Operation: Silver Shovels
I hinted to this a few days ago, and have received some real positive feedback from those with whom I spoke in the days since. I wanted to share my initial thoughts here so we’re all on the same page.
One of the things I love most about Elk Grove Village is how we look out for one another. But as we all know, Illinois winters can be brutal. For our disabled and senior residents living independently, a heavy snowfall isn't just an inconvenience—it can be a serious safety hazard that makes it dangerous to venture outside, clear a driveway, or get to important medical appointments. And, as the Board lamented at last week’s meeting, we just don’t have the motivated teen workforce of past eras.
To help solve this, I’m proposing a new community initiative called Operation Silver Shovels. When I’m elected Trustee, I will push this forward immediately, for deployment in the subsequent Winter seasons.
How Operation: Silver Shovels Would Work
The idea is simple, practical, and focused entirely on our community:
Who it helps: This subsidized snow removal program is designed specifically for our disabled and senior citizens who live in single-family homes not otherwise covered by HOA maintenance agreements.
Supporting local business: Instead of handing a massive contract to a large landscaping/snow removal company, or tying up limited Village resources, this program will partner with our small and medium-sized local landscaping and snow removal companies. This keeps our tax dollars circulating right here in the local economy. The Village will develop an application and licensure process (it will be free to apply) to ensure only top quality small and medium sized businesses will handle this important work.
A proven model: We don't have to guess if this will work or spend money on feasibility studies. We can pick and choose to adopt the best practices from highly successful, existing programs already running right nearby in Leyden Township and Rolling Meadows, among others in the nearby suburbs.
Now, there are important details and things we’d have to figure out at the Board level in implementing the program, but that's how it works. We work together, in the open, and come to a solution that balances everyone’s concerns. We find the path that is fair. Like the Rolling Stones said, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try some times, you might just find you get what you need.”
A Question of Priorities
How did I come up with this idea? From listening to you. Our residents are our greatest resource!
I received a version of this suggestion in my survey a few days after launch. And, then the idea started to take shape during the Board meeting. (And please be sure to take the survey— I’m closing it soon, and the results will be in a forthcoming post)!
If you’re wondering where we might find room in the Village budget, consider this: the Village is currently spending $40,000 just to sponsor a single networking breakfast next week featuring Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. While I laud that the money is going through Mr. Ricketts to a charity, I think it’d be even wiser to spend it on our residents first.
Our priorities should always start closer to home. While events with well-known business leaders are important, spending that same $40,000 on Operation Silver Shovels provides a massive, tangible benefit to our actual residents and neighbors. It keeps our disabled and senior residents safe, allowing them to live comfortably in their own homes, knowing they can get out when the weather is bad. And, it directly supports the local contractors who live and work in our community. It keeps the money where it belongs: in Elk Grove Village.
