business to Lake in the Hills.

2. Gas -I've already said this one but I make sure every three fill-ups are in Lake in the Hills - even if it's cheaper in Algonquin.

3. Costco vs Sam's Club - Ironically - we made this change due to proximity even though we liked Sam's better. This change alone has contributed thousands in the last two years.

4. Convenience items - Yeah - I know grocery store-wise we only have Dominicks and I rarely shop there. However, I do give them business for the short trip stuff and you know what I mean - not the full list but the milk, bread - few item runs. I also watch the ads because sometimes - Dominicks surprises me and is the best deal

These are just some ideas - perhaps you have others. I am thinking out loud with you -  of ways to help our village generate more revenues

With little effort,  we can all improve the finances of our community.

I Told You SO!

That's the word on the street about this blog.

"I knew she could never sustain it."

"The People's Trustee? Ha!"

"What was she thinking?"

I can hear it now. And most likely will at this week's Committee of the Whole meeting.

Truth is...

There is not that much going on in the Village of Lake in the Hills, IL. And what IS going on is not of that much interest to the everyday resident as evidenced in our Audience Participation portion of the meetings twice each month.

Another truth...

I am not one to "speak" just to hear myself. The purpose of this blog is to exchange with citizens and update you on my thoughts on village happenings. So if there is not much happening... then there are not many reasons for blogposts.

I'd considered shuttering this page after the first 60 straight days of no activity but changed my mind. If you Google my name - this is the first listing that appears and it would cost a fortune to get that another way. I love the placement and can't part with it anytime soon.

Sooooo.... if you are interested in my thoughts in general - you can always follow my other blog here or follow me on Twitter where I am extremely active.

As for my Board responsibilities - I continue to enjoy my service and love explaining my position to all who have reached out to me to hear it. Additionally, I will be representing Lake in the Hills at the Illinois Municipal League annual conference running a workshop on cultivating talent in our communities by volunteer programs. I will surely update you after that experience in late Sept.

Until the next post - I appreciate any thoughts or questions.

Thanks for checking in.

Know any F.L.I.P.s? Send Them Our Way!

F. L. I. P. stands for Future Leaders in Planning and it is a leadership opportunity for high school students in the Northeastern Illinois region brought us by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).

CMAP is the official regional planning organization for the northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure to meet CMAP Outreach Associate Janet Bright at a McHenry County Council of Governments meeting and I could not pass up the opportunity to help get the word out about their program entering its third year of existence. One, because it is a gem of a program - rich with opportunity for high school students that have an interest in planning and leadership exposing them to leaders in our area as well as encouraging them to be part of the solutions for various challenges of the Chicago Metroplitan Area.

Two, and perhaps the most compelling - I want us to have McHenry County representation in this program. Entering it's third year - I am not even sure how many McHenry County area families and students are aware of this program and the opportunities for networking it presents. Additionally, getting our high school students involved in govermental activities is a personal priority of mine.

There are five specific areas that the F.L.I.P.s will actively address in a team format:

Transportation

Economic Development

Housing and Land Use

Environment

Human Services

These are all critical subjects to municipalities and I would love to gain the perspective from the next generation on how they think we should tackle the challenges that lie ahead in these areas.

The program is free of charge and the applications are due at the end of this month. Follow this link to the full details and the pdf of the application. Please pass on this post to any high school aged students in your life.

One Year, New Idea

It is hard to believe that one year ago tonight, I was elected to the Lake in the Hills Village Board. At our Committee of the Whole meeting tonight , I was recalling how my election night watch/victory party buzz was killed around 8:20 pm when the early voting trends showed I was in fourth place and seemingly on the verge of losing my bid for the trustee board.

The room effectively cleared out as people mumbled weak, bare audible "hey - hang in there" "Not all precincts are counted" - type comments.

Only a few die-hards hung out until 9:00 when we got the word that I'd moved into the second place position and secured my seat on the Lake in the Hills Village Board.

I still humbled when I think of the privilege I have to serve the residents of our town. Thanks so much for that trust.

As tomorrow moves me into year two of my four year term, I want to give you a glimpse of something I am working on and hope you will join as we move forward.

Next week, I will be speaking at the 2010 Circle Connection Conference in Champaign about how to build a vibrant and mutually beneficial volunteer program for park districts and park and recreation department officials. I collaborated with a kindred spirit on the presentation and we crafted a message that will surely help many cash-strapped municipalities throughout the state of Illinois.

In a few weeks, we in Lake in the Hills will tackle the same information and look for ways to engage talented village residents to help meet our needs while helping people build resume quality experiences with us.

Please stay tuned because over the next 60-90 days you will see a plan come together to build and sustain a best-in-class volunteer program for our community.

By the way - just want to say thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve you.

Happy Anniversary!

No Coffee Talk, For Now

These first two months of 2010 have flown by... and I have to be honest, I feel as though I blinked and tomorrow is March. So much for getting you more engaged - that's what I thought today as I updated my other blog.

Well here we go! First things first - Do I need to re-schedule my quarterly coffee talk? This weekend - I met two residents individually versus my original plan to hold a coffee talk. Can't blame me though - last time I did it I only had one taker and she was a friend. For goodness sakes there was more press that people. I am extremely busy and juggling lots so I am posing the question - Wanna come and talk to me in a group setting or not?

Two - where are you guys at the meetings? The best way to get a dialogue going is to know what we are talking about. Yes, you most certainly can go online and see the agenda and minutes from the meetings but there is nothing like being there in person. You won't have to talk or anything. Normally, the meetings take minimal time - Committee of the Whole Meetings on Tuesday are somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 minutes on average and the Board of Trustee meetings on Thursdays take a lot less. Think 15 minutes on a long night. It is worth it especially if you have any questions and/or concerns about what happening.

Finally, with close to 10 months on the job - I want some feedback! In all fairness, to date I've been emailed, called or approached by a total of 6 people and I appreciate that. I always respond to every inquiry within 24 to 48 hrs. I've even had an anonymous comment on the blog questioning my vote on the Home Rule Sales Tax increase. I love to interact and ask that you bring it - call, email - leave comments here. Let me know how I'm doing and what I can do to improve my performance on the Village Board. That is an offer you cannot refuse - how many public officials solicit feedback that is not tied to a specific issue but to their performance alone? I'm betting not many but counting on someone to prove me wrong.

Enjoy your start to March and I will post again next Sunday with a preview of our first COW and BOT meetings of the month.

Asking For Your Vote Again...

Hard to believe that one year ago, I was asking the people of Lake in the Hills to vote for me to join the Village Board of Trustees. They heard, voted and I now represent them. Something tells me this time around it will be just a tad bit harder - but not impossible!

Voting opened at midnight at www.refresheverything.com for the Pepsi Refresh Everything Project where Pepsi will award grants of $5 - 250K to bring ideas to life across six areas, health, arts and culture, food and shelter, the planet, neighborhoods and education. Click hereto vote for my project.

Over at my other blog you may have heard me ranting lately about my idea to start a movement to change the way we look at relationships; to enable all people to be relationally healthy. Well - the time has come for your help. My idea - RELATIONSHIPS MATTER NOW is up for vote in the health category and we need to end up in the top ten to secure the $5K grant by the end of February.

WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR RELATIONSHIPS MATTER NOW?

Great question, it's simple. We live on this planet interdependent on others. From a brief transactional relationship at the coffee counter to our co-workers where ever we choose to lend out talent to our deep and personal relationships, we all interact and co-habit this planet with others. And from the looks of the way we deal with one another (think current political climate, divorce rates, verbal intimidation in the workplace) - it is time for a change.

Relationships Matter Now will exist (with or without the Pepsi grant) to help people take proactive care of their relationships. We will raise visibility to the need for relational wellness in every one's life. Relational wellness is taking responsibility to proactively care for all relationships in your life. It's a two-fold proposition:

1. Self-awareness - we all need a true understanding of our own relational issues and needs.

2. Relationship skills - we all need to build the skills necessary to function in healthy relationships.

Out of the gate - we want to build the web home for Relationships Matter Now and get 50,000 people to pledge to work on their relationships. Over the next week you will be directed to a new blog to support this effort and it will live at RelationshipsMatterNow.com. I've got an awesome designer working on a logo and we are getting the pledge document created as we speak.

Clearly with the help from Pepsi - we can get this going sooner rather than later. Long term, Relational Wellness will be in the health care debate - it's not just about reactionary care - proactive care is critical - from all angles - physical, mental, spiritual and now, relational. There is a personal responsibility to this as well as a corporate one. Relationships Matter Now will lead this movement and we need your help.

Join me, Lake in the Hills (and anyone you know - we can spread the word thru the county, state and country) and vote for this idea to get one of the first Pepsi Refresh Everything Grants. Voting started at midnight and goes until February 28. Winners will be announced on March 1.

Small Wind Energy Code Passes

Last Thursday night, the Lake in the Hills Village Board of Trustees passed measures to allow Small Wind Turbines in the village in both a residential and commercial capacity.

I, for one, am pleased with this decision. I am proud of how the Planning and Zoning Commission so carefully considered this and came to a solution that included input from village residents. At the November 16 public hearing, there were several residents in attendance. One resident gave some great advice to include graphics in the ordinance and code to alleviate misinterpretations in the future. The final draft of the ordinance and code included this advice.

You will be able to review all the updates on the village website shortly.

Technology will force the village to keep a close watch on this because the wind turbines will surely be updated and change as quickly as iPod music players. It is a good precedent that we are forward thinking about how to introduce this type of energy saving measures into our village. Due to costs ($800 - $1,500 starting costs for small turbines w/o installation) a low level of interest in our area, I do not expect to see these going up on many homes right away, however, it is something that I see gaining momentum in the future as people become more educated on the subject.

For now - we have measures in place to address any residential or commercial needs for Small Wind Energy Systems.

2010 - The Year to Get You More Engaged!

Those who know me best, know that I do not make New Year's Resolutions.

Not sure why, but long ago I decided to never make new year's resolutions. It seems to me like resolutions lacked the plan to make them happen.

Dictionary says resolution is "the act or process of resolving" or "the act of determining"

Instead, I've made objectives each year.

Dictionary says objective is "something toward which effort is directed; an aim, goal or end of action"

That is more like for me - while the "plan" isn't necessarily spelled out - just by definition, there is much more action in objectives versus resolutions.

When I was formulating my 2010 objectives (see my other blog here if you are interested), it occurred to me that I didn't really list anything related to my post with the Village of Lake in the Hills. If I am honest - I think I will spend most of my time in 2010 continuing to listen carefully and learn more and more about how to best serve Lake in the Hills. But my Type-

A personality would have none of that vague, squishy, non-measurable mumbo jumbo.

So here is my one objective for my role as Village Trustee: Get residents more involved, more engaged in our local government.

Tall order, huh?

Here's how I plan to measure my success...

1. Get more people to come to my quarterly coffee talks. I had one non-press attendee at the last one in September so I have nowhere to go but up from there. My next one will be held at Einstein Bagels on Saturday Feb 27 at 9:00 am. As before, I will be treating anyone who wants to come out and chat to coffee - nothing fancy - just good old fashioned coffee. I'll have no agenda - I'll just come ready to hear whatever is on the minds of residents who care to come. Of course, I'll give you reminders over the next 8 weeks until the meeting.

2. Blog more about happenings at the Committee of the Whole and Board meetings. Since people don't seem to ever make time to come out - I will do a better job of alerting you to issues that we will be discussing and encourage you to show up or at the very least ask your opinion on them. This worked pretty well as it related to the Commercial Parking issue - I had several residents contact me with opinions leading up to that meeting. I appreciated that and believe we need more.

3. Encourage volunteer opportunities within the Village. I am working with a recreation specialist that I met at the Illinois Municipal League conference on putting together a workshop on how entities can engage more volunteers to meet their needs. I am convinced that more people would get involved in the community if they are a. invited or b. alerted to a need that they may be able to meet.

So there you have it. Thanks for tuning in and we'll be in touch more often in 2010.

Commercial Vehicle Parking Study Committee Meets and Dissolves in One Night

Monday night, the Commercial Vehicle Parking Study Committee met to discuss the commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. It was an interesting experience and one that I am proud to have participated in positively.

The public meeting had no attendees besides other trustees; However, I want to acknowledge the citizens who contacted me with their opinions about the subject before the meeting. I was very impressed to have received two emails and one call regarding this issue. I am certain that forums such as this blog encouraged this interaction. Thanks to you who wrote and I hope it serves as motivation to others to get involved, let me know what you're thinking on topics we tackle as well as anything that's on your mind.

I believe we came to a conclusion that best serves our community at large.

Essentially, we are amending our zoning code to allow commercial vehicles with D plates that are no taller than 9 feet to be parked in residential areas (driveways). Additionally, we are limiting the type of trailers that can be parked in residential areas to TA plates (3000 lb capacity) with TB and TC plates on a call-in basis limited to approximately 5 days per year. Further details and exact language will be available at our first January Committee of the Whole meeting on January 12.

The discussion was healthy and civil. It was tough to work through a few compromises, but I am proud of every member of the committee and honored to have worked alongside them.

One thing I realized during this experience is the importance of thinking for the greater good. We live in an era that is so very consumed with individual rights. I've heard it said that the late 60s kicked off the "Me" generation - if that is the case then I don't even know how to describe where we are today.

It is imperative to listen to all point of views and look at how what we do affects the entire community. Then, we are charged with moving forward toward solutions that serve the greater community best.

Are we going to satisfy everyone, every time?

Not a chance.

So the Commercial Vehicle Parking Study Committee accomplished what it set out to accomplish - discuss and bring closure an on-going parking issue in the village.

Commercial Vehicle Parking - Open Your Mouth - GET RECRUITED

Two citizens and myself did just that a few weeks back and now we are all on a committee to investigate how to best approach the Commercial Vehicle Parking situation in Lake in the Hills.

Essentially, we have had three citizens in a three month period come before the board regarding commercial vehicle parking.

The first citizen, a few months back, came to us because of his D plated licensed truck getting ticketed for overnight parking in his driveway. At the time, I was uneasy with the thought that we could be limiting employment options for anyone based on the plate of their truck. I read the ordinance and offered a suggestion to the citizen but really left this issue alone. I will stress that while I felt uneasy, it did not occur to me, then, that this could be a bigger problem.

Fast forward to the November 9 Committtee of the Whole meeting...

On this night, two citizens came before the board. One with a similar issue to the previously covered issue of a D plated truck and citations and then an opposing view - about the lack of limitations on commercial vehicle parking. The citizen cited trailers, snow plows and other commercial vehicles or accessories that were being stored in driveways.

On this night - it hit me. We have a problem.

You see, in my view - one person is probably representative of a broader issue that may or may not be chronic. Three people within 10 weeks is definitely a bigger issue.

We don't see very many citizens at Committee of the Whole or Board meetings. I can probably tell you each citizen who has been before us since I was sworn in in May and their concern WITHOUT looking at the minutes because it has been so few.

With three people in ten weeks on the same issue, it is apparent that is much bigger than we realize and must be investigated. So I am glad I opened my mouth.

Check out an article covering the Nov 9 meeting: First Electric Newspaper

Here is where you come in... We will meet on Dec 14 at 6:00pm at Village Hall and I want to know if you or someone you know in Lake in the Hills has an opinion on Commercial Vehicle Parking.

Are you a contractor who has had to park elsewhere due to tickets on you D-plated vehicle?

Do you just get sick and tired of seeing commercial vehicles parked on your block?

Leave a comment.

Email me at dbarreto@lith.org

Speak up. The committee is formed so you have no fear of being recruited :)

Wind Energy Part Two - Dec 14

After a lively discussion and productive meeting on Monday night, the Planning and Zoning Commission tabled the Small Wind Energy system ordinance until the next meeting on Monday Dec 14, 7:00 pm at Village Hall.

I was impressed that we had three citizens join the discussion and was encouraged by each of their comments. It is interesting, one of the citizens apologized for not being part of the discussion before now. From my point of view - we accept that apology heartily and are glad you are part of the discussion now. I also received feedback from citizens who could not make it. This is local government at its best - when we collaborate to come up with the best solution for the greater good. This is why I ran for office and I am glad to be part of this so soon in my term.

Here are the links to articles related to the issue for your review:

First Electric Newspaper - actual meeting coverage
Northwest Herald - meeting day coverage


So once again - I ask - if this issue is one that you hold a strong opinion on,  one way or another, please come out on Dec 14 and make your voice heard.

See you on the 14th!

Eco-conscious Lake in the Hills Residents Wanted - Nov 16

If you are an eco-friendly  Lake in the Hills resident interested in making your voice heard - please come to the Public Hearing Scheduled Monday November 16 at 7:30 at Village Hall.

Details about the meeting can be seen here.

Essentially, our board is being asked to amend text to our local zoning ordinance related to Small Wind Energy Systems and this is the public forum to give us your views.

It is the 9th anniversary of my 29th birthday and I will be there to hear your views! Come and join me!

The Quiet is Deafening

The fall has began in full force in the Village of Lake in the Hills.

I love driving westbound on Algonquin from Randall and seeing a few bunches of trees rapidly turning and dropping their leaves. Nothing is better.

Peace.

Quiet.

Perhaps the quiet humming of my new role on the board is quite deafening for some.

I have never been one to speak with nothing to say but thought I'd drop a quick line on this blog to make sure people know I am still here and interested if there are topics they'd like to dish about.

A few things upcoming for me...

Next week, I intend to connect again with a speaker I met at the IML conference who led the workshop about Parks and Recreation surveys and how to best serve your community through programs. She resides in downstate Illinois and equal to me in energy. We've already had one really dynamic discussion and I look forward to meeting with her again.

Wednesday Oct 28 I will be attending the McHenry County Council of Government meeting in Woodstock, IL

On November 4, I will be attending a Homeowner's Association's quarterly meeting.

On Friday November 6, I will be "lunching with a cop" - a very cool program hosted by the Lake in the Hills Police Department - check it out here for details.

I plan to announce the site of my next quarterly coffee talk in about four weeks - and no later than the week of Thanksgiving.

Stay tuned and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Until next time.

My Time at the Illinois Municipal League 96th Annual Conference

I had a great learning experience last week at the Illinois Municipal League 96th Annual Conference. I attended Friday and Saturday sessions but the conference started Thursday.

I attended 4 workshops and the general session. The general session and two of the workshops are what I'd like to share (and hear from you about).

Our general session was packed with star power - on the day he was to leave for Copenhagen to hopefully secure the 2016 Olympic Games, Chicago's Mayor Richard M. Daley started the morning with a short address to encourage us as the "front line" in the economic crisis. He spent a few minutes describing the Olympic effort and legacy of how the Olympics have changed the lives of many but particularly two Chicagoans who competed in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalf. Regardless your politics - I am here to tell you that the Olympic Games would be tremendous for Chicago. I worked at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta and I can tell you first hand that it will benefit the city much more than it will harm us. Before the Olympics - Atlanta was just another southern city - home to big corporations, Delta, UPS and of course, Coca-Cola. The games transformed Atlanta to the hub of economic activity for the south and catapulted its Hartsfield International Airport to the busiest in the world - supplanting Chicago's O'Hare. But I digress.

Christopher Gardner, NY Bestselling Author of The Pursuit of Happyness and subject of the film starring Will Smith of the same name, was the headliner of the general session and worth every cent Walgreens paid to bring him to us. His talk - "Breaking Cycles" touched on every possible inspirational theme known to man and excited me at every turn. If you walked out of that room unmotivated - well to quote him "If that don't set you on Fire, then your wood must be wet." He was comfortable on the stage and reminded us to do what we loved. I was 100% validated in my current journey by his talk. Honestly - that talk was worth the whole conference to me and I could have gone home. But I decided I should at least try and attend some of the workshops designed for municipal officials.

The two that struck a cord with me the most were "Parks and Recreation: Identifying the Real Needs and Desires of Your Community" and "Using Social Networking Tools To Manage Your Message."

The Parks and Recreation workshop was extremely insightful and energized me for one of my passions for running for office in the first place - providing quality, affordable programs for village residents. The talk challenged us to get feedback and ask our constituents what it was they wanted in the way of programming before we had our strategic planning and gave us tips on how to gather and make actionable the feedback we collect. The passion and energy of our facilitators was infectious and I have already made contact with one of them for some follow-up idea exchange.

Using Social Networking talks was sort of a sales pitch for the company that conducted the workshop but very informative on how to properly utilize these new and every changing media tools to engage your residents. Luckily, Lake in the Hills is already making steps in this direction with its recently redesigned website and e-newsletter, Resident Insider, that goes out weekly. If you are not signed up for it - click here to enroll. They are a great way to be plugged in to what is happening around our community on a more timely basis than our quarterly printed newsletter. There were several discussions on the use of Twitter - which I have not been able to get into personally - and how the IML uses it during legislative sessions in Springfield. I will take a peek at that and I am sure I'll subscribe just out of curiosity.

Overall - I was extremely impressed at the quality of opportunities to learn and network with other municipal officials from throughout the state. I met some very interesting people and look forward to putting in to practice some of the principles I learned this past week.

I would love to hear any feedback and answer any questions you have about this conference. Shoot me a note and I will respond as soon as I can.

Until next time - Happy Fall, Lake in the Hills!

My Take on the 1st Quarterly Coffee Talk with a Trustee

This past Saturday I hosted a coffee talk for residents of Lake in the Hills. I've got several key thoughts about the event and ideas on what I need to do for the future. Before I share them, thought I'd link you to the press coverage of the event.

First Electric Newspaper coverage here

McHenry County Blog coverage here

The Good

Nice coverage for a very busy news Saturday with the protesters in Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills on Randall Road. Two reporters showing up while the one citizen was there definitely was better than them showing up to me and 8 year old only. Additionally, it was good to introduce myself and my ideas to them. Neither had very much information about me and it was good to share my story.

Great day for it. The weather cooperated.

Got to meet a Parks and Recreation Board Member who was sitting there enjoying the Saturday as the whole event came and went. In the end, he quickly introduced himself and we connected. I look forward to working with him in the future.

One citizen took the time out of their morning activities to come and ask me a few questions. Just like my campaigning - meeting people, one-to-one is a good thing.

The Opportunity

With only one citizen showing up - clearly I need to get the word out better for my next meeting. Since I am looking to do it quarterly - technically that puts us in December - clearly not a good time so I will shoot for January. I will look begin identifying a date and place in the next few weeks.

In describing my thoughts about politics and life in general - I will recap from my point of view. So here's the context of my soundbites...

Gen X not loyal. This is my belief that as a generality, my generation is much more concerned with individuals vs. groups. We vote for people. We choose our places of work based on our needs and we leave as easily as we come if we are not able to contribute the way we want to contribute. I spoke about it as it relates to the current party system. It is tough on the two major parties our thinking and behavior. We are not loyal for loyal sake. I think the reporter was 100% on is saying that I am not fixed in my ideology.

Shameless plug for Urban Faith - I have written articles and book reviews for UrbanFaith.com. This site is part of Urban Ministries that creates content targeted to Christian African-Americans. Very cool site.

Recruited by Paula Yensen - Paula is a close friend and political mentor. When we were working hard to get her elected last fall (precisely now and I certainly don't remember it being this nice outside but I digress), we barely discussed me as a possible candidate. In fact - I brought it up to her after I'd finished canvassing my precinct for her. I felt so comfortable at the door and did think - "man if I can do this for her - I can do this for me". My only uneasiness with the "recruiting" sounded like this "party machine" and it simply was not so. I am extroverted and a leader who has always loved politics. Timing was really the number one recruiter.

"maybe the only Black Elected official in McHenry County and race as irrelevant" - This one is interesting. Race was clearly irrelevant to the residents who voted for me. And I appreciate that. I believe people heard what I had to say and wanted to give me chance. Period.

Still have not checked on my status as the only black official - if someone knows - let me know, it is an interesting fact that would be a great trivia question for my 25th high school reunion. Point here - not important. Again - I believe my generation is the first that truly integrated our lives with those who are different than we are and we are less likely to have deep ingrained issues with race. Of course, we saw the Kanye clip from last night and I will say on the record - he's younger than me. By a lot. He's a millenial.

Finally - I grew in Chicago Heights and it is where I got my "Italian" roots. Forgive me.

SO - I appreciate anyone who is following this journey and ask for your feedback on how to get more folks out to my next coffee. I have a feeling a snowy January Saturday morning offering free coffee might be more relevant.

Next week, I am attending the Illinois Municipal League's 94th conference and will blog about my experiences there.

Tune in.

First Quarterly Coffee Talk - Sept 12, 9:00 am at Starbucks!

As promised, I am posting the location of my first Quarterly Coffee Talk.

Starbucks - Lake in the HIlls
343 N. Randall Road
Lake in the Hills, IL


This is a very informal opportunity to meet and buy a coffee for any LITH residents who care to come and meet me.

I will be there at 9:00 and promise to stay for at least one hour (a little longer if we get some great dialouge going but need to leave by 11 at the latest - celebrating my first born's birthday later that afternoon)

Remember....

I don't have any prepared remarks nor will I have a schedule - this is simply a chance to meet residents and hear from you - the Lake in the Hills constituents.

Coffee is on me.... regular or decaf fresh brewed Starbucks coffee. No fancies, please.

Hope to see you there!

Save the Date - Denise's Quarterly Coffee Talk - Saturday Sept 12 - 9:00 am

Hello Lake in the Hills!

Monday marked my first 100 days in office as a Lake in the Hills Village Board Trustee.

I can honestly say that it has been a lively 100 days.

While I am still learning and settling into office, I don't want to lose touch with the residents in the process. On the contrary, as I am forming my thoughts and views on issues, I want them to be in sync with what is most important to the people I serve. During the first part of 2009 - I spent every weekend on the doorsteps of residents - educating them about me and learning the issues important to them. Now that the residents of Lake in the Hills entrusted me with this role - I want to be sure that I interact with residents as often as possible.

That said, I want to ask that you SAVE THE DATE for Saturday September 12 at 9:00 am.

I will host my first Quarterly Coffee Talk. I have not arranged for location just yet but will do so this weekend and post all the details early next week. One thing I know is the coffee will be on me. Regular, fresh brewed coffee - not the latte, frappucino-types. You're welcome to come but I'm only buying for the old fashioned coffee drinkers like me. :)

I am not setting an agenda.

I will show up ready to drink coffee and listen.

Join me.

Tell your friends.