Residents looking to contribute to their community can point city leaders in the right direction. Mayor Hank Kuspa asks that all residents take a moment to complete a Strategic Planning Questionnaire, included with this article.

"Over the next few months, there will be an opportunity for you to be a part of this planning initiative to refocus our efforts, redirect our resources and reorganize government not only to provide quality services at a reasonable cost, but to do so in an economy that has adversely affected everyone," wrote Mayor Kuspa.

"... I encourage you to be involved. The City of Oak Forest wants this process to be open — where residents, civic leaders and government work hand in hand to improve the quality of life in our community. Your input and participation is vital and very important to us in this effort to develop strategies for building a better Oak Forest."

The questionnaire will be distributed widely across Oak Forest. A series of public meetings will be held between now and July 1. Fill out and submit the form electronically.

"The more public participation, the more our plan will reflect what you think," Kuspa wrote.