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Indian Orchard to host 32nd neighborhood election

Date: 4/15/2010

INDIAN ORCHARD - The Indian Orchard Citizens Council has announced that nomination papers are now available for the 32nd election to serve on the 15-member Board of Directors from June 2010 to May 2012.

Fifteen seats are available for neighborhood residents 18 years of age or older seeking a unique opportunity to learn more about their neighborhood and city and willing to donate their time to help make Indian Orchard a better place to live, work and do business.

Residents may choose to run at-large or in the precinct in which they reside. Nomination papers may be signed out at the Council Office, 117 Main St., at the Myrtle Street Park or you may call the Council Office at 543-3172 to have forms mailed to you.

A minimum of 15 signatures is required and the deadline for return of the nomination papers to the I.O. Citizens Council office is April 16 at 4:30 p.m. The election is scheduled for May 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be monitored by representatives of the city of Springfield's Office of Neighborhood Services and/or their designees.

Incorporated in 1976, the council works in a variety of areas towards preserving and improving the quality of life in the neighborhood. The Board of Directors makes many decisions when recommending the views of the neighborhood to city boards and commissions, which include the following: zone changes, special permits, liquor licenses, park department properties, school department properties, traffic concerns, public works concerns, police department concerns and coverage, conservation land, environmental concerns, code violations, etc.

The council occupies space in the Indian Orchard Community Building and helps to make many programs available in the neighborhood in order that Indian Orchard residents have easier access to the following: brown bag food distribution for ages 55 and over, free tax service for elderly residents, information and referral services and many other programs as they become available.

Through the years, the council has been responsible for many special projects, such as working to keep the Indian Orchard Branch Library open and initiating the formation of the Indian Orchard Boys & Girls Club and the Indian Orchard Community Policing Task Force.

There are many areas in which local residents can use their special and individual skills to benefit the entire neighborhood and anyone interested in becoming part of this vital organization is encouraged to take out nomination papers.

For additional information, contact the Council Office at 543-3172.