"The New Faces of Illinois Good Government!" comprised the Second Annual Event.  

Over 120 people attended, with 60 volunteers recognized for their help in networking and creating local transparency in public spending.  Taking on City Hall and winning, we have proven that the impossible is achievable in Illinois. 

Posting nearly $1 billion in local government spending online, is a lot of money.  However, posting this $1 billion… is just a good start!  Regular People.  Common Sense.  Great Purpose!

John Tillman, Chairman of Illinois Policy Institute was our great Master of Ceremony!

Illinois needs our leadership and direction.

November 12th:   OAK PARK  12:15 PM

Speaking in an area of Illinois where the school districts were early adopters of check register transparency...  70 citizens listened and asked questions.  The questions centered on three elected officials of Illinois:  Stroger, Blagojevich, and Madigan.  Not many folks are happy with this trio.

November 11th:   BLOOMINGDALE   12:00 PM

Speaking on invitation, the talk was warmly received by a welcoming and friendly audience.  Standing on the cutting edge of good government leadership, this group is committed to the true spirit of public service-  serving people through personal sacrifice.  Very enjoyable afternoon...

October 27th:  OLYMPIA FIELDS 7:30 PM

The Village of Olympia Fields voted unanimously for the transparent posting of their check registry online.  Then they voted unanimously to recommend that the six school districts that serve the community also adopt the measure, following the lead of the Village!  ....  That's a gainful first step towards Good Government!

October 23rd:   CHICAGO   12:00 PM

Many people in the heart of Chicago's Financial District at the Union League might feel powerless to fight City Hall.  That view was not evident today!  With our work to be done self-evident, this group will provide a moral backstop.  The Illinois people are good people...



October 13th:   DEKALB

In DeKalb, at the City Council meeting, Adam Andrzejewski presented the Transparency in Government Award to Mayor Kris Povlsen.  The City of DeKalb is one of only a handful of municipalities in Illinois that post their check registry online.  Also recognized were Lynn Fazekas and the other citizens who locally brought forward the suggestion to their council.  Great job.



October 11th    AURORA    1:00 PM

Made much sense to talk about sunshine in government on such a spectacular, sun-splashed Saturday afternoon of Fall.  A terrific group of motivated and energetic women, ready to bring Good Government to the non-transparent half of Aurora!



October 11th    NAPERVILLE    10:30 AM

Full of insightful questions and mind-mapped solutions, this group of successful people want to reverse the declines of Illinois.  Starting at the grassroots, they are ready to backstop Good Government in the Land of Lincoln.



October 8th    CHICAGO    7:00 PM

Article I, Section 9 of the United States Constitution, "...  a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time."  And this was before the internet age!  Great group of citizens.




September 23rd    BROOKFIELD    12:30 PM

The headlines nationally and locally point to a real need for transparency in government.  Having just passed the non-transparent federal bailout bill, this group of citizens saw the real need for local leadership.  The Village of Brookfield is leading, having posted their check registry online.



September 15th    LISLE TOWNSHIP    7:00 PM

An invitation to talk to people who have stood on the right side of history...  A very warm, inviting audience who accepted the transparent message with openness.  Real progress in local communities will be evident...



September 13th    ALGONQUIN     5:00 PM

Addressing 20 statewide leaders and community organizers, the agenda for good government transparency was laid out.  Good government in non-partisan, as represented by the favorable response from this collition of multiple party representation.
 


September 9th    OAK FOREST    12:00 PM

What a good group of people...  The Village of Oak Forest is fully transparent with its check register!  That's good government in Southern Cook County!

 

September 8th    COLLEGE OF DUPAGE-GLEN ELLYN    7:00 PM

An historic victory in Illinois for transparent good government!  The College of DuPage became the first unit of Illinois government to vote to post their salaries on their own website!  With $106 million of salaries, the 930,000 people of DuPage County will finally have 'taxation with information'!  Finally, technology is merging with democracy!



September 8th    OAK LAWN    12:00 PM

Addressing a Rotary whose members 'play by the rules', they learned that one of their local school districts isn't exactly demonstrating the 'true spririt of public service'!  A very warm, inviting and attentive audience.



August 28th   CHEBANSE   6:30 PM

Having incorporated a new village, this group of citizens is ready and is implementing good government.  A true spirit of public service was in evidence in the room.  Beautiful, summer evening on a very nice farm property.



August 26th   MORRIS   6:30 PM

An outstanding group of 20 plus waited 1 hour and 40 minutes for our blocked interstate highway to clear!  This stalwart group could not have been more patient and understanding...  Real momentum and relationships resulted from our discussion. 



August 21st   ORLAND PARK   12:00 PM

A very committed group of serious citizens committed to lifetime service heard our message of good government.  The response was very heartwarming!  Let's bring good government to the golf capitol of the world and.... Cook County!



August 16th   WILLOWBROOK   9:00 AM

At a good government policy conference, had an opportunity to share the grassroots victory story of Illinois transparency.  Illinois good government has momentum and should not be underestimated.  People are leading!



August 14th   LAKEVIEW   12:00 PM

Bringing the message of good government to Chicago-  and it resonated!  The citizens of Chicago are at their own tipping points of frustration.  A government needs to be good at all levels.



August 13th   BOURBONNAIS   12:00 PM

A group with the philosophy of serving others before themselves-  a much needed philosophy for society.  Our message of leading a common sense good government movement resonated intellectually and in practical execution.  

 

August 4th   YORKVILLE   7:00 PM

The Stalwarts!  Privileged to address and discuss good government in Illinois with a group of citizens living it.  Real change happening for Illinois from people who have created local reform.  Ever increasing momentum will result...

"Citizens should be empowered to be a part of the process of a good government."  Stalwart citizens who believe that they can create real impact on their local communities.  Having the good government conversation at the city, county and state levels...

 


July 23rd: WEST CHICAGO  12:00 PM

July 17th: KANKAKEE  6:30 PM

"Good government should invite and empower regular people to be a part of the process."  Government would do well to listen to the common sense of this group!  A beautiful, sun-splashed evening in a residence along the Kankakee River;  a picturesque night to network.



July 12th:    AURORA  2:00 PM

A good old-fashioned, neighborhood street party.  A perfect meld of the summertime fun and good government conversation.  The Real Illinois was in attendance!  A nice crowd of 20 plus took time to hear about the putting Illinois on a better path.



July 12th:    YORKVILLE  12:00 PM 

Everyone in attendance has a background in 'grassroots' organizing.  Many victories eminate from these local leaders.  Bringing networks from across the issues spectrum, this meeting will produce real results.  Let's go to work....



July 12th:    PLAINFIELD    9:00 AM 

A super enjoyable group of civic minded people.  Interested in public policy and local government, these people were a great first event on a busy Saturday speaking tour.  Of warm and generous spirit, these stalwart citizens will not let Illinois decline further, "Not On My Watch!".  Great early morning coffee event...




June 6th:  DECATUR CONVENTION CENTER   4:00 PM

Bring together a diverse group of politically active private citizens, elected officials, people running for office, heads and employees of 501(c)3 and 501(c)4's with new and old media, Adam outlined the purpose and year-to-date results of ForTheGoodOfIllinois.  The forward energy of this significant group of 40 persons was evident!



June 4th:   WHEATON   12:00 PM

Addressing a very engaged group of community volunteers, Adam spoke the need for government to be open and transparent with the spending of public money.  Having private citizens, business owners, government leaders and leaders of other civic organizations present, the Wheaton Rotary was a great and receptive audience.




May 31st:   PALATINE   4:00 PM


May 16th:   YORKVILLE   6:30 PM

Hot dogs, chips, cola and a ton of common sense.  The people in this room are the 'Real Illinois', the people making commitments with their lives:  expanding businesses, having children, celebrating 56 years of marriage.  Outstanding group of citizens.


 
May 13th:   HARWOOD HEIGHTS   8:30 AM

Speaking to the Harwood Heights Chamber of Commerce, Adam Andrzejewski addressed the tough decisions facing Ridgewood High School District 234.  The District is facing a projected $1 million deficit, reducing 18 teachers and cutting 11 athletic programs, while deciding to go forward on a multi-million gymnasium.  District 234 has had 3 tax referenda voted down in consecutive elections, 2006, 2007, and 2008.  This district has an acute need to rebuild bond and trust with its community.  Post the check register!



For coverage of the Harwood Heights Chamber of Commerce, click here

May 12th:  HERSCHER

Rachel Anne Schultz, winner of the John and Janet Andrzejewski Lifetime Service Award at Herscher High School-  the $1,000 scholarship awarded for the 15th consecutive year by Adam Andrzejewski.  Rachel Anne Schultz is a co-valedictorian of her senior class and has the career objective to become a nurse.  Adam's father John taught seventh and eighth grade history for 38 years in the Herscher school district.  Adam's mother Janet taught sixth grade english in Herscher schools then raised seven children at home.  Also pictured:  Herscher High School Principal Ron Oloffson and Adam Andrzejewski.

May 9th:   OSWEGO   7:00 PM

Oswego is a community of parents and children.  To understand the community, one must realize the importance of a quality education.  Commitment to public school students and their education is of utmost priority and importance.  To resolve the question of the public school doing the best they can with what they have is another issue of importance.  Accomplished people with hometown courtesies and hospitalities were the hallmark traits of this Oswego house coffee! 



May 6th:   OLYMPIA FIELDS   6:30 PM

An address to the Education Commission of Olympia Fields in reference to openness and transparency in the six local school districts.  The Education Commission is one of the only volunteer citizen organizations within the purview of an Illinois village. Fifteen citizens serve as commissioners;  they are true public servants.  All gathered have the objective to improve the affairs of public education.




May 5th:   DEPAUL UNIVERSITY   9:15 PM

These DePaul students have important life goals and are developing ideas of how governments should operate. They are focused with their energy and personal commitments.  Motivating and inspiring bunch of young adults.




April 19th:   NAPERVILLE   11:00 AM

Motivated. Sincerity. And a committment to true public service-  to serve their neighbors.  These are the words that can accurately describe the community volunteers in our Naperville meeting.  Regular People.  Common Sense.




April 14th:  AURORA                               9:30 AM

The strength of society is measured by the fortitude of its mothers.  The Mom's Group was the perfect merger of family love and a willingness to spread that same commitment of care and concern to our local schools.  The overall objective is to reform Illinois in general.  





 

April 3rd:  CHICAGO                               7:00 PM

The impatience and restlessness of our leadership generation was in evidence today in Chicago.  Feeling a real and present calling to improve Illinois, the Wine, Cheese and Politics of the night was the perfect event for this new guard of leaders.




April 1st:  KANKAKEE                             7:00 PM

A very warm welcome and receptive Catholic Council of Women at St. Martin of Toures in Kankakee.  Many of the women volunteered to do a simple set of actions to help get Illinois pointed in the proper direction again.







March 8th:  NAPERVILLE                       2:30 PM

Demonstrating energy and friendship, the Preston network is committed to good citizenship.





February 28th: KANKAKEE                    6:00 PM

With commitment and sincerity, the citizens in Kankakee County are going to bring forth transparency in local education.  Big news is in the offering...




February 9th:   CHICAGO                   10:30 AM

Who says that Generation X is apathic?  Not this group!  Highly successful, highly networked-  a group of 30 somethings that will help to get education in Illinois right again.  Lots of energy. Very encouraging morning.




February 7th:  KANKAKEE                    6PM

A tremendous group of regular people with common sense!  Representing the broad spectrum of the Illinois electorate, a big group of 25 stayed with the host until doors closed at 9pm!  This group is ready for grassroots action. 







February 2nd:  NEW LENOX- JOLIET   11AM     

Energetic, youthful and ready is an apt description of the personalities at the Stanford home in New Lenox/Joliet.  Comprising the families of local business owners and their friends, this group has a personal interest not only in the useful application of their high property tax dollar, but also in the improvement of education for their communities.  A fun and motivated crowd.  Nearly to a person will volunteer. 




February 2nd:  AURORA                     2PM

An outstanding group of community active, big thinkers converged on the Earl home in Aurora.  A blustery Saturday afternoon did not dampen the enthusiasm!  The future of Illinois is in good hands in the Western Suburbs.  This group certainly wanted to findout if their education earmarked property taxes are being proper and prudently spent.  At both the state and local levels, many of this group volunteered to take action. 

VIDEO:  EDUCATION-  IMPORTANCE OF MAKING AN IMPACT>>>.......... View Video  
 
VIDEO:  FUTURE ILLINOIS AS MAGNET OF AMERICA>>>>.................... View Video

VIDEO:  WE-  THE NEW AMERICAN DREAMERS>>>.............................. View Video


   

November 3rd, 2007  HERSCHER

All good ideas must begin in Herscher, IL!  The welcome sign to the town says, "The Best In Small Town America".  The people believe it and live it.  Growing up in Herscher, you get a real sense that people are good as long as you treat them right.  The first dozen citizens to hear the gameplan-  and we believe already that Illinois is on a better path. 





DEBUT PARTY: DOWNERS GROVE   NOVEMBER 8th, 2007

 

At Carlucci's Restaurant in Downers Grove, ForTheGoodOfIllinois celebrated the kickoff of their television ad buy and the debute of their website. Well attended by a cross-section of the Illinois public, Executive Director Adam Andrzejewski gave the opening address (speech clips linked above).

The evening was an inspiring success with the attendees ready to bring common sense back into Illinois government.

VIDEO CLIP:  ILLINOIS NEEDS OUR HELP>>>............................................................. View Video

VIDEO CLIP:  LEADERS HAVE FORGOTTEN THE
PURPOSE OF PUBLIC SERVICE>>>............................................................................. View Video

VIDEO CLIP: LEADERS NOT RESPECTING THE PEOPLE>>>................................. View Video