I think one thing I have been clamoring to local board members about for years that goes overlooked is how villages have the right to update their existing zoning maps.

When they do, they can zone land that keeps the population from becoming too dense, and makes sure businesses and homes aren't overdeveloped.

The trouble is, far too many communities have overdeveloped without working together on a long-term plan about how it will affect traffic, crime, pollution or school districts.

If people want more fiscally sustainable schools, they need to start finding ways to make sure their villages work together to stop this residential overdevelopment. Far too often, little or no thought is given as to how this impacts the schools both short and long-term.

While it's great we want people to spend their money in Lake County, and that we want to grow, it has to get to a point where it starts being more within reason, or else soon we will have similar problems to places like Cook County 5, 10 or 20 years from now ... if not sooner.

We are fortunate in that we have them as a model in many cases of what not to do, and if we are wise we can still learn from their mistakes. I think widening roads like Route 45 and Washington Street, which I was advocating doing way back in 2000, (instead of the incredibly costly Rte. 53 extension) was a great step in the right direction, as I am sure many here can attest to being able to keep moving even in rush hour traffic now.

Also, grant money the state used to hand out like water to many of these districts is often cut or no longer there.

Many districts used to essentially count on this money to offset the cost of many things, such as buses, etc.

But because of the debt our state has incurred, and the fact they are also often behind on paying the school districts money they owe them, the state has compounded the problem.

That's why I feel for teachers these days. They are constantly asked to do more with less now, and I think that there are many ways to help solve some of these problems that don't cost a ton of money.

For our children's future. What hypocrisy! For someone that does not have his own children in public schools, this is unbelieveable! This guy is going to teach citizens how to work effectively with their schools. I get it. Make the school districts spend 10's of thousands of dollars on useless investigations, then claim the school districts are wasting our money. This guy watching school finances is like having the wolf guard the henhouse. He would do nothing but starve the schools of their best teachers and administrators. Show some credibility. Volunteer at the schools and do something positive. Quit criticizing the teachers and those that really do make a difference. This guy and his tea party friends are very selfish! Homer needs a drink.

@Tim and @Homer, why don't you come join us and express your ideas? This effort is about community involvement and sustainability. The more input the better.

Join us Friday, June 8 at 7pm night to learn more about our purpose and how you can help.
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