Western Springs residents may not be familiar with the "Caucus" or Town Meeting method of nominating candidates for the Library, Park and Village Boards. While the Village Board or Village government cannot endorse any political party, the following is intended to explain the system as it has historically operated within the Village.

Newcomers to the village may assume that its political tradition to fill seats on the various elected Boards in the community has been a two-party system, like the State and Federal governments, or contested elections by multiple candidates similar to other communities, however, for nearly seventy-five (75) years, the residents have participated in what is known as a Town Meeting or "Caucus" system where every resident is considered a member of the Village Party.

The electoral process starts in the fall when captains from each of the Village's six (6) precincts begin looking for people who might be willing to serve one of the three (3) elected bodies, Park Board, Library Board and Village Board. The precinct captains identify the type of skills that are being sought by each of the three (3) Boards and try to match up potential candidates with those skills.

The next step occurs at local precinct meetings in early January when candidates are formally nominated. The individuals nominated at the precinct meetings are then voted on at a Village-wide caucus meeting one-week later. The resulting candidates' names are then placed on the official ballot for the April election.

It has been noted by many of our residents who have participated in the Caucus process that the most important part of the process is that the job seeks the person. The Caucus has traditionally been interested in people who represent the broad interests of the community at large, not individuals who may be focused on a single issue. Over the years, the Caucus has attempted to nominate people who have demonstrated an interest in public service through volunteering the required number of hours to the job, even though there is no compensation provided for these positions.

It has also been noted by many of our residents who have participated in the Caucus process that the Caucus system has not only produced an excellent track record of quality candidates, it has also helped to eliminate contentious elections and expensive electioneering. The Caucus process also serves to attract many candidates who might not consider running in a two-party system or in contested elections.

If residents have a potential candidate in mind for either the Library Board, Park Board or Village Board they should contact the Chairperson of the Village Party and Caucus. The information will then be passed along to one of the Party's six (6) precinct captains who will contact that individual to determine their level of interest in being considered. Please contact the Village Hall, 708-246-1800, Ext. 127, for the Chairperson contact information.

THE BASICS ON WESTERN SPRINGS LOCAL GOVERNMENT

While the Federal and State Governments generally receive more attention, it is local governments that have the, most direct contact with Americans. Despite the fact that local Government plays a large role in the lives of everyone. it is very common for people to be a bit uncertain as to the exact form of their own local government. This may be due to the fact that local governments are not suited for the major media. or it could be related to the fact that every local government is a bit different. Whatever the case. this article is intended to give Western Springs residents a brief reminder of how their own local government is organized.

The Village of Western Springs, like many other suburban Chicago communities, uses a council-manager form of Government. This form of Government tries to draw a line between politics and administration. In Western Springs, the Village President and the Board of Trustees make policy decisions for the Village, and the Village Manager and his staff see that those policies are implemented into the day-to-day activities of the Village. Ideally, with this form of government, a community benefits from the training and experience of a hired professional manager. while maintaining local representation with the President and Board of Trustees.

The Village President and Board are elected in April of odd-numbered years on four-year staggered terms. these individuals are residents who volunteer their time to the task of creating policy to guide Village activity. While these elected officials do commit a great deal of time toward becoming familiar with the issues confronting the Village, they have professions and activities outside local government. It is not their role to be involved in the everyday activities of the Village Government and its delivery of public services. For this, the Village Board hires a Village Manager.

The Village of Western Springs has officially employed a full-time Village Manager since the position was created by ordinance in 1948. The Village Manager is appointed by the President and Board of Trustees. The Manager works under their direction and serves as the chief administrative officer of the Village, providing public availability, as well as administrative and financial management. The Manager is responsible for the direct and indirect supervision of all Village personnel.

Aside from the Village Manager and staff, the Village President and Board of Trustees are also assisted by the Village's Board and Commissions. Members of the Boards and Commissions are also residents who volunteer their time to the Village government. Boards and Commissions are established to give special review to specific types of issues (e.g. Economic Development, Architecture and Appearance) and provide the Village Board with a recommended course of action. The Boards and Commissions are also assisted by Staff appointed by the Village Manager.