South Cook News

Palma James wants to be clear – and she wants Bremen Township's leadership to do likewise.

If elected as township clerk, James vows to provide transparency in government actions, as well as better services and more available information to the public.

James is running on the Bremen Families First slate, which describes its mission as being focused on government transparency. In an email, James told the South Cook News that the present township leadership does not communicate well with residents.

"All townships are required to have annual meetings," she wrote. "I know by law they are to publish a notice in the newspaper, but why not also notify the communities directly by way of the mayor and/or clerk, or ask if there are local cable stations that notices can be placed.”

James said as clerk, she would strive to meet with each community on an annual basis.

“There is a need for a website that is more transparent, i.e., posting of minutes, agendas and other information important to the citizens of the Township," she wrote. "In addition, the Clerk’s Office should provide as much information to the citizens for referrals to services provided by other agencies such as veterans services and disability services.”

She claims those services are not currently being met.

“Expansion of services would be to provide links to other organizations that can help the seniors and the youth," she wrote.

She said her proposed expansion would include all of the township's communities. Its goals would include assisting with grant funding, finding more community volunteers to grow the food pantry, starting a newsletter, providing free class and health clinics, and promoting holiday donations through business partnerships.

James has bachelor's and master's degrees. Bremen Families First touts her extensive experience in payroll and human resources, which it says will be ideal for managing personnel.