Big News! - Wilmette to Get New Village Manager

Big news in the Wilmette Life today, Wilmette will soon have a new village manager! Mike Earl, manager since 2001 and assistant manager for ten years before that, has given two weeks notice.

No need to survey me as to what we want to be changed, I will be happy to share my views. I would like to

1. Return to first-rate sidewalk snow plowing which existed in earlier years,
2. Better oversight of village snow plowing. the quality of which has declined in the past few years
3. An investigation as to why water bills have soared in the past few years
4. Returning refuse fees to the tax bill
5. More vigorous traffic enforcement
6. Requirements and vigorous enforcement of lights and bells for bicycles
7. Address pedestrian safety
8. The ability to question whether construction work is properly proceeding according to the permit without being ratted out to your neighbors for your concern
9. Addressing the parking situation at the train

Over the past few years, the village has developed an excellent web site. At some level that must be due to Mr. Earl's input, and we salute him for that. Perhaps the trustees could add a function where Wilmette residents can leave their concerns so that these can be kept in mind when choosing a new village manager.

While the recession may have solved the problem, we also need a village manager who is committed to keeping Wilmette a somewhat sleepy suburban village and is willing to resist the overtures of developers who see great profit in urbanizing our little town.