Letter to the Editor: Winnetka Trustee Supports Spinney, Pedian, Braun

Dear Editor:

This letter supports the re-election of Jennifer Spinney, the re-election of Linda Pedian, and the election of Arthur Braun to the Winnetka Village Council.  I also support Jessica Tucker for the position of Village President.

I have served with Jeni for a little less than two years and have found her to be well prepared to discuss the issues we are dealing with and thoughtful about them.  She is also frugal and realizes that during current economic circumstances, as well as in more robust times, Village expenses must be kept under control.  She believes the Council must continually  maintain excellent services but do so at the lowest possible cost.  She has lived in Winnetka for over 40 years, is a graduate of New Trier, and knows the culture of the Village from the point of view of a resident as well as a Village Trustee.

I support the Caucus system and am endorsing two of their selections.  However, I also believe in the unwritten tradition that a one term sitting Council member will receive the Caucus' endorsement for a second term unless, for some significant reason, he or she has shown that they are obviously  unqualified to be endorsed.  Two years is a brief period of time and to lose that experience for no good reason does not help our Village.  This also applies to Linda Pedian who has served well and thoughtfully.  Since three Trustees will be leaving the Council a year from May, I believe we need the experience that Jeni and Linda can provide.  I have worked with Arthur Braun on the Business Community Development Commission and think highly of him.

If the Caucus gets it right 75% of the time I think it is doing a great job, but to think that it is correct all the time is a stretch.  Personally, I have had all types of experiences with the Caucus -- both being endorsed and not being endorsed.  The bottom line is more often than not we are well served by the Caucus system but there are bound to be exceptions. 

Finally, thanks to my fellow residents for trusting me to serve you for the past three years as a Village Trustee and be assured that I will work collaboratively for the next year with whomever is elected.


Sincerely,

William K. Johnson
Winnetka Village Trustee