Independent Village President Candidate Receives Threatening Note

An independent candidate for village president in Winnetka told the Chicago Tribune that he received an anonymous note threatening to spread embarrassing personal information if he decides to run in the April 9 elections. 

Christopher Rintz, who’s running against the Caucus-slated Gene Greable for the Village President seat, says the note included an article about a Glenview boy who died while playing in a construction site on a property that belonged to Rintz’s development company, New England Builders; information on a failed deal related to the company; and the words, “If you think it’s bad what was done to Pat Livney, wait til you see what is said about you … We hope you appreciate the enclosed materials and good luck,” the Tribune reported. 

In November when Livney attempted but failed to challenge the Caucus’ slate of trustee candidates, some Winnetka residents raised concerns about a speech Livney made at a Winnetka Public Schools District 39 board meeting and his involvement in a lawsuit in New Mexico. 

At that time, Livney told residents he was so angry while making the speech because the district had shown a slavery film containing adult topics. Watch the video of the speech.

Rintz to Mount Independent Bid Against Greable

“I think under the circumstances surrounding the selection process that this year the residents of Winnetka deserve a choice on the ballot.”

As for the emotional topic of affordable housing, Rintz does not believe it is going to happen following recent debate within the village.

“That is an issue that has had its time in the light and the community made it clear that they don’t want to discuss it,” he said.  “If I were president the only way I could see affordable housing as an issue would be if there was a broad based mandate.”

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