Letter to the Editor: Lisa Peterson for Alderman

It’s with a sad heart that I listened to Alderman Gilson’s resignation announcement Tuesday night. George was one of us. He was a person who stood behind his principles and voted his convictions. He was also the strength behind the defeat of the landfill in Yorkville. I commend him for all he has done for our city in our behalf.

Mayor Golinski has a huge gap to fill with George’s absence. We need a person on the Council who isn’t afraid to talk about the issues from different angles. We need an open and transparent dialog as our city moves forward. We do not need George’s replacement being hand-picked by the Mayor and voting in unison with him. Although it seemed like the Council was always in a fighting mode, this conversation allowed the whole story to come out and gave each of us a better understanding of the decisions being made. That is what we need more of today in our city. I want to hear all sides of the conversation – not just one perspective.

With that said I am optimistic that the Mayor will make a wise decision for George’s replacement to fill in until the April election when the voters can decide for themselves. I believe that wise decision should be Lisa Peterson. Lisa has been a wise, research-driven ambassador for the taxpaying citizens of Yorkville. She has attended many City Council meetings and has never been afraid to voice her concerns with the direction our city has taken. I believe she will help bring another view that people can openly see to help them understand how each person will be affected.

I am sure there will be others in our city who can fill the vacancy but based on Lisa’s desire to do the required research and understand the issues from within I believe she should be given the opportunity to work for the benefit of the people of Yorkville for the remaining 8 months of this term. I hope this Council considers Lisa Peterson for Ward 1 Alderman based on her enthusiasm, common sense, and dedication to the betterment of all her constituents and all of Yorkville. We need another strong person on the Council giving a voice to a completely open and transparent government.

Mark Johnson
Yorkville area resident

Letters to the Editor should be e-mailed to Yorkville Patch Editor Jillian Duchnowski at jillian.duchnowski@patch.com. Please include your full name and a telephone number so Duchnowski can confirm the sender's identity.

Related article:
•