My Mayoral Pledge 2013
Gina for Mayor!
- I am running for Mayor and pledge to Continue the "Excellence in Governance"
Woodridge has an excellent reputation as a Village that is operated in a professional business-like, non-political manner.
Included in my pledge of Excellence in Governance is:
Continue the Strategic Management Planning Process
Continue Conservative Financial Budget Process
Continue/Build upon our Intergovernmental Cooperation to save Tax Dollars and to better serve our community / changing community. (Senior Housing…)
Continue with a Decision Making Process that encourages/expands Board deliberations and ensure we continue decision making with respect and always with our residents and community as our priority!
I know Working Together Works and pledge to work diligently with our Residents, all Elected Officials and Businesses to build upon this excellence in governance.
"To achieve a High Quality of Life by providing superior services in a fiscally responsible manner"
- I pledge to implement the Goals that have been identified as a result of our Annual
Community Survey, Community Forums, Town Hall Meeting and Trustee Goal Setting Meetings
(all are reflective of our citizens and their input):
Maintain a Safe Community
Assist our Business Community
(establish a Business Development Commission)
Reduce the Residential Tax Burden
Provide Government Accountability and Transparency
Foster Excellence in Intergovernmental Relationships/Communication
Expand Community Forums and Coffees
Focus Groups
Town Hall Meetings and Neighborhood Forums
Continue our Community Feedback/Surveys
We will consistently look for new opportunities to enhance communication and our connection with our residents and businesses!
(continue Town Hall Meetings including Multi-family and start Neighborhood Coffees (meet in local businesses, homes, multi-family…) to meet with our businesses and residents throughout the Village and work with the help of my fellow elected officials to expand such committees as the Diversity Committee, Senior and Youth Initiatives.- to provide greater opportunity for residents and businesses to come together and provide their inputThis is my pledge to you, Woodridge! Woodridge is my hometown and I am inspired and pledge to lead our community forward in excellence in governance in all areas. We all have a stake in our future and I know Woodridge has an exciting future!
Thank you and I ask for your help Woodridge! Join me in helping to build on the excellence and together we will make all the difference! I need your help and vote on April 9, 2013.
You are Trustee in village board and I attended many Village of Woodridge meetings but in most of meeting neither you actively participate in debate nor you have responded to Village of Woodridge residences concerns and also never come across any incidents where you disagree with mayor nor question mayor's decision (you follow whatever Mayor Murphy decide). I know many village residences I spoke with don’t agree with lots of mayor Murphy’s decision. Therefore, most likely you will follow Mayor Murphy’s footsteps. would you please, let us know what you would do different from Mayor Murphy?
First, let me say...this is not criticism. With this being an election year and so many residents are undecided on who to vote for, more and more are watching the Board meetings on ch 6. As a board member, I would like to know why you rarely vocalize your position on matters voted on? In your campaign pledge you state you would "Encourage/expand Board deliberations" however you seldom deliberate now as a Board member. Whether I agree or disagree with your vote, I would like to know WHY you choose to vote one way or another. Basically what lead you to your vote. And secondly, " woking together works" athough that is a wonderful thought, as a leader, working together may not always work. You may or will be faced with decisions that will not please everyone and sometimes working to please everyone isn't in the best interest of the Village. By far, you are the strongest candidate running. Your deep seeded roots to the community speak volumes. I would just appreciate knowing or hearing more regarding your decisions....even if others don't agree, it would be reassuring to see you state your point and strongly stand by your convictions regardless of any negativity. My impressions of you are you are a very sweet, kind woman....PLEASE, don't let others assume your kindness is a weakness.
Thank you for your post and the opportunity to answer your questions. As a Board Member/Village Trustee, we receive a Board packet weekly for our review. We are encouraged to ask questions of the Village Staff regarding any agenda items prior to the meeting, so that Staff will have time if necessary to research and provide answers, historical data and background to the questions we may have. This ensures that everyone is prepared for our next meeting. I usually provide my questions in advance to the Village Staff and in most cases, have questions prior to every meeting. While saying that, it does not preclude me from asking questions during our Board Meeting. Also, many items that come before the Village Board have previously been discussed, sometimes months in advance at our Budget Workshop, Special (in-depth) Board Workshops and our Board Goal Setting Meetings. When major items are discussed, I do not hesitate to ask questions or make comments, just as I did when we recently voted on Senior Housing, the Library Levy, Agreement with the Park District regarding Village Greens and the Park District Athletic Recreation Center Proposal. (Please see next post)
As Mayor, I will encourage increased questions and comments not only from the Trustees, but residents as well. Also, as Mayor, not only should I seek and build consensus, but I will not hesitate to be the leader in forming that consensus by sharing with my fellow elected officials what I, as Mayor, believe to be the best alternative for them to consider. I pledge that I will keep our priorities in order and always put our residents and businesses first! My commitment to “Working Together Works” is how we can get more accomplished. We won’t always agree, but we should always work together to accomplish the objectives, directives and goals of the people of Woodridge; and accomplish this work in a responsible, professional and diligent manner. Best regards, Gina Cunningham-Picek
Thank you for your response. Although it was in depth, I am left without an answer. Simply put, you may ask staff questions regarding matters that come before the Board and you may also ask you questions in workshop meetings as well as executive sessions...BUT, the public dosen't have access to those meetings nor are they televised. I would just like to know...in any vote you place as trustee "why" why are you voting yes/no on any and every matter. Regardless of how big or small the matter may be, a reason for your decision on how you vote is needed. I encourage you to open up at Board meetings....share your thoughts. We really do want to know them.
I appreciate your comments and recommendation, Just Spanky. Kind regards, Gina
Please know you and everyone are invited to join my Campaign Team (family and friends) this weekend. We will be having some Campaign fun in Woodridge with two Friendraiser Events! Please stop by if you can - Doggie Diner this Saturday from 11:30 - 2:00 PM and on Sunday, St. Patrick's Day at Papa's Pizza for a Pizza Party! You can find more information at www.GinaforMayor.com or on my Gina for Mayor fb page. Thank you, again! Gina