LWV-LFLB PROGRAM FOR 2011-2012

League Program (sometimes referred to as "capital-P program") is not the same as "programs" in the sense of forums, panel discussions, and other events the League holds during the year. Program is the collection of positions, studies, and action items selected for the year.

Positions

LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF

Nominating Systems and Procedures  The League believes that the validity of nonpartisan nominating systems (sometimes identified as caucuses) has been demonstrated in the Lake Forest–Lake Bluff communities. The League further believes that such systems do not and must not preclude the opportunity for independent candidates or those representing other processes.

Principles to which local government nominating systems (caucuses, parties, all candidates including independents) for elective offices are to be held accountable are these:

• Openness is the most essential requisite for systems/candidates. It is the responsibility of the systems/candidates to build and sustain the trust required for positive public perception.
• Ongoing communication between systems/candidates and the electorate is a necessary adjunct to openness of operation.
• Selection of candidates should be based on qualifications for office.
• It is the responsibility of systems/candidates to be aware of and adhere to all state, county, and local legal requirements.
• All campaigns undertaken by systems/candidates are to be based on issues and qualifications, with campaign conduct based on civility and honesty.
• The role of municipal governments is to provide information, without bias, on procedures and requirements for candidacy to elected office.

The role of the League is one of liaison in overseeing these principles, in communicating to the electorate information on sources to contact for candidacy, and in discussing potential improvements with systems/candidates. (2003)

Solid Waste  The LWV-LFLB supports federal and state policies to reduce the quantities of waste, to reclaim useful materials, and to safely restore the residue to the environment. The League encourages its municipalities to expand local programs, to combine efforts to solve waste problems regionally, and to report to residents on disposition of recycled items.

Comprehensive Plan  The LWV-LFLB supports effective comprehensive plans for Lake Bluff and Lake Forest that encompass potential and existing land use in incorporated and surrounding unincorporated areas, as well as capital improvements, including the infrastructure.

LAKE BLUFF

Conservation  The LWV-LFLB supports these measures to preserve the natural resources of Lake Bluff: protection and preservation of the Lake Bluff shoreline and bluff; preservation of ravines and other open areas; preservation, through restricted use, of the flood plain lands along the Skokie River; establishment of walkways and bicycle paths.

Land Use  The LWV-LFLB will monitor the disposition of property owned by the Village west of the West Terrace, which is in its natural state and some of which is in the flood plain.

Action Items

Affordable Housing  Continue action per State position.

Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform  Must include funding of public education and social services: action based on LWVIL priorities.

LWVIL Priority - State Fiscal Policy: "The Illinois League supports a diversified revenue system that principally relies on a combination of broad-based taxes and user fees, and is equitable, progressive, stable, responsive, and simple. The League will work to ensure that tax, fiscal, and spending policies are fair; promote economic growth; and provide adequate and consistent funding for public schools and other programs the League supports."

Campaign Finance Reform/Money in Elections  Action based on LWVIL/LWVUS priorities.

LWVIL Priority - Campaign Finance Reform: "Campaign Finance (1974, revised 1982): Improve methods of financing political campaigns in order to ensure the public's right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office and promote citizen participation in the political process."

LWVUS Priority - Money in Elections: "Fair and clean elections, determined by the votes of American citizens, should be at the center of our democracy. In the wake of Citizens United v. FEC (2010), which threw out vital protections against corporate and union spending in elections, as well as recent efforts to destroy the presidential public financing system the League's Money and Elections work takes even greater precedence. While special interest money was always a concern in elections, corporations—including foreign corporations—may now intervene directly in elections, taking power away from voters. To mitigate the corruption that will inevitably increase following the Court's tragic mistake, the League strongly supports legislation that will enhance disclosure, fix the public financing system for presidential candidates and establish congressional public financing."

Climate Change/Clean Air Defense  Action based on LWVIL/LWVUS priorities.

LWVIL Priority - Climate Change: "Recognizing Global Climate Change as an issue requiring swift action, the League of Women Voters of the United States voted to make it a national priority at its convention in Portland, OR in 2008. Two Climate Change Issues Specialists focusing on Water Resources and Air Quality/Energy joined the IL Issues Committee immediately afterward, and the issue was added to the Illinois Core Advocacy Issues list in 2010. Illinois Leagues take major action under the LWVUS Positions and the LWVIL Natural Resources position."

LWVUS Priority - Clean Air: "Since the 1970s the League has advocated for strong public health and environmental protections. In that time there have been significant reductions in pollutants like mercury and carbon.

"In the face of great success Congress has proposed the weakening of the Clean Air Act and the federal agencies that implement the law. In the past the League has objected to pollution plans such as the "Clear Skies" proposal and the proposed revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards which would weaken and delay implementation of the Clean Air Act. We must act now to reduce air pollution that endangers public health and worsens global warming."

Health Care Defense  Action based on LWVUS priority.

LWVUS Priority: "The League believes that quality, affordable health care should be available to all U.S. residents. Other U.S. health care policy goals should include the equitable distribution of services, efficient and economical delivery of care, advancement of medical research and technology, and a reasonable total national expenditure level for health care. Furthermore, the League believes that all Americans should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health), acute care, long- term care and mental health care.
Through decades of work in their communities, League members have learned that Americans believe that fairness and responsibility, as well as access, are important values for any health care system. We believe that healthcare reform can only succeed if it takes all these values into account."

Pension Reform  Support a pension reform study if LWVIL undertakes one.