Remember to Vote in Morton Grove’s Election on April 7th

Morton Grove, IL, April 07, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Now that early voting has officially ended, the Morton Grove Action Party wishes to remind all Morton Grove residents who have not yet cast their ballots to vote this Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Polling places are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Residents can locate their polling places by visiting the Cook County Clerk’s election website at www.voterinfonet.com. Simply type in your street address to view a virtual ballot and find the address of your polling place. Both Niles Township and Maine Township polling places are listed at their website at www.actionparty.org.

The Action Party candidates running in the Village’s municipal election are: Daniel J. Staackmann for Village President; Tony S. Kalogerakos for Village Clerk; Daniel P. DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, and William “Bill” Grear for Village Trustees.

In its April 2 issue, the local Pioneer Press weekly newspaper, The Morton Grove Champion, endorsed Daniel J. Staackmann for Village President. The Champion said of him, “Staackmann’s no-nonsense, no-drama approach to his trustee duties has earned our respect. With his service on the Morton Grove Park Board as well as his common-sense approach to issues ranging from the proposed off-track betting parlor to the appeal on the lawsuit on the Muslim Community Center easement, he listens and thinks before he acts. We are happy to support him again for mayor.”

Nick Katz, political reporter for The Morton Grove Champion, added more about those seeking election. In a phone interview with Tony S. Kalogerakos, Action Party Clerk Candidate, Kalogerakos stated that if he is elected, he will use the position of clerk to get residents more involved in local government. In particular, Kalogerakos said, the Village needs to communicate more with members of condominium associations since so many Morton Grove residents now live in condos. "They need to be heard."

In his article, Mr. Katz provided more information after speaking with the Action Party’s three candidates for Trustee: Daniel P. DiMaria, Larry Gomberg and William “Bill” Grear.

DiMaria did not run for re-election when his term expired two years ago, but said he decided to run again "because I didn't like what's been going on in the village." He said he would be willing to consider offering tax incentives to businesses to locate in Morton Grove and was critical of the village's failure to get the off-track betting facility.

Gomberg, a member of the Economic Development Commission, served one term as trustee. He called Morton Grove a "ghost town" because of the empty storefronts and said the village needs to evaluate its economic development efforts and try to improve them. "You have to have a government-business partnership," and “The village should consider eliminating or reducing its food and beverage tax as a way to attract restaurants.”

Grear, a life-long resident of Morton Grove, said it is up the board to oversee the government, but not to "micromanage" daily operations at Village Hall. He said addressing the need for street repairs and improvements will be his top priority, but Grear said the Village will need to find funds to do the work. In addition, he said, the Village needs to address flooding problems in several areas.

The Action Party also urges residents to vote for candidates in the School Board, Park District, and Library races.

The Action Party, a grassroots Morton Grove-based political party, prides itself in the fact that its members are non-partisan – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – who are dedicated to providing the Village of Morton Grove with experienced, independent, and dedicated leadership.

Look for more information about the Action Party of Morton Grove, its candidates, and the upcoming April 7 election on their website at: www.actionparty.org.

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