60185 🇺🇸

Laura Finch & Liuan Huska
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

You don't have time to attend every board meeting, but you care about West Chicago and the entities we love: the park district, library, schools, and city council. This is for you. Hosts: Laura Finch and Liuan Huska. 60185.substack.com

  1. Sep 25

    Running for Office 101

    Curious about running for office in West Chicago, Illinois? Start with this episode. BASICS: * All of these seats are nonpartisan—you don’t have to declare a party affiliation in order to run, and there is no primary * Seven city council seats will be on the ballot, one for each ward (plus one which was appointed to fill a vacancy); one seat will be on the ballot for the park district; four seats will be on the ballot for the library; three seats for West Chicago District 33, and three seats for West Chicago School District 94 * Petitions may be circulated now and must be submitted to the district office where you are seeking election, between November 16-23, 2026. Ex: city council candidate petitions go to city hall, park district commissioner candidate petitions go to the ARC center. * Each seat has a different number of petition signatures to collect, but they all have to be eligible voters (meaning they could register to vote by April 6, if they aren’t already) * City council meets twice per month, plus committees; school district boards meet twice per month; park district and library meet once per month * You can download all the forms online, but these entities have already printed out all of the required materials for you, so take advantage! Pick up petition packets at city hall, school district offices, park district main office (ask for Gina), and library (ask for Ben) * If you can’t run in 2027, but want to get involved or prepare for a run later, consider applying for a city commission, the park district foundation, library foundation, or the PTO for your school *Photo by Tara Winstead: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-text-on-a-gray-surface-8850738/ Correction: This episode and the shownotes originally stated that all petitions should be filed at the DuPage County Courthouse but they should actually be filed at the district office where the candidate is seeking election (for example, city council packets should be filed at the city hall). Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

    Running for Office 101

  2. Sep 16

    One Year of ICE in West Chicago: Stories of Heartbreak, Community, and Strength / Un Año de ICE en West Chicago: Historias de Dolor, Comunidad y Resiliencia

    BILINGUAL EPISODE. TRANSCRIPT IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH AVAILABLE. September 15, 2025 was, for many West Chicagoans, as memorable as any national tragedy. That’s the day ICE came to town—part of Operation Midway Blitz, during which 85 percent of immigrants taken had no prior criminal conviction. Since that day, an estimated 54 people have been detained from West Chicago alone. In this scripted, feature episode, we combine many interviews conducted over the course of one year into one piece to tell part of the story of how the community responded. Action items: * Call 855-435-7693 to reach the ICIRR hotline when you see any suspected ICE activity or ICE agents. That number also offers free services to families who are at risk or if a loved one is detained. * Find public updates on confirmed ICE activity on the local West Chicago team We Go DuPage Facebook page. * Sign up for Eyes on ICE text alerts by entering your zipcode here. ESPAÑOL Para muchos residentes de West Chicago, el 15 de septiembre de 2025 fue tan memorable como cualquier tragedia nacional. Ese día, el ICE llegó a la ciudad como parte de la “Operación Midway Blitz”; durante el operativo, el 85 por ciento de los inmigrantes detenidos carecía de antecedentes penales. Desde entonces, se estima que 54 personas han sido detenidas tan solo en West Chicago. En este episodio especial, hemos reunido numerosas entrevistas realizadas a lo largo de un año para narrar parte de la historia sobre cómo respondió la comunidad. Acciones recomendadas: * Llame al 855-435-7693 para comunicarse con la línea directa de ICIRR si observa cualquier actividad sospechosa del ICE o presencia de agentes de dicha agencia. Este número también ofrece servicios gratuitos a familias en situación de riesgo o cuyos seres queridos hayan sido detenidos. * Consulte las actualizaciones públicas sobre actividades confirmadas del ICE en la página de Facebook del equipo local de West Chicago, “We Go DuPage”. * Suscríbase a las alertas por mensaje de texto de “Eyes on ICE” ingresando su código postal aquí. Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

    One Year of ICE in West Chicago: Stories of Heartbreak, Community, and Strength / Un Año de ICE en West Chicago: Historias de Dolor, Comunidad y Resiliencia

  3. Sep 11

    Why Doesn’t West Chicago Already Have More Soccer Fields?

    On August 17, the City Council tabled a zoning amendment allowing for athletic fields on their Washington Street property. This Monday, that amendment passed. In this episode, we talk about that vote—and who voted for and against it. Since that earlier meeting, we’ve also had a lot of questions, mainly: why hasn’t the Park District already invested in more soccer fields in the community? The good news is: they’re coming—to the park Kress Creek Farms, south of Rt. 38/Roosevelt! (See the cover image for a rendering.) Listen to the episode to find out more about this news—which has not yet been announced anywhere else! The further good news is: soccer fields also coming to the new 44-acre Community Park, formerly the Kerr-McGee site, located just to the west of Gary and Leman schools. We talk about the timeline and cleanup status for that. And then there’s the bad news: the Park District Board—arguably the entity best equipped to care for athletic fields—has formally declined involvement in the Community Park project. We sat down with Frank Lenertz, Park District Board President, and Gina Radun, Executive Director of the Park District, to hear about why. One seat on the Park District Board will be on the ballot in the April 2027 Consolidated Election. To learn more, visit the Park District website and pick up a petition packet at the ARC. As with City Council and Library Board candidacy, candidates must file petitions between November 16 and 23, 2026. Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

    Why Doesn’t West Chicago Already Have More Soccer Fields?

  4. Aug 20

    Kicking the Can Down the Futsal Field

    It’s been a long time coming. (The first day of school, obviously.) And the futsal fields will have to continue to wait. On Monday night, August 17, the city council voted unanimously to table the zoning amendment that would allow the fields —which already has $300,000 pledged from private organizations, together with $50,000 pledged by the city council—in order to run it past the Historical Preservation Commission. In this episode, we (Laura & Liuan) talk about the people who showed up to give public comment on the fields and what it shows about how much soccer means to the community. In addition: * an update on the Mario Garcia story that you may have missed if you’re not a D33 parent; * recap of the August 10 data center special meeting; * a quick library update from Laura; * a reminder to be thinking about running for office in 2027. Candidate packets are now available at City Hall, and petitions will be due in November. All you have to do is show up. Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

    Kicking the Can Down the Futsal Field

  5. Jun 1

    Why is it so hard to develop Main Street?

    It’s June—school is almost out—and the Big Boy is coming. For the moment, it’s all about Main Street, where the first Mosaic Market will happen this Thursday, June 4. In celebration, here’s a feature-style episode on a topic we have long struggled to understand: why has it been so hard, over the years, to get tenants into the buildings on Main Street? What are property owners thinking, and what are developers waiting for? What is the latest on the city’s efforts to sell off city-owned property? We took walks with Kelley Chrissee, Business & Community Relations Director for the City of West Chicago, and Dan Czuba, owner of Daniel & Associates Real Estate, down Main Street past key spots to chat and get more context on this micro-economy that means so much to us. Grab a margarita and an outdoor table at Coco Loco, and enjoy. And for even more tea on Main Street, visit the next meeting of the Downtown Revitalization Commission on Monday, June 22, at 6:00pm. Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

    Why is it so hard to develop Main Street?

  6. Apr 20

    Earth Day 2026: Big News for WeGo with Rick Gieser!

    Rick Gieser, DuPage County Forest Preserve District 6 Commissioner, shares about the timeline for the project connecting the West DuPage Woods with Blackwell. He tells us about the District’s goals to acquire 250 additional acres using increased funding from the 2024 referendum, and a little-known piece of civil rights history that took place in one of the preserves. Plus, did you know that the Forest Preserve District owns one-seventh of the land in DuPage County? We also hear an update on the conflict over the land north of Menards that the City of West Chicago approved to be a housing development but the Forest Preserve wants to annex into Pratt’s Wayne Woods, and why Rick loves the West Chicago Prairie and the Elsen’s Hill Area of the West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve… PLUS: where to find native, wild orchids in 60185. Email Rick with your ideas and feedback at rgieser@dupageforest.org. Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Feb 6

    Gym Teacher Resigns

    UPDATE: The Tribune (and apparently the AP?) were there at the board meeting last night. They chose not to name the teacher in their story, but you can find it. We cover a whirlwind of West Chicago news, starting with the elementary school gym teacher controversy that drew large crowds to a City Hall listening session (Jan. 26) and a school board meeting last night (Feb. 5). The board accepted the teacher’s voluntary resignation before public comment, and we reflect on the community reaction and how social media amplified the situation. The bulk of the episode focuses on City Hall: the January 31 departure of longtime City Administrator Michael Guttman, the history of his contract dispute, and the mayor’s December disclosure of an EEOC complaint that led to a $300K+ settlement. We discuss (again) why this history matters, how residents can better engage with their alderpeople, and what comes next—including the search for a new city administrator, downtown revitalization plans, a new Ward 3 council member, and recent appointments to the Building Board of Appeals—a commission that is mandated by ordinance, but had not operated until Mayor Bovey’s tenure. Links Mayor’s statement on former city administrator complaint: https://westchicago.org/news-archive-2025/mayor-statement-on-former-administrator-complaint/ May 5 swearing-in ceremony recap: July 15 Guttman settlement and Bond replacement recap: Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

    Gym Teacher Resigns

  8. 12/15/2025

    West Chicago Police's Approach to ICE Enforcement

    Below is my ChatGPT-generated, Laura-approved summary of our conversation with West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury. Our biggest takeaways: 1) Angry people driving out of—or into—their driveways during a parade is one of Fleury’s bigger fears about bringing them back; 2) Despite requests, ICE has provided no list to West Chicago of who they are arresting, why, or whether targets have criminal histories.—LF Key Topics Covered — Parade Conversation * The chief’s background organizing large-scale events and how that shapes his safety expectations. * Why parades create unique risks: long footprint, many uncontrolled access points, vehicle hazards, and crowd unpredictability. * Staffing limits at the department and how manpower affects what can be safely covered. * The need for clear participant check-in, assigned slots, and no last-minute additions. * Insurance and alcohol-use requirements for certain participant groups (e.g., riders). * Past incidents the chief referenced—such as animal-related injuries and drivers bypassing closures—that inform current caution. * The role of trained volunteers (CERT/ESDA) for staging, barricades, and first aid. * The importance of confirming dates early so the department can adjust schedules and avoid staffing conflicts. * A collaborative but safety-first tone: supportive of the event if proper controls and planning are in place. Key Topics Covered — ICE Conversation 1. Training & Department Procedures (how are West Chicago police officers trained to react to ICE?) * Officers document ICE encounters and provide warnings to federal agents who are violating city resolutions that city property cannot be used from civil immigration enforcement. * City-wide directive: any staff member encountering ICE is to alert the highest-ranking police member. * Officers respond when residents report unknown individuals who may be ICE. Residents can always call 911 if they spot a suspicious vehicle and responders can let them know if the vehicle is a concern. * Local law enforcement vehicles can be distinguished from ICE vehicles by their license plates, which have letters “MP” on side. 2. The TRUST Act / “CARES Act” Confusion * Fleury frequently refers to “CARES,” but the policy he describes aligns with: * Illinois TRUST Act (2017) * Way Forward Act (2021) * Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s guidance restricting cooperation with civil immigration enforcement * Key restriction: local police cannot assist ICE in civil immigration enforcement (e.g., information sharing, detainers). 3. Chief Fleury’s Central Claims * Communication restrictions by the state have created serious safety issues. * ICE is operating without sufficient local intelligence, making operations chaotic. * Local police are “caught in the middle”—unable to help ICE but unable to obstruct. * Public misidentifies undercover units, fire vehicles, or unmarked cars as ICE. * Community trust is eroding due to visible tensions and crowd clashes. * ICE has provided no list of who they are arresting, why, or whether targets have criminal histories. 4. Examples Chief Fleury Shares * ICE use of spray during Thorntons gas station encounter. * Allegations that an undercover (non-ICE) vehicle was rammed by someone who assumed they were ICE. * A local person was chased and harassed in an apartment complex because he was mistaken for ICE. * Prior town hall meetings where residents expressed support for deporting violent offenders. 5. Community Reporting Options * Tip411 system. * Calling 911 for verification of suspicious vehicles or activity. 6. Perimeter Problems * State law prevents local police from creating a barrier around ICE operations. * According to Fleury, this increases likelihood of clashes between ICE and crowds. 7. Transparency Concerns * Chief Fleury says ICE has given zero information to West Chicago about: * who is being arrested * whether arrests are criminal or civil * what charges people have * Only one confirmed case: an individual at Thorntons who filed a police report. He was a U.S. citizen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chief Colin Fleury 02:56 Chief Fleury’s Background and Career Path 05:51 Challenges of Organizing Parades 14:47 Police Department’s Role in Immigration Enforcement 36:23 Challenges of Communication with ICE 39:13 Public Safety and Trust Issues 40:47 The Impact of ICE Operations on Local Communities Get full access to 60185 Podcast at 60185.substack.com/subscribe

    West Chicago Police's Approach to ICE Enforcement
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5
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About

You don't have time to attend every board meeting, but you care about West Chicago and the entities we love: the park district, library, schools, and city council. This is for you. Hosts: Laura Finch and Liuan Huska. 60185.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Finch & Liuan Huska
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Liuan Huska
  • Show Website
    60185 🇺🇸

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