For more information, contact: Bryan Gutraj (847) 421-9567	For Immediate Release February 13, 2004
Lake County Board Candidate, Bryan Gutraj, challenges Lake County Forest Preserve commissioners to resolve their stalemate and put politics aside to approve a caterer for Brae Loch.
Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioners, who serve a dual role as members of the Lake County Board, have been stalemated on the approval of a catering contract for Brae Loch Golf Course. This impasse continues to cost the county tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenues, and forces the banquet facility at Brae Loch to remain dormant. Many potential brides and grooms, and holiday party planners, have been forced to go elsewhere to service their needs. The approval Michael’s Catering contract came before the Board at their December meeting, but failed to receive the required supermajority of votes. Citing ‘no actionable agenda items’ the Forest Preserve meeting in January was cancelled. The next opportunity for the Board to act is at their meeting on Friday, February 20, 2004, however no real progress appears to have been made. In commenting on this impasse, Bryan stated “This is the type of change I want to bring to the County. There is no excuse for such a great venue to remain unusable simply because 23 politicians are bickering over whom to issue a catering contract to. If I were on the Board I would dedicate the time to secure a compromise that would allow the Forest Preserve to move on with other pressing issues. I challenge the current commissioners to reach an agreement at their meeting next week.” In addition to working to unite the four factions of the Board, Bryan will strive to complete the Des Plaines River Trail, create east-west paths to access the Des Plaines River Trail, and streamline the Forest Preserve to free up more money to open more lands to the general public. Bryan Gutraj is a candidate for Lake County Board, District 6, which encompasses parts of Grayslake, Gurnee, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park, and Third Lake. He is a Certified Public Accountant and owns a local accounting firm. As a graduate of Grayslake Community High School and Eastern Illinois University, he will be sitting for the Illinois Bar Exam in July. Having been born and raised in central Lake County, Bryan will be able to bring a historical perspective to the Board as well as lead the way to find innovative solutions to the county’s issues. Learning the value of public service from his father, Sgt. Conrad Gutraj (Ret.), who served on the Grayslake Police Department for 26 years, Bryan hopes to energize a new generation of leaders to step forward into public service.