Greetings! On Monday, September 22, 2014, the City Council will address the Security of the Water Plant and the ongoing Park District operations at the Central Avenue beach. The Park District of Highland Park, which runs the recreational activities at the beach, has been invited to the meeting but has elected not to attend. No decision has been made by the Highland Park City Council regarding these subjects. To me, the issues are simple, although the solutions may not be. First, the Water Treatment Plant, which serves numerous communities, families and neighbors, must be secured. This is the unfortunate reality of the life in which we live. Secondly, we must consider to what degree the recreational activities at that beach will be affected by new security measures. I have spent a great deal of my life on our beaches. These are, in my personal opinion, the single most important natural resource in our community. I love the water and being near the water. I also value, and have a duty to protect the life, safety and health of our community. I voted for the use of microfiltration at the new plant, in order to protect against the infiltration of certain pathogens. These pathogens are unusual and not likely to strike; but they are known and have caused a few deaths in recent decades. Threats to the security of our water plant are not high, but they are a reality. Most water plants in the United States today are protected by increased levels of security. Ours may be the least protected plant on the Great Lakes. Concerns about adequate security have been the subject of news stories as recently as last month. http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/security-concerns-chicagos-water-filtration-plant/wed-08062014-1218am There is a great deal of conflicting information circulating on this subject. I urge you to attend the meeting on Monday to hear the facts and to express your position which will also be considered by the City Council in its deliberations. I am interested in hearing from you directly as well. You may respond to this email or call my listed phone number: (312) 972-8666. Tony@tonyblumberg.com These are important issues in our community and I value your input. Sincerely, Tony Blumberg The comments provided herein are my personal opinions and not the opinion of the Highland Park City Council or the City of Highland Park.