Carter is the right person for the job
I am writing you in the hopes that you'll get out and vote for
our incumbent county board representative in the upcoming
primary elections and that you'll place your vote for Bonnie
Thomson Carter; the best person we have ever had and will have
as our County Board rep.
Bonnie has accomplished a lot in the recent
past that has benefited us tremendously. Bonnie was instrumental
in securing over $32,000,000 in transportation projects in
District 5 alone (widening Rollins, Washington and Butterfield
roads in addition to intersection improvements and road
reconstructions); acquired over 8,200 acres of open forest
preserve land, from willing sellers, to preserve the lifestyle
we moved to this area to enjoy; balanced the county and forest
preserve budgets (actually lowering our tax rate in the process)
and secured a AAA bond rating (making the cost of funds lower
for all projects).
Bonnie has also worked very hard to secure
over $12,500,000 for neighborhood projects, such as clean and
safe water to over 400 homes that were contaminated by a
Superfund site, senior housing projects, fire suppression in
three neighborhoods and worked to expand the use of developer
paid school impact fees.
I am also pleased to say that Bonnie worked
very hard to keep Wooster Lake a no-wake zone. The gentlemen's
no-wake agreement had been challenged by a few in the minority
and Bonnie sided with the clear majority (that is how our local
government should work and Bonnie's challenger was one of those
in the minority). Can you imagine what it would be like to walk
outside on a pleasant Saturday or Sunday morning with a cup of
coffee to just relax and admire the local fauna when all of a
sudden you hear the, "eewwhhh…eewwhhh…eewwhhh" of a wave runner?
Bonnie's skill in communicating with her
constituents and her tireless work ethic convinced me a long
time ago that she is the right person for this job. I am a firm
believer in Bonnie's ability to take us into the future in the
right direction. I am also proud to say that we have become
friends with Bonnie and Tom as well and count them in our group
of very close friends.
Kenneth J. Hoxie
Round Lake
Bonnie is there for us. Will you be there
for her?
In 2005, many concerned Wooster Lake residents asked Bonnie
Thomson Carter, current District 5 County Board Member,
to get involved to help us
protect Wooster Lake and to maintain a decades old gentleman’s
agreement of low impact usage on the lake.
Hundreds of area residents signed a petition
supporting no-wake usage on Wooster Lake. Bonnie got involved by
working with our surrounding municipalities to support a no-wake
lake. Thanks to Bonnie, the historical usage of Wooster Lake has
been protected by a Round Lake no-wake ordinance.
Bonnie Thomson Carter has accomplished many
things for her constituents over the years and would like the
opportunity to continue her efforts. Regardless of your
political affiliation Bonnie needs your support. Please pull the
Republican ballot and give Bonnie Thomson Carter your vote at
the upcoming primary on February 5th.
Thank you!
Rob & Susan Rosenlof
True Fiscal Responsibility
Bonnie Thomson Carter’s opponent, Kirk Denz,
pledges to be fiscally responsible if elected.
District 5 residents should know that Bonnie’s opponent has
already cost them money.
Bonnie’s opponent was a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the
Village of Round Lake, alleging that Round Lake wrongfully
enacted a no-wake ordinance on Wooster Lake. This lawsuit was
recently dismissed by the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, during the
almost two years that the plaintiffs dragged this lawsuit out,
the Village of Round Lake was forced to spend money defending
it. Round Lake citizens should be outraged that Bonnie’s
opponent pursued this frivolous lawsuit.
After filing the lawsuit, Bonnie’s opponent supported spending
funds from his neighborhood Wooster Lake Conservation & Control
Association (WLCCA) to offset the expense of his private
lawsuit. WLCCA members objected to Denz wanting to spend money
that took years for WLCCA to save, and that was earmarked for
conservation of the lake. WLCCA members were outraged to
consider spending WLCCA funds to try to overturn the no-wake
ordinance that the overwhelming majority of Wooster Lake
residents supported, and that Bonnie helped secure. Fortunately,
WLCCA successfully thwarted Denz’s efforts.
Let’s add up the damages from this frivolous lawsuit that
Bonnie’s opponent was a party to. In addition to costing
taxpayers unnecessary money, he alienated Round Lake officials,
Round Lake citizens, Lake County officials and hundreds of his
neighbors around Wooster Lake. These are all people that he
would need to represent or partner with as a county board rep.
Bonnie runs on a record of balanced county and forest preserve
budgets and lowering tax rates annually. I’m voting for the true
fiscally responsible candidate for District 5, Bonnie Thomson
Carter, and I encourage other District 5 voters to do the same.
Penny Cummings
Ingleside
Tanneron Bay grateful to Bonnie Thomson
Carter
The board and residents of Tanneron Bay
Townhomes would like to recognize and thank Bonnie Thomson
Carter for her support for our recent stormwater management
grant application.
Tanneron Bay is situated on the northeast
shore of Wooster Lake and contains some of the most severely
eroded shoreline on this lake. Since 2003, the Lake County
Health Department Lakes Management Unit has been advising us to
repair this erosion. Their recommended method of repair was to
install bioengineered shoreline stabilization and a native plant
buffer.
This repair method would restore lost wildlife
habitat and create new habitat for this federally protected
wetland that is home to threatened and endangered fish and
plants. It would also contribute to increased water quality. As
part of the repair, the drain from Wooster Lake to Duck Lake
would also be repaired, resulting in increased water quality
flowing into Duck Lake.
At a repair cost of $40 per foot and 1,000
feet of shoreline to repair, this project would cost $40,000.
That's a lot of money for a small association of only 86 homes.
We could only afford to repair the worst 300 feet of shoreline.
Bonnie suggested that we apply for the grant
and lent her support for our application. We just learned that
we were awarded a 2008 matching grant that will allow us to
repair the remainder of our shoreline.
We thank Bonnie for her support for Wooster and Duck lakes.
Through her support of projects like this and her numerous
forest preserve initiatives, she is a true champion for our
precious natural resources.
We support Bonnie's re-election as our
District 5 County Board representative.
Norm Brunner
Authentic Leadership
This letter is presented as a recommendation
for reelection of Bonnie Thomson Carter as the Lake County Board
Representative of District #5. Bonnie Thomson Carter creates
enabling competencies, which formulate a framework of
significant leadership skills. Her interpersonal skills are
distinctively collegial and collaborative. She is futuristic in
her stewardship of facilitating, empowering and nurturing
consensus building relationships for result oriented action.
Bonnie Thomson Carter continues to demonstrate her talents in
building relationships, creating teamwork and providing
authentic leadership in District #5 in Lake County. She
illustrates excellent standards of ethics, honesty and integrity
in ensuring quality and efficient strategic planning with the
residents of our District #5.
Donald J. Klusendorf
Resident of Lake County District #5
Bonnie is the Best
I am voting for Bonnie Thomson Carter and I
hope you will as well. I actively campaigned against Bonnie in
her primary election against Jim Ferrell. During the same time
that I was knocking on doors and asking people to vote against
Bonnie she was actively working to keep a gas station from being
built practically in my back yard. Bonnie was working hard for
me and my neighbors when she knew that I was working for her
opponent. That takes a lot of class and Bonnie really showed me
what it means to be a public servant. How many people would work
to help you when you are sup porting their opponent? Not many.
That is why I am voting for Bonnie.
Robert Cook
Wauconda
Carter is true to her beliefs
Since I have lived on Long Lake, I have been
impressed with Bonnie Thomson Carter. Bonnie has been, and
continues to be proactive, in regards to protecting our open
spaces, encouraging responsible growth, preserving our waterways
and helping citizens to be involved and take charge in their
communities.
Bonnie has helped residents get together with corporations and
obtain funding or matching funds for projects too small for most
governmental officials to deal with. Not only did she facilitate
an unexpected partnership between Long Lake residents and
Baxter, which resulted in a plan that helped the environment,
but Bonnie also initiated a project and grant money to help the
Grant Woods Forest Preserve property that minimized erosion and
promoted the growth of native plants.
Bonnie treats all of her constituents in the same manner -
keeping true to her beliefs and values. That is why I am voting
for Bonnie Carter on Feb. 5.
Nancy Dague
Long Lake
Re-Elect Bonnie Thomson Carter
For the past several years, it has been my great pleasure
work directly with Bonnie Thomson Carter on issues of great
importance to our community and the environment. I’m deeply
thankful that we in the 5th District have such a sincere and
devoted Lake County Board Representative, Bonnie Thomson Carter.
My family and I live in unincorporated Wauconda, near the
Wauconda Sand & Gravel Superfund Site. Four years ago the Lake
County Health department discovered contaminated well near the
superfund site. Bonnie was immediately on the scene to help
inform, educate and organize residents in dealing with the
overwhelming issue. I became part of a group who worked directly
with Bonnie to bring clean water to those affected by the
groundwater contamination at no cost to the residents. In 2 ½
years, ‘…lightening speed…’ according to the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency, 390 homes were removed from
contaminated wells and connected to the Wauconda Municipal water
supply. With Bonnie’s help, along with Dick Durbin, Melissa Bean
and Mayor Sal Sacammano, we were also able to bring fire
protection to the affected neighborhoods. We owe our elected
officials sincere thanks for their help, hard work and support.
It is unimaginable to me how we would have we accomplished
bringing clean water and fire protection to the residents
without Bonnie’s unwavering, dedicated support.
I have enormous respect for Bonnie and am voting for her on
February 5th. I urge all of you to vote for Bonnie Thomson
Carter as well. I know from first hand experience that Bonnie
has a deep genuine concern for the residents of District 5 and
all of Lake County. We are fortunate to have her dedicated
representation. Re-elect Bonnie Thomson Carter.
Sincerely,
Lynda Wallis
Resident, Wauconda Township
Wauconda Water Council
Voters for Preservation 'sleeping with the
enemy'
Pam Pedersen and “Voters for Preservation” (VFP) oppose a
possible 2016 Olympic equestrian event on Lake County Forest
Preserves District (LCFPD) property. I have a differing view.
All in Lake County should be proud that LCFPD was chosen as a
potential 2016 Olympic venue. It’s a testimony to Bonnie Thomson
Carter and all of her colleagues that LCFPD is being considered
to host such a world-class event.
I’m hard pressed to find anyone in Lake County who’s done more
for preservation of our natural resources than Bonnie. She has
worked hard to prevent high density housing throughout the
county. Under Bonnie’s leadership, more than 3,500 acres of open
space were acquired for LCFPD land, enough land to build 10,000
homes. During Bonnie’s tenure, the county and LCFPD budgets have
been balanced while lowering the tax rate each year.
Most of the infrastructure needed for an event at Raven’s Glen
would be temporary and then removed at the conclusion of the
games. LCFPD would be left with a world-class equestrian
facility in the heart of one of Lake County’s largest equestrian
communities, at no cost to taxpayers.
Among other uses, it would host therapeutic riding activities
for disabled children and adults. I would rather see someone
riding a horse down a trail than a snowmobile, wouldn’t you?
No LCFPD properties have ever been developed without building
roads, parking lots, trails, lighting, fencing, restrooms and
other buildings. I don’t remember anyone protesting the
development of any of our other preserves.
Pedersen’s comparison of a 15,000 seat riding arena to Wrigley
Field is grossly inaccurate. Average attendance at Wrigley Field
is 37,000 to 40,000 people; almost triple the capacity of the
proposed Olympic venue.
Mayor Richard Daley issued a mandate that the 2016 Chicago
Olympics be the “greenest” ever. Bonnie embraces this mandate.
Pedersen and VFP supports Bonnie’s opponent in the upcoming
Republican primary, stating that he is a “conservationist." Kirk
Denz is not a conservationist.
VFP, who’s the real “conservationist” in this debate, Bonnie or
her opponent? Would you rather support someone running on a
record of accomplishments or someone running on a grudge? In
supporting Bonnie’s opponent, I suggest you’re “sleeping with
the enemy.”
I’m a Democrat who will pull a Republican ballot on Feb. 5 to
vote for the true conservationist on the ticket for District 5,
Bonnie Thomson Carter.
Penny Cummings
Ingleside
Elect Bonnie Thomson Carter on Feb. 5.
Why, you ask? Bonnie is a proven community leader who has
kept a balanced budget each year in office, secured federal
funding for road and transportation improvement, and continues
to acquire open space for our future generations. Bonnie is
looking toward our children's future by supporting efforts for a
long-term sustainable water supply. Bonnie is also a supporter
of bringing the Olympics to Lake County.
Bonnie Thomson Carter exceeds the expectations of her
constituents. I'm voting for Bonnie Thomson Carter on Feb 5.
Rob Rosenlof
Ingleside
Thomson Carter Vs. Denz
I'm retired and have lived in Ingleside for
nine years. I've heard Commissioner Bonnie Carter Thomson and
Kirk Denz on a number of occasions.
Commissioner Thomson's list
of services and accomplishments is long and distinguished. The
greatest of these has been her effectiveness in positive
conservation of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. She's
been vital in helping Wooster Lake residents' efforts to
safeguard our lake's water quality. Commissioner Thomson has
made herself accessible to all of us. That's why she keeps
getting re-elected.
I also got to know her opponent through Association meetings. He
has always presented a negative viewpoint usually expressed in a
bellicose manner. When Wooster Lake water quality was being
threatened by Denz's use of personal water craft, Round Lake,
under Mayor Gentes passed a "no wake" ordinance at our request (420
signed the petition). Candidate Denz tried unsuccessfully to
sue the mayor. He also unsuccessfully tried to use the state
representative from Antioch to repeal the state law serving as
the enabling basis for the "no-wake" ordinance. He inaccurately
claims that his civil rights are being violated. This
demonstration of poor judgment offers persuasive proof that he
would make a very bad Lake county commissioner.
The opponent
offers nothing positive to the voters. His ability to malign,
distort, misrepresent and obfuscate are his most enduring
qualities.
Thaddeus Kochanny, Ingleside, IL
Winning solutions
There is more to complain about than compliment when observing
our elected officials. That is why I feel it is important to
highlight the few who serve us honestly and effectively.
I have had occasion to work with and observe Lake County Board
member Bonnie Thomson Carter for more than a decade and my
admiration for her continues to grow. She genuinely cares about
the concerns that affect her constituents, listens to their
problems and then investigates all sides of an issue before
taking a position.
Unlike the typical office-holder, if she doesn’t agree with you,
she’ll tell you so and explain why. Time after time she has
educated those who come in contact with her and has used this
approach to find common ground and create win-win solutions in
dozens of conflicts.
As President of the Lake County Forest Preserve District she has
listened to the voters and balanced the budget between land
acquisition and facility development, winning our confidence and
support for referendums to fund even more purchases. The
benefits to future generations are tremendous and could not have
been accomplished without someone like Bonnie leading the way.
I enthusiastically support her for another four years of doing
great things in District 5.
Sincerely,
Michael Lescher
Fox Lake
Crossing the Red-Blue Line
Fours years ago, vinyl chloride was discovered in my
drinking water supply. In a time of confusion and anxiety, I
needed someone I could trust to help protect my family, my
neighbors, our property values, and our environment. I found
such a leader in District 5 Lake County Board Member Bonnie
Thomson Carter.
Throughout it all, Bonnie Thomson Carter was a constant. She
worked with Democrats and Republicans, federal, state, and
locally elected politicians, the IEPA, USEPA and LCHD, and most
importantly, numerous citizen action groups to make sure the
residents in her district were protected. Bonnie’s personal
interest and dedication to our issue was unprecedented in my
experience. She is now the standard upon which I measure all
politicians. The end result, 400 potentially affected homes
hooked up to a clean, permanent supply of drinking water, with
all costs paid for by the potentially responsible polluters. No
costs were born by the residents. Now that’s results!
Bonnie is a team leader and consensus builder with the integrity
necessary to lead us for the next four years. On February 5th,
primary election day, as a true-blue Democrat, it will be my
privilege to cross over party lines and cast my vote for my
friend and Republican, Bonnie Thomson Carter. I encourage all
District 5 residents to do the same.
Sincerely,
Joe Anderson
Wauconda Resident
A proven track record
Pam Pedersen's recent letter to the editor
suggests that we should elect Kirk Denz to the Lake County Board
because he's a conservationist who believes in saving our forest
preserves.
If Mr. Denz is such an avid conservationist, then why is he
fighting a no-wake zone on one of the cleanest lakes in the
county? Could it be because he feels that he should have the
right to operate his personal watercraft however he sees fit?
Never mind the overwhelming support from the
majority of residents who live on the lake who wanted the
no-wake zone. He's obviously interested in conserving his
personal right to use his personal watercraft on the lake
however he sees fit.
If this is the kind of conservation that Mr. Denz practices, I
can't imagine what he'd want if he lived next to a forest
preserve. How about ATV trails in your forest preserve? Is that
what we want?
I agree with Ms. Pedersen that elected officials should not act
on their personal agendas, however based on Mr. Denz's reaction
to the Wooster Lake no-wake zone, I don't think he's the kind of
person that we want representing us on the County Board.
Instead, I'd suggest voters look at the record of current County
Board District 5 and Forest Preserve President Bonnie Thomson
Carter. In her time in office Carter has secured millions of
dollars for transportation improvements to county roads,
preserved several thousand acres for existing and new preserves,
added miles of new walking and bike trails, worked with
residents on award-winning conservation projects throughout her
district and balanced the county budget while maintaining a AAA
bond rating.
Oh, and she worked with the residents living around Wooster Lake
who wanted a no-wake zone to preserve one of the cleanest lakes
in the county. That's the kind of conservation we need.
Apparently, Mr. Denz is more interested in conserving his
personal rights than those of his neighbors. Bonnie Thomson
Carter on the other hand is a proven leader with a track record
that shows her agenda is to work with residents to improve and
enhance our quality of life. That's the kind of agenda I can
support.
John R. Gutknecht
Round Lake Resident
Getting the facts correct
I felt compelled to respond to Pam Pederson's Letter to the
Editor on Jan 4. Facts should always be used, especially in
election years. The last time I checked, Wrigley Field has a
capacity of approximately 41,000. This is almost 3X greater than
the proposed outdoor stadium. Additionally, much of the proposed
infrastructure will be temporary and will be removed upon
completion of the equestrian events of the Olympics. Some of the
structures will be left behind to support equestrian therapy for
handicapped adults and children. This appears to me to be the
best of both worlds, and at minimal cost to taxpayers. Lastly,
the point of Bonnie Thompson Carter's primary opponent being a
conversationalist, I could not help but laugh. Bonnie Thompson
Carter's opponent in the primary has single handedly tried to
destroy a sentinel lake in our district, Wooster Lake, by
proposing the unlimited use of jetskis and powerboats. As I
stated, try to get the facts correct.
Sincerely Robert Rosenlof
Ingleside
Proven commitment
I am supporting county board member, Bonnie
Thomson Carter, for re-election in the republican primary race.
I have had the pleasure of working with and for Bonnie for
several years. I feel that her commitment and dedication to the
people who have elected her has been proven time and time again.
Bonnie is well known for her professional and hard work. She has
always been a person who has made herself available and most of
all accountable to you. No matter what the issue that her
constituency is dealing with, Bonnie researches and follows
through.
I respect Bonnie and admire her integrity. I am proud to call
her my friend. I am voting for Bonnie Thomson Carter for Lake
County Board on February 5th and ask you to do the same
Betty Niemi
Ingleside
