Though she is running unopposed, incumbent Village President Cathy Adduci said she wanted to take the time to speak at a League of Women Voters forum Feb. 16 at Concordia University.
“I was a trustee for four years, and I used the slogan ‘Continue the progress,’ ” Adduci said. “As a trustee, we made a lot of progress and we did a lot of good.”
Adduci said she wants to continue that progress into a second term as village president. The achievements she said she is most proud of include the village’s completion of the north side sewer project and keeping an eye on village spending.
“It’s property values and financial stability,” Adduci said. “You don’t want to live in a town that doesn’t balance your budget. River Forest has a phenomenal staff and administration that helps us balance our budget. You don’t want to be in a town that has debt.”
Key priorities for Adduci include addressing the economic development needs of River Forest, which include the tax increment financing district on Madison Street and the expected TIF on North Avenue. Adduci also cited the development at the former Hines Lumbers site, the opening of Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and proposed Lake Street developments as immediate goals.
Though no candidates had officially filed to appear on the ballot for the position of River Forest village clerk, two write-in candidates also spoke at the forum.
Calvin R. Davis, an 18-year River Forest resident, is also seeking election to the River Forest Park District Board of Commissioners.
“I saw no one had run for [village clerk], so I just wanted to be a part of that growth and expansion of our community and to understand how the village government works,” Davis said. “The diversity in our community is not seen on our local boards, so that is another reason I threw my hat in the ring.”
Kathleen White, a 21-year resident of River Forest, has experience working with the District 90 PTO and Oak Park and River Forest High School Citizens’ Council.
“Then my children grew up and left,” White said. “My interests, perhaps, shifted a bit, but that desire to contribute has been strong. I believe I would be an excellent person to support the important work of the village board.”
The consolidated general election will take place on April 4.
Twitter: @steveschering
