VORDERER: Dist. 4 Needs A Plan To Address Hospital Expansion

By TERRY VORDERER

With your vote on April 9, you will be choosing a trustee for Dist. 4. Christ Hospital and its expansion is a major issue for Dist. 4 and certainly even more for the residents that live in its shadow. I, too, live within two blocks of its front door, so I am well aware of its impact on our neighborhood. 

It is my opinion that our current trustee has failed to address many of our concerns with the hospital. He may argue that he has worked to effect change,  but I suggest he has failed to accomplish change. 

No individual politician controls the agenda. To be effective, a trustee needs to understand that there are many others involved in the process that also have ideas and concerns. In order to accomplish the objectives of the community, he has to work with those who share the power base. Our current trustee has alienated himself, not only from that majority of his elected officials, but it is my understanding, from those who represent the hospital. 

Our current trustee has had four years and I ask you. What has happened?  The hospital has almost doubled in size, impact fees have failed, and no plan is in place to address Dist. 4’s concerns.

This is a three-person election for position of Dist. 4 trustee. Mayor Heilmann’s candidate has an undeniable conflict of interest as he holds a position as a Christ Hospital Board member. So, it is unclear whose interests he will represent, Christ Hospital or Dist. 4?

The hospital is a great asset to this community. I contend I am better positioned to represent Dist. 4, and the interests of its citizens. As your trustee, I will be sure to use my given responsibility to advocate for Dist. 4, and negotiate responsible and equitable agreements that serve to consider the neighborhood concerns.

Also, I will make myself available to hear and address your concerns.

Terry Vorderer is running as an independent for Dist. 4 trustee on the Oak Lawn Village Board. For more information about Terry read his Patch questionnaire on Election Central 2013.