I am writing today to respectfully seek your support for re-election to the Highland Park City Council. There has never been a time where local government was more relevant to the future of Highland Park than right now. Please allow me to express my motivation for public service and articulate my unique skill set and experience which enables me to navigate most effectively during these challenging times.

Perhaps Robert F. Kennedy’s quote sums up my feeling on our current socioeconomic situation: “All of us might wish at times that we lived in a more tranquil world, but we don’t. And if our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and filled with opportunity.”

It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your representative to the Highland Park City Council for the past seven years. My record of fiscal, environmental and social responsibility has earned me the overwhelming support of our community leaders. Public service is at the core of my values and I reaffirm my commitment to you that my service will be marked by compassion, civility and intensity of effort. I am uniquely situated to help lead our wonderful community as we face daunting challenges during these turbulent economic times.

Here are some of the reasons why my candidacy warrants your support:

I am the Chairman of both the City of Highland Park Finance Committee and the Highland Park Public/ Private Business Alliance placing me at the epicenter of our local economy. I also serve as a member of the Board of Local Improvements and liaison to the Business and Economic Development Commission.

I have been a catalyst for change that has resulted in our community’s sound economic growth and fiscal responsibility. Our city entered this recession with an AAA bond rating, a highly diversified revenue base and a 38 percent cash reserves as a fund balance. When compared to other cities, such as Chicago, which has less that a one percent fund balance, we are well prepared to operate during these challenging economic times.

Due to the numerous policy actions we have undertaken over the past couple of years the city’s portion of your property tax bill has been reduced to the lowest level in recent history. At the same time, we have maintained our city’s fiscal good health and have demonstrated financial competence. We have dramatically increased funding for our streets, sewers, bridges, drinking water and other core infrastructure components while decreasing our city’s dependence on property taxes.

In addition to economic issues, I am actively engaged in numerous quality of life initiatives including provision of services for our growing senior community and ensuring that our youth are as safe and protected as possible.

My financial expertise along with my dedication to improving our quality of life gives me the unique strength needed to lead our community through the current economic environment.

Put Thoughtful Public Policy Ahead of Old School Politics

I have also been a forceful advocate on the Council for protecting our environment. Bringing about real environmental change requires more than words. It requires real life action. Therefore, I am eliminating the traditional yard sign from my campaign in order to save trees and energy as well as reduce the carbon footprint of our campaign. Although some political advisors have warned that this move is bad strategy, I am foregoing this significant political advantage to demonstrate real responsibility and dedication to change. What funds I would have spent on yard signs will be donated to Highland Park to plant additional trees that will continue this legacy for years to come.

It is my firm belief that you, the citizens of Highland Park, are capable of thoughtful political interaction. Our campaign will be providing in-depth information about my candidacy, public record and policy positions through personal interaction and written material distributed primarily online. Please take a moment to research more about my record and public policy agenda at www.JimKirsch.com.

I am honored to have the support of our campaign co-chairs, Mayor Mike Belsky, State Senator Susan Garrett and State Representative Karen May, as well as the entire City Council, school district leaders, park district members and hundreds of other Highland Park leaders.

Your Vote May Decide This Election

Having the support of so many elected officials and community leaders is very gratifying. But in our democracy, it is your vote that really counts. That’s why I am encouraging you to vote early. Many local elections are decided by just a handful of votes, so please vote. Don’t wait until Election Day when you might have an unexpected conflict that minimizes your chance of getting to the polling place. Early voting is now easier than ever: you can vote from March 16 to April 2 at the Health Center at 1840 Green Bay Road. No reason is required for early voting and it is our civic obligation to exercise our right to vote.

I have a passion for public service and a love for Highland Park. With your help in this important election, I will have the opportunity to continue my work in building a foundation for our future.

You can join me in my civic activity by returning the enclosed envelope indicating your support along with your name and contact information. Or participate in our “Green Campaign” and save money on stamps by visiting our campaign site, www.JimKirsch.com to sign up as an important partner in our campaign. Financial contributions are not required to be involved in our campaign. These are difficult economic times, and it’s your support that is so critically important!