Press Releases
Edgar Calls on Local Greens to Rally in Support of Ackerman Woods
Wheaton, IL (June 2, 2008) - William Edgar, Green Party candidate for DuPage County Board 4th District, supports the continued protest over the proposed annihilation of nearly three acres of native forest in Glen Ellyn. With the Village of Glen Ellyn ready to offer bid packets this week, there isn’t much time left to put the brakes on this project. Despite mounting pressure, the Glen Ellyn Park District is recalcitrant in their defiance of public opinion. “I’ve been to the Glen Ellyn Park District meetings where we repeatedly hear that the clear cutting is going to continue regardless of the public comment” said Edgar, “I believe this project must not move forward and we have one last chance to have our voice heard.”
Edgar is making calls, sending emails, and rallying additional supporters to attend the June 3rd 7pm Park District meeting at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center. “Ackerman Woods is on the agenda so we need to be there” said Edgar.
Over one hundred and twenty people showed up at the last Park District meeting and over 1,390 petition signatures were collected to show the Board that residents do care about the woods. Additionally, the Board received in writing over 250 signatures from local high school students and faculty to show support for saving the woods.
Mounting evidence is showing that little or no research was conducted to determine the need for additional soccer fields, the feasibility of utilizing soccer fields in a water retention area, or the potential liability for the Village of Glen Ellyn by moving the current water retention area and allowing heavy storm runoff water to flow through private residences on its way downhill.
The project plans were exposed by Glen Ellyn resident Melissa Creech who noticed the stakes marking the area to be destroyed while on a walk. Since that time, word has spread and opposition to the plan has exploded. Melissa and David have a website www.saveackermanwoods.com that chronicles the effort to save the woods.
Edgar Critical of DuPage County Board Pay Freeze
Wheaton, IL (May 30, 2008) - William Edgar, Green Party candidate for DuPage County Board 4th District, believes the County Board pay freeze does not go far enough.
“The Board has raised its pay by over 75% in the last 10 years”, stated Edgar, “We need to change the composition of this Board in the next election. I want to know when board members will reduce their bloated salaries, end the perks that include medical benefits, and end participation in a pension program.”
In 1997, a County Board members salary was $27,717 and salaries have soared over the past eleven years to $50,079. Board members also have the luxury of pension benefits through IMRF and use of a laptop computer.
Edgar has pledged to donate his first years pay to support each of the 46 agencies in the Counties Human Services Grants Program impacted by the recent County funding crisis.
These agencies, including PADS, Bridge Communities, The Peoples’ Resource Center and Little Friends Center for Autism are continually threatened by the County Board’s annual “doomsday” budgets.
William Edgar announces historic first run for Green Party
Wheaton, IL - William Edgar of Wheaton has declared his candidacy for DuPage County Board as a Green Party candidate. He becomes the first declared DuPage County Board candidate for the newly established Green Party.
"I am seeking public office to bring financial responsibility back to government, strengthen our security and infrastructure for future generations, revitalize local business, and prioritize assistance to government agencies affecting the neediest citizens," says Edgar.
Edgar believes in embracing the DuPage County mission statement, that our communities will always be desirable places to live, work, and raise families by providing innovative, cost-effective services, promoting a high quality of life for all residents, and act as a leader with local and regional partners in anticipating issues and developing solutions.
A nine-year Wheaton resident, Edgar is married with three young daughters, including one with a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome. "We recently learned that our child has autism," says Edgar. "Although it is difficult at times, she is a true blessing."
Edgar is a ten-year stakeholder in a local Wheaton information technology consulting and staffing business and is currently the company president. He is also co-chair of the DuPage County Green Party.
As a member of the County Board, Edgar pledges to:
- Protect taxpayers through fiscal responsibility
- Advocate for incentives for builders to incorporate sustainable architecture into new buildings
- Strengthen independent local business
- Attract new socially responsible businesses to DuPage by working to create a "green" technology corridor -- providing jobs, increasing the tax base, and producing the products and services for a sustainable 21st century
- Support increased funding for county services most needed by the elderly, disabled and working poor.