Open & Transparent Government
The results of the past two local elections, a rejection of both the TIF and the property tax increase by 4-to-1 margins, are indicative of the disconnect between local government and residents that is caused by longtime one-party rule. RCA wants to have a more engaged Riverside, where residents feel welcome to attend and contribute to local government meetings and are encouraged to take an active role in what happens in Riverside.
If elected, the RCA slate will:
Put as much village information as possible online, with the goal of making it easy for residents to know and understand what their local government is doing and where their tax dollars go. This includes:
- Video of Village Board and commission meetings
- The village “checkbook” — all expenditures and revenues
- All other appropriate village information
Eliminate “Committee of the Whole” meetings — anything that the board discusses should be open to public comment.
Change the policy of restricting resident comment at Board meetings. The Board needs to be aware of resident opinions before a vote is taken.
Allow for public comment at two consecutive Village Board meetings before an ordinance is voted upon.
Hold periodic, village-wide “State of the Village” meetings where trustees have a Q&A with residents, where any issue is open for discussion with the Village Board.
Make meeting minutes available to the public on a more timely basis.
“For too long, it has been too difficult for residents to find out what the Village Board is doing. Our vision is ‘government information on demand’ — whenever they want, Riverside residents should be able to find out how their tax dollars are being spent,” said Mark Shevitz, RCA candidate for Village Trustee. “And we will ensure there are more opportunities for resident dialogue and participation before the Village Board takes action on issues.”