Incumbent Morton Grove Mayor's Fundraiser a Success

Morton Grove, IL, December 16, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Friends of Daniel J. Staackmann held a fundraising breakfast on December 12, 2012 at Kappy’s Restaurant, 7200 W. Dempster, Morton Grove.

Over 50 people were in attendance (business owners, residents, and friends) to support Mayor Dan Staackmann in his quest to win the Village's first ever primary on February 26, 2013. Morton Grove resident and former radio personality Barry Edwards introduced the Mayor.

Mayor Staackmann explained that over the past four years, many changes have taken place in Morton Grove. When he became Mayor in 2009, Morton Grove was facing a $2.7 million shortfall in its budget. Without any assistance from the state or federal government, he led the Village Board and staff as an action plan was put together to balance the Village’s budget and build financial stability. A core component of this plan was to accomplish this with little to no increase in property taxes because everyone was well aware of how the declining economy was impacting Morton Grove residents.

“As Mayor, I’ve focused on creating a financially stable Village in a tough economy and improving infrastructure so that we’re able to move forward on solid ground.”

Staackmann explained that Village operation has been made much more efficient by reorganizing every department; redefining many job descriptions and providing cross-training to staff; reducing the total number of staff, primarily through attrition; and creating public-private partnerships that have allowed the continuation and improvement of Village services while greatly reducing the cost to taxpayers.

A capital improvement plan was put together in 2009 that identified and prioritized 42 specific items of much-needed and long overlooked infrastructure improvements. “The condition and age of any community’s infrastructure will directly impact its residents and real-estate values,” Staackmann said. As of November 2012, eighteen of those items identified are now complete, including 37 miles of street paving, the purchase of a new ambulance, installation of new water mains and sewer pipes, complete refurbishing of both water towers, replacement of all water meters throughout the Village, replacement of several police squad cars, and the complete rebuilding of Dempster Street. The audience applauded when Staackmann told them that all of these changes were completed with only a 3% increase in real-estate taxes over the past four years.

Staackmann is the official candidate for the office of Village President, as slated by the Action Party of Morton Grove. Staackmann is currently Mayor and served two terms as Trustee on the Village Board. He also served on the Morton Grove Park Board for 16 years. In 2001, Staackmann was awarded the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ “Outstanding Board Member” award. He has also served as Board Member, Treasurer, and President for the Maine-Niles Special Recreation Association.

As a founding member of the Morton Grove Days Committee, Staackmann served as President of the organization. He is also past Treasurer of the Morton Grove Foundation, past Board Member of the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce, and was honored in 1993 as “Man of the Year” by the Liponi Foundation. In addition, Staackmann is a member of the Morton Grove Moose Lodge, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Luxembourg Brotherhood. Staackmann is a life-long resident of the Village, married to wife, Mary.

For more information about Mayor Daniel J. Staackmann: visit - www.danstaackmann.com or his Facebook Page - Daniel J. Staackmann.