The 'AA' rating on Oak Park Village, Ill.'s GO bonds reflects the village's: Access to, and participation in, the Chicago, Ill. MSA, augmented by a strong local economy with a variety of employment opportunities and a diverse tax base; Above-average income levels; and Strong financial operations with maintenance of good reserves. High debt, fueled mostly by schools and the village's own redevelopment efforts, is an offsetting factor. Bonds are secured by the village's GO pledge. Oak Park is located eight miles west of downtown Chicago and is the first suburb directly west of the city. Metra commuter trains and the Chicago Transit Authority elevated trains serve the village. Given the village's fully developed nature, population--52,500 at the 2000 U.S. Census--has
