Winnetkans' Intelligence

 On March 28 my name appeared in a WHOA post that identified everyone who circulated petitions to have Chris Rintz’s name placed on Tuesday’s ballot for Winnetka Village President. The posting said I was one of the “outspoken Affordable Housing advocates,” and indicated that my motivation in supporting Chris was to help resurrect the Affordable Housing debate. Gene Greable echoed the same sentiment in a published interview at about the same time.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The reason I circulated petitions was that Chris Rintz in my opinion is far better qualified for the office. Nothing more.

I have worked with both Chris and Gene and consider them both to be my friends. Through the eyes of my profession I watched their contribution when they were on the Village Council. It was clear to me that Chris was the smarter, wiser, and more thoughtful and resourceful of the two.

Both Chris and Gene are numbers guys (as are people in the Village Finance Department), but Chris’s knowledge and expertise cover a much broader area, particularly when it comes to construction, which will be critically important in the next few years. Also, he is his own person and in nobody’s pocket.

It is faulty logic to equate petition circulation to a plot to restore the Affordable Housing proposals. It is almost like trying to re-fight the Civil War. It’s over. Affordable Housing not lurking around the corner.  It is a red herring that is unrelated to the issues facing our Village. To say otherwise is to insult the intelligence of Winnetka citizens. People in Winnetka are not stupid and don’t deserve to be treated as such.

The real issue is this: Who is the best person, with the broadest knowledge, to lead the Village in addressing the critical infrastructure issues – particularly flood control and business district renewal? The best person is Chris Rintz.

        John Jansson