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.  

Episode 33 of Common Ground Oak Park explores policy decisions related to the return of schooling in a Covid-19 world.  Joining to discuss this topic are Oak Park residents: Mara Maas and Cara Carmody.   Cara and Mara recently started a petition to encourage D97 policy-makers to make plans for in-person learning in the Fall. Mara is a pediatrician and discusses the health implications of returning to in-classroom learning.  Cara is an educator and provide insight in to the detrimental impact of lost classroom time and the need to get students back to school.  This is a very timely topic, as the Illinois Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are about to issue guidelines for the Fall and Oak Park’s local school districts will have many decisions to make between what learning will look like when it starts back up in two months.

Nazareth Bryant; 2020 OPRF graduate and incoming Northern Illinois Football Player, is featured on episode 32 of Common Ground Oak Park. Naz capped off his OPRF experience by being awarded the Athletic Award in the Spring as the male athlete that demonstrated the highest achievements in athletics, academics and leadership.  Naz was a two year starter at running back for the OPRF Huskies and also competed in track.  Other highlights from his high school career include being team captain for the football team, finishing 2nd in state in the 800 meter relay and being crowned Homecoming king in his Senior year.  The conversation focuses on Naz’s football and OPRF career, his time growing up in Oak Park and his thoughts on societal events as he heads off to college. 

Rowan Richards; social entrepreneur and co-founder of Oak Park Varsity Club, is featured on episode 31 of the podcast.   Rowan ran the Steward’s Market between 2006 to 2016, an organization that aimed to provide lasting solutions to break the systems of poverty through the creation of social enterprises. Since 2017 he has worked at Accion Chicago and Assemblize, where his work remains centered on growing entrepreneurship and providing business financing in disadvantaged communities. Rowan launched Oak Park Varsity Club in 2019, a multi-use indoor sports facility on South Oak Park Avenue The conversation focuses on Rowan's work and approach to bringing investment and creating opportunity in disadvantaged communities.  

Chris Neville; musician, owner of Wire Music and front man for the band Tributosaurus joins Dan Moroney for episode 30 of Common Ground Oak Park.    Chris is well known in the area as a founding member of the band Tributosaurus and owner of Wire Music in Berwyn.    His recent efforts during the Covid-19 lockdown include streaming Thursday night concerts, advocating for support for the live music industry and being a founding member of a movie club; Reviews From the Beer Can Room.    The conversation covers all of these things, along with thoughts on the future of the future of music venues in a socially-distanced world.     

Matt Maloney; OPRF History teacher and former Varsity basketball coach for the Huskies, joins Dan Moroney for this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.   After a 12 year run at the helm, Matt stepped down from his role as head coach in the beginning of May to spend more time with his family.   The conversation covers Matt’s time as head coach of the basketball team, his experience teaching at the high school and his thoughts on E-learning.

This episode of Common Ground Oak Park explores policy responses to the Covid-19 virus.  Joining to discuss this topic is Jenna Russell; Oak Park resident and outspoken voice on Oak Park issues.   Jenna has made herself known in Oak Park as an independent thinker who rarely falls in line with consensus opinion on Oak Park issues. The conversation discusses Jenna’s willingness to express her views and the subsequent criticism that inevitably arises from her outspoken positions and her thoughts on society’s response to the Covid-19 virus.

Episode 27 of Common Ground Oak Park features John Lawrence; Managing Broker at the Oak Park and River Forest offices of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. After beginning his career as a teacher in the River Forest public school system, John has made a career in real estate since 2004. He has also served as the Board President of the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce, the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors and the Kindness Creators Intergenerational Program. The conversation discusses John's involvement in the community, the local real estate market and the housing industry during the Covid-19 lockdown.      

Patrick O’Brien; owner of Scratch Restaurant Group, is featured on episode 26 of Common Ground Oak Park. Patrick has had a career of over 30 years in the restaurant industry.  He opened Scratch Kitchen & Lounge in Forest Park in 2013 and subsequently brought Scratch to Lake Street and Harrison Street in Oak Park.   The conversation covers Patrick’s life in the restaurant industry and the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 outbreak.  

Liz Holt; Executive Director of the Oak Park & River Forest Chamber of Commerce, is featured on episode 25 of Common Ground Oak Park. Liz became Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce in October 2018 and her role has suddenly been transformed in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. The conversation focuses on the work of the Chamber of Commerce and the impact of the shelter in place order on the Oak Park business community.

Episode 24 of Common Ground Oak Park discusses the health impact of the Covid-19 virus and what next steps might be in the fight against the pandemic. Providing insight for the conversation is Ori Gottlieb; Anesthesiologist and Perioperative Informaticist at the University of Chicago.   The conversation covers what is known about Covid-19 as of April 12th, 2020 and how our approach to the virus might change given new information that is learned every day.    

Eric Wagner; President and CEO, of Visit Oak Park is featured on episode 23 of Common Ground Oak Park.   Eric came to Visit Oak Park in June 2018, after working for the Illinois Office of Tourism.  His tenure with Visit Oak Park has seen the launch of a new website and marketing campaign and a strategic reallocation of expenses by closing the Visitor’s Center and investing more in advertising.   The conversation discusses Eric’s work at Visit Oak Park, attracting tourism to Oak Park and the importance of visitors to the local economy.   

Christian Harris; Oak Park Public Library Trustee and owner of MaidPro Oak Park, is featured on episode 22 of Common Ground Oak Park.   A lifelong resident of Oak Park, Christian graduated from OPRF high school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University.  Shortly after graduating from Bradley, Christian started his own business; MaidPro Oak Park. Christian was elected to the Oak Park Library Board in 2017 and also ran for the Village Board in 2019.  The conversation covers Christian’s role on the Library Board, his experiences as a small business owner and his thoughts on various aspects of Oak Park.

Peter Hostrawser; founder of Disrupt Education and the OPRF School of Business, joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park. Peter taught at OPRF for 14 years and is currently the chair of the Business Department at Glenbard East High School.  During his time at OPRF, Peter was Chairman of the Business Department and founded the Business Incubator Program.  He maintains a podcast and blog entitled; Disrupt Education.  He also serves as a mentor, branding specialist and public speaker.  The conversation discusses Peter’s thoughts on approaches to education and his ideas for ways in which secondary and post secondary education can be improved in a changing world.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.    

Episode 20 of Common Ground Oak Park is a wide-ranging discussion on the outbreak and response to the Covid-19 virus. Oak Park resident; David Lau, joins Dan Moroney to provide insight in to the health, economic and social impacts of this pandemic.  A native of China, David has worked in the financial industry for over twenty years.  His specialization in global markets and cyclical industries has given David unique insights in to how this outbreak has swept the world.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Chris Payne; former chair of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park. Chris served on the HPC between 2013-2019 and is also the administrator of the Facebook Page; Preservation Oak Park.  Prior to his service on the HPC, Chris was a member of the Pleasant Foundation Board.   The conversation covers a wide range of historic preservation issues in Oak Park.   Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Athena Williams; Executive Director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Athena became Executive Director of the Housing Center in 2019 after directing the West Cook Homeownership Center.  Since becoming Executive Director, her focus has been on refocusing the Housing Center's approach to integration and making the organization more efficient and effective in the 21st century.   The conversation covers the Housing Center's history, mission and integration in Oak Park.    

Anan Abu-Taleb; Mayor of Oak Park, joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Anan was elected in Mayor in 2013.  His tenure has been marked by a focus on economic development and the theme that "Oak Park is open for business".   The conversation covers Anan's Palestinian roots in the Gaza Strip, his journey to America and his role as Mayor of Oak Park.   Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Gary Cuneen; Founder and Executive Director of Seven Generations Ahead, joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Gary founded Seven Generations Ahead in 2001 as a not for profit that promotes ecologically sustainable and healthy communities.  Since that time, Gary has established himself and his organization as a leader in sustainability initiatives in the Oak Park area. The conversation covers a wide range of global and local environmental issues. Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Jacqueline Reed; Founder of the Westside Health Authority (WHA), joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Jacqueline founded the WHA in 1990as an organization that aims to improve the social and physical environment of the Austin community. The conversation covers Jackie’s road to starting the WHA, the transformation and successes of the organization and issues in the Austin community.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

John Lynch; Executive Director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation (OPEDC), joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park to discuss economic development in Oak Park.  John has led the OPEDC since 2015 and his tenure has been marked by unprecedented development throughout Oak Park.  The pros and cons of this development is discussed, along with what are some future development opportunities in the community.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page & YouTube Channel.  

Dan Wolman joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park to discuss policies pertaining to cell phones in schools and at OPRF.  Dan is a history teacher at OPRF and is part of the Cell Phone Committee that is working on a policy at OPRF for the 2020/21 school year. The conversation discusses the negative impacts that cell phones can have on learning, the current landscape at OPRF and policy options being considered.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Monica Sheehan joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Monica was named 2016 Oak Park Villager of the Year due to her efforts with the Pragmatic Pool Solutions Group. The conversation covers her work with Pragmatic Pool Solutions, thoughts on the Imagine OPRF process and other issues related to District 200.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Ali ElSaffar joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park to discuss Oak Park taxes.  Ali was first elected Oak Park Assessor in 2001 and has been elected four subsequent times. The conversation on this episode provides an in depth overview of the tax burden in Oak Park and the impact that it has on taxpayers in Oak Park.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Mike Powell joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.   Mike was a state champion wrestler at OPRF, All-American wrestler at Indiana University and led the OPRF wrestling team to rankings as high as number one in the nation during his tenure as head coach at OPRF.  Mike currently serves as executive director at Beat the Streets Chicago.  The conversation discusses Mike’s wrestling background and his current work at Beat the Streets Chicago.   Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page & YouTube Channel.  

Joshua Flynn joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park to discuss his candidacy for the 78th District of the Illinois House of Representatives.  Joshua is an Austin resident ad is running for this seat as a Libertarian.   The conversation discusses Joshua's candidacy, his position on issues in the campaign and his ideas for economic development in the Austin community.   Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Kitty Conklin joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.     Kitty has been an Oak Park resident since 2005 and has become the leading advocate for fiscal restraint amongst Oak Park’s six taxing bodies. The conversation covers what prompted Kitty to commit herself to advocating for the easing of the tax burden, along with her views on taxing issues in Oak Park. Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.    

Brian Bobek joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park to discuss legalized recreational marijuana in Illinois.  Brian is the owner of Providence Dispensaries and is planning to open a dispensary in Oak Park in 2020.  The conversation discusses the path to legalized marijuana in Illinois, regulations around legalized marijuana and local ramifications of the new law.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page& YouTube Channel.  

Ray Johnson joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Ray served on the Village Board between 2003 and 2014, before his job took him to New York.  The conversation covers past and current issues in Oak Park, along with the ups and downs of Village Board service.  Ray also offers his insights on the Democratic field on the National stage.   Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page & YouTube Channel.  

Pat McGowan joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Pat has been a leading real estate agent in the Oak Park area since 1988.  She was the #1 Oak Park area producer in 2004, 2006, 2007 & 2008.  The conversation covers Pat’s life and work in Oak Park, along with the local real estate market.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page & YouTube Channel.

River Forest President; Cathy Adduci, joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Cathy was elected as Village President in 2013 and is currently serving her second term.  The conversation covers Cathy's approach to municipal government and her thoughts on municipal issues facing Oak Park and River Forest.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Deno Andrews joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Deno grew up in Oak Park and was elected to the Village Board in April 2017.  The conversation covers Deno's experience growing up in Oak Park and his approach to service on the Village Board.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Cory Wesley joins Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park.  Cory ran for the Oak Park Village Board in the Spring of 2019.  The conversation covers Cory's experience growing up in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, his perspective on equity in education, his experience running for Village Trustee and his thoughts on life in Oak Park.  Highlight video from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page & YouTube Channel.  

Matt Baron joins host Dan Moroney on this episode of Common Ground Oak Park. Matt has served as a D200 Board member since May 2017.  The conversation covers the Imagine OPRF facilities improvement plan, America to Me and equity initiatives at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Videos from this podcast can be seen on the Common Ground Oak Park Facebook Page & YouTube Channel.