04-11-2009, 11:00 AM
Refreshing. Mayor-Elect Sabonjian cleared up many of the questions that have been brought up here. I'll post the article.
Mayor-elect plans department review
April 11, 2009
By JIM NEWTON <!-- e --><a href="mailto:jnewton@scn1.com">jnewton@scn1.com</a><!-- e -->
WAUKEGAN -- Mayor-elect Bob Sabonjian said Friday he is not planning to repeal Waukegan's towing ordinance, that he does plan to exercise his right as mayor to review and appoint department heads, and that broad support led to his election.
Sabonjian said he wanted to address several issues based on "rumors" circulating around the city since his upset victory over incumbent Mayor Richard Hyde on Tuesday.
He said that while Hispanic voters clearly played a large role in his election, other segments of the community were active as well.
Sabonjian said his wife commented on the attendees of his victory party by saying "this is Waukegan," and that attendees included Hispanics, African-Americans and whites, as well as blue-collar and white-collar workers.
Sabonjian also stressed that he has not promised jobs to any of his campaign workers.
"There are no done deals or promises," he said.
Resumes will be solicited for department head jobs, Sabonjian said, and in some instances new people may be appointed.
"The mayor has the right to appoint department heads, and I do want to exercise my right to see who I want to run those departments," he said. "It's not going to be politics. It will be finding the best person for the job."
Sabonjian said he plans to meet one-on-one with City Council members to discuss their issues and priorities and says he expects to work well with the council.
He also dismissed claims that he would eliminate the city's towing ordinance.
"If you are driving with no license and no insurance, your car will be taken," Sabonjian said, but he added that he wants the city to review procedures following such seizures.
He said he wants to more fully explore returning cars to those who can prove they have licenses or can transfer ownership of the vehicle, and suggested that the current $500 fine may be excessive.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1521500,5_1_WA11_SABON_S1.article">http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... S1.article</a><!-- m -->
Mayor-elect plans department review
April 11, 2009
By JIM NEWTON <!-- e --><a href="mailto:jnewton@scn1.com">jnewton@scn1.com</a><!-- e -->
WAUKEGAN -- Mayor-elect Bob Sabonjian said Friday he is not planning to repeal Waukegan's towing ordinance, that he does plan to exercise his right as mayor to review and appoint department heads, and that broad support led to his election.
Sabonjian said he wanted to address several issues based on "rumors" circulating around the city since his upset victory over incumbent Mayor Richard Hyde on Tuesday.
He said that while Hispanic voters clearly played a large role in his election, other segments of the community were active as well.
Sabonjian said his wife commented on the attendees of his victory party by saying "this is Waukegan," and that attendees included Hispanics, African-Americans and whites, as well as blue-collar and white-collar workers.
Sabonjian also stressed that he has not promised jobs to any of his campaign workers.
"There are no done deals or promises," he said.
Resumes will be solicited for department head jobs, Sabonjian said, and in some instances new people may be appointed.
"The mayor has the right to appoint department heads, and I do want to exercise my right to see who I want to run those departments," he said. "It's not going to be politics. It will be finding the best person for the job."
Sabonjian said he plans to meet one-on-one with City Council members to discuss their issues and priorities and says he expects to work well with the council.
He also dismissed claims that he would eliminate the city's towing ordinance.
"If you are driving with no license and no insurance, your car will be taken," Sabonjian said, but he added that he wants the city to review procedures following such seizures.
He said he wants to more fully explore returning cars to those who can prove they have licenses or can transfer ownership of the vehicle, and suggested that the current $500 fine may be excessive.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1521500,5_1_WA11_SABON_S1.article">http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... S1.article</a><!-- m -->