Common Ground Oak Park

At the end of the ballot for the November 3rd election, Oak Park voters will be asked to vote on two non-binding referendum questions.

The first is related to the amount of cash reserves governing agencies are able to accumulate.

he second is related to whether capital projects in excess of $5 million should be require voter approval.

This episode of Common Ground Oak Park discusses these two advisory referendum questions and why voters might vote yes or no.

Joining to discuss this topic is the person who placed these questions on the ballot; Kevin Peppard.  Kevin is a decades-long Oak Park resident who has advocated for good government practices and transparency initiatives. He has an extensive knowledge of Oak Park's taxing bodies and no shortage of opinions on all matters Oak Park. 

Former Oak Park Village President; David Pope, joins the conversation on episode 42 of Common Ground Oak Park.  

David was first elected as Village Trustee in 2003 and was elected Village President in 2005.  He would go on to be elected to a second term in 2009.  David currently serves as Executive Director of the Oak Park Residence Corporation.

The conversation takes a deep dive in to the role of Village President ahead of the April 2021 election.  

Police reform and the reality of policing in Oak Park is the topic of discussion in episode 41 of Common Ground Oak Park.  

Joining to discuss this topic is Bill Dwyer; journalist and Oak Park resident.  Bill has an extensive career covering Oak Park police and an extensive knowledge of the department and the work that they do.  

The proposed Illinois Progressive Income Tax is discussed on episode 40 of Common Ground Oak Park.  

Illinois voters will decide on November 3rd if the State Constitution will be changed from a flat tax structure to a graduated rate structure.  

Joining to discuss the details of this proposal is Oak Park resident; Nick Binotti.  Nick takes a deep dive in to the pros and cons of this measure and provides listeners with a wealth of information before they head to the polls.  

John Kass is featured on episode 39 of Common Ground Oak Park.  

The conversation focuses on the editorial written in the Chicago Tribune about the events surrounding the march and subsequent vandalism to the Mayor of Oak Park's home.  

Other topics discussed include increasing political polarization, intolerance and how local politics are a reflection of national trends.

John has worked at the Tribune since 1983.  He lives in Chicago with his wife and has two adult sons.   

In this episode of Common Ground Oak Park, guest host Matt Baron welcomes Charlie Meyerson, founder of Chicago Public Square, a free daily email news roundup. In their wide-ranging conversation, Charlie shares from his 40-plus years in Chicago news working for the likes of WGN, WXRT, WNUA and the Chicago Tribune, among other media outlets.

In Episode 37 of Common Ground Oak Park, guest host Matt Baron welcomes Fred Arkin, who has long been on the front lines working to eliminate racial, gender and other inequities.  

Fred's extensive service in the Oak Park and River Forest community includes coaching in the OPRF Huskies renowned wrestling program and serving a four-year term on the OPRF High School's District 200 Board of Education. 

In this episode of Common Ground Oak Park, guest host Matt Baron interviews Oak Park resident and Abraham Lincoln portrayer Kevin Wood. They discuss how Kevin got started as a portrayer, the types of programs that he delivers, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on his presentations, as well as lessons that Americans in 2020 should heed from Lincoln's life and tenure as the 16th U.S. President. In addition, Honest Abe makes a special appearance about two-thirds into the interview. 

Episode 35 of Common Ground Oak Park focuses on Oak Park and River Forest High School's plan for full-time remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year. 

Joining to discuss the topic is Matt Baron; District 200 School Board Member. 

Matt is in the final year of his first term on the District 200 School Board, where his recent board work has centered around learning plans for the upcoming school year. 

Additionally, the conversation will discuss the immediate future of Common Ground Oak Park and some changes in store.

Episode 34 of Common Ground Oak Park focuses on policing in Oak Park.

Joining to discuss the topic is Village of Oak Park Trustee; Deno Andrews.

The Village of Oak Park recently signed a resolution in support of the Obama Foundation Pledge to review Use-of-Force policies.  Additionally, the Village put a process in place to review policing in Oak Park through a series of public outreach efforts and the use of an outside consultant to evaluate the department.

The conversation discusses all of these matters, along with the balance between maintaining a low-crime environment while ensuring a respectful, fair and just environment for all residents.