The LWV-LFLB takes positions on local issues as determined by its membership. The League may also take action on positions adopted by the LWV of Illinois or by the LWV of the U.S.

At the annual meeting of its membership, held each May, the League adopts its "Local Program" of issues and positions for concentrated study and action during the coming year. Below is the LVW-LFLB Local Program for 2006-2007.

Local Program

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.

Affordable Senior Housing  Support of the development of affordable housing options for seniors in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, to include both below-market-value rental housing and market-value seniors-only developments that will help seniors stay in the area while downsizing and/or transitioning to assisted living. (1998; modified 2006)

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.

Shields Township  The LWV-LFLB supports a reduction in administrative costs for Shields Township, with special emphasis on General Assistance and road maintenance. Costs should be reduced without impairing services to residents of the township. The League also supports adoption of policies that encourage better rapport between the township and community. (2001)

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

School Funding Reform  The League supports a system of high-quality elementary and secondary schools for all children in Illinois, which provides for local control of school program and budget within minimum program requirements set by the State. The State should assume the major responsibility for funding public schools and guarantee an adequate level of financial support. (Adapted from LWVIL 2006)

State Election Laws  The League supports uniform election laws and procedures throughout the state to ensure the integrity of the election system. (Adapted from LWVIL 2006)

International Relations  The League will strive to promote peace in an interdependent world by working cooperatively with other nations and strengthening international organizations. (Adapted from LWVUS 2006)