NWH “Ethical Lapse” Story

The top story in the Northwest Herald today is headlined, ‘Ethical lapse’ alleged in MCC race During the campaign Lakewood Village President Erin Smith was the treasurer of the campaign committee that supported the election of elected incumbent and McHenry … Continue reading

Erin Smith’s Lakewood Letter

Four times a year, Lakewood Village President Erin Smith writes to her constituents. Here is the summer edition: Summer is finally upon us, and it presents numerous opportunities to take advantage of all of our outdoor activities – swimming, fishing, biking, … Continue reading

Lakewood Swears In Trustees, Talk Taxes, Gravel

The Lakewood Village Trustees elected last month were sworn in Tuesday night. Re-elected were Carl Davis and Ken Santowski. They were joined by newcomer Paul Serwatka, who got more votes than any other candidate and did so without having his … Continue reading

Part 3 – Reasons for Opposing the Lakewood TIF District

Lakewood resident Steve Willson took offense at Lakewood Village President Erin Smith’s comments about the lack of knowledge of those criticizing Lakewood’s Tax Increment Financing in a Northwest Herald article Saturday. My third objection: subsidizing a speculative project. If there … Continue reading

Part 1 – Reasons for Opposing the Lakewood TIF

The following was written by bond analyst Steve Willson, a resident of Lakewood and strong supporter of Paul Serwatka’s wildly successful candidacy for Village Trustee: It will be published in three parts concerning why he objects to the THEORY underlying … Continue reading

Serwatka Responds to Board “Everything’s Fine” Comments

An email from newly-elected Lakewood Village Trustee Paul Serwatka: The Northwest Herald released an article yesterday, giving a glimpse of the battle that lies ahead. Residents have responded, describing some board members’ responses as “obtuse,” “pig-headed” and “narcissistic”… One thing … Continue reading

NWH Columnist More Than a Little Skeptical about Lakewood’s TIF District

Sunday Northwest Herald columnist Kevin Craver weighed in on the proposed Lakewood Tax Increment Financing District (due to be passed this Tuesday night at a 7 PM meeting being held at Turnberry Country Club). Of interest to some will be … Continue reading

Lakewood Police Chief Retiring, New Deputy Village Manager

Lakewood Village President Erin Smith’s Spring letter: From the President Dear Neighbors: As I write this article, it is a beautiful and sunny day in the Village of Lakewood. But the bitterly cold weather remains and is a reminder that … Continue reading

Lakewood Village President Sends Winter Newsletter

The winter letter from Lakewood Village President Erin Smith: From the President Dear Neighbors: On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to extend our very best wishes for a joyous holiday season to each of you and your families. … Continue reading

Village Board Decides Diverting Sewage from Crystal Lake to Lakewood Sewage Treatment Plant Cheaper Than Paying CL’s Proposed Price

The first part of Lakewood Village President Erin Smith’s quarterly letter to residents was about RedTail Golf Club’s proposed sale. The second part is about sewers on the east side of town. You can see it below: East Sewer The … Continue reading

Citizens Concerned about Flooding in Crystal Lake & Lakewood

Monday night, it was 40-50 residents of Lakewood’s County Club Additions subdivision meeting informally at the Gate 7 Beach owned by the subdivision’s Property Owners Association. The meeting had been called by April Runge of Wiltshire Lane. Representing Lakewood were … Continue reading