Commercial News 2009 Election Question Inquiry:

1. Why are you running for alderman? Why do you think you would/you will continue to make a good alderman?

I am running for Alderman to serve and give back to not only Ward 5 but the entire city.  I was brought up to put service above self and being a public servant is an excellent way to make this happen.  I will continue to be a good Alderman by being accessible, responsive to my constituents concerns and involved in neighborhood groups and meetings.  I take this position very seriously and I vote after carefully reviewing the issues and weighing the impacts of my decisions.

2. What are the three biggest issues facing the city council? Explain your answer and how you’ll address them.

The three biggest issues facing the city council are:

1- Our aging infrastructure, 2- Pensions and IMRF, 3- Declining revenues

1. Our aging infrastructure takes in everything from the 187 miles of streets, to the miles of sewer under them and of course bridges and the subway.  These have been ongoing and we have proactively implemented strategies to address them.  While serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee we put a program in place which took the city from a 1000 year sewer replacement cycle to 100 year.  With the City Infrastructure Development and Improvement Fund and MFT funds we are able to increase the amount of overlay and oil and chip done each year.  By continuing to work with our state and federal officials funds are obtained to help with bridge replacement and other major projects.

2. Pensions and IMRF will continue to drive up personnel costs.  As with everyone’s investments our returns will be down significantly and thus the amounts which must be levied will rise sharply.  We need to continue to provide the same level of service with fewer personnel, which we just did in the reorganizing and job cuts.

3.  Declining revenues and an ever shrinking General Fund reserve will prove to be another challenge.  The creation of enterprise funds has helped remove the Sewer Department and Solid Waste Department from the General Fund.  Finding additional revenue sources for the Fire Department will also help offset the cost to the General Fund.  The new TIF districts which we have created will help spur development and thus additional sales and property tax revenue.     

3. Do you support the city’s reorganized departments and budget cuts? What would you do different? How would you save money elsewhere?

I do and did support the reorganization and proposed budget cuts.  In my tenure as Alderman this isn’t the first time we have reorganized departments.  As needs and circumstances change, positions that might have been needed previously may not be practical now.  Combining positions, streamlining departments and relying on our employees to do more, has been successful in the past. Utilizing the skills of our employees to do as much in house as possible also saves money.  We need to continue to review bids and proposals for insurance, etc as ways to save additional dollars.

4. Under the city’s reorganization, the planning manager will work more directly with Vermilion Advantage and Downtown Danville Inc. to facilitate economic development and growth. How can the city specifically encourage more development and the use of local labor?

There currently are in place incentive programs which encourage development and the use of local labor.  The establishment of the various TIF Districts is one program that was utilized for the Carle project and will be utilized for the Walgreen’s relocation and DACC development.  The city also has rebate programs for using local labor on expansions and new developments.  In working with the Village Mall to keep existing tenants and encourage new tenants, sales tax rebates are also used.

5. The city’s 2008 tax levy is almost an 8 percent increase from last year’s. Will you support future property tax increases? Why or why not?

No one likes property taxes!  However the city receives nothing from that levy to operate its General Fund budget.  Most of the levy goes to pay, pensions, FICA, Bonds and the Library, all obligations required to be funded by property taxes.  Everyone has seen what the investment market has done in the past year and the city has already received work to be prepared for even higher mandated pension amounts which will dramatically increase the levy.  Without finding additional revenue sources or cutting services even more, I would have to reluctantly support a property tax increase. 

6. The city cut funding to Renaissance Danville and will oversee the organization’s goals and objectives. What should the city’s role be with Renaissance Danville?

Unfortunately Renaissance was never funded at its full level and the level has decreased annually until finally being eliminated this past year.  The program made remarkable strides in transforming a neighborhood into a desirable place to live.    The city’s role should of course be board appointments, code enforcement and support of the West Downtown Neighborhood Group. 

7. A $4.75 million bond issue will partly pay for Fairchild Subway engineering to take the street over the railroad tracks. Do you support the massive construction project? Why or why not?

Yes I support this project.  The subway when constructed in 1916, as today is a vital conduit for the east/west corridor of the city with no train interference.  It is used by emergency vehicles, mass transit and the school district as a quick and safe route.  The subway supports 6 tracks of the Norfolk and Southern and CSX railroads.  It is believed the tunnel walls may have structurally failed in 1922 and they have moved over 10 inches in that time.  Bracing has been done several times in the past twenty years to delay the end costly result of rebuilding.  This project will need federal, state and ICC participation to move forward as the city doesn’t have the funds for such a massive undertaking.      

8. The city has started the Jackson Street Corridor Community Design Project to improve problems with the pavement, curb and sidewalk conditions, intersections, vehicular speed and pedestrian accommodations. Why or why not should this be a priority for the city?

This was identified as a major north- south arterial street and from various surveys and comments received priority status.  It also serves as a major delivery street for three schools and a route to our shopping centers.  This is a project that will move forward with input from various stakeholder groups comprised of everything from an education committee to aesthetics committee.  It is a project that will undoubtedly have to be done in stages as a final design is presented and funding becomes available.

9. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer wants to amend the city’s consolidated plan to reduce the number of public housing and Section 8 units in the city. Do you support this? Why or why not?

Without seeing the proposal and the potential impact it would have on State and Federal Revenues, CDBG dollars, property taxes and increased vacant structures, I would have to say maybe.  There are many aspects of Public Housing and even more with the many components of the Section 8 program, whether it is unit based or tenant based, senior based, family unification based, etc. So again without seeing the plan and the impact it would have on our Senior Citizens and the working poor I would again say maybe.  Since these are Federal Programs administered by local boards and authorities and governed by HUD, I don’t know how much authority the Mayor has other than to make board appointments. 

10. Other issues/additional comments:

We have a great community made up of some wonderful people and it is my honor and privilege to serve you as Alderman Ward 5. 

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MY VISION OF DANVILLE

MY VISION OF DANVILLE IS OF A COMMUNITY THAT TAKES PRIDE IN ITSELF, PROMOTES ITS DIVERSE CULTURES, ITS HISTORY, ITS LOCATION AND ITS ATTRIBUTES. A COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE IT'S GREAT POTENTIAL, THROUGH EDUCATION, NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

I SEE A COMMUNITY WHERE ALL RESIDENTS SHARE A COMMON VISION, ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE TO GUARANTEE OUR CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND PROMOTE PRIDE IN OUR CITY,

I SEE A COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING IT'S DIVERSE CULTURES THROUGH OPEN DIALOGUE SESSIONS, STUDY CIRCLES AND ETHNIC FOOD FAIRS.

I SEE A COMMUNITY EMBRACING OUR YOUTH AND PROVIDING RESOURCES WHICH WILL ENABLE THEM TO GROW, SOCIALLY, CULTURALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, MORALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.

I SEE A COMMUNITY WHERE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS ARE REBUILT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE.

I SEE A COMMUNITY WHERE SCHOOLS ARE THE HEART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD, A CENTER OF ACTIVITY, THE POSITIVE FORCE THAT KEEPS OUT BLIGHT, STABILIZES PROPERTY VALUES AND CREATES A SENSE OF FAMILY.

I SEE A COMMUNITY BUSTLING WITH RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY.

I SEE A COMMUNITY WHERE ANYONE WILLING TO WORK CAN AND AT A FAIR WAGE.

I SEE A COMMUNITY WHERE OUR LEADERS ARE PROACTIVE, FUTURISTIC AND RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE.

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WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE IMPORTANT ISSUES FOR DANVILLE

THE SAME ISSUES ARE PROBABLY AS PREVALENT TODAY AS THEY WERE 10 YEARS AGO: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION AND COMMUNITY IMAGE, ALL QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

CONTINUE TO SUPPORT VERMILION ADVANTAGE

CONTINUE TO PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO NEW AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT.

OFFER INCENTIVE PACKAGES, WORKING WITH STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS TO LURE BUSINESS NOT ONLY TO NEW SITES BUT EXISTING VACANT SITES.

PROMOTE AN 1-74 RETAIL CORRIDOR

PROFESSIONALLY PURSUE RETAIL STORES TO LOCATE HERE.

ESTABLISH A FUND FOR THE PRESERVATION OF VACANT COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES.

PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESSES CATERING TO LEISURE ACTIVITIES, UTILIZING OUR NATURAL ASSETS.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION:

CONTINUED DEMOLITION OF DILAPIDATED PROPERTY

STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF CODES ON OWNER OCCUPIED AS WELL AS RENTAL HOUSING

IN FILLING OF VACANT LOTS AND DILAPIDATED AREAS WITH NEW HOUSING UTILIZING OUR EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

RETENTION OF NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS - ESTABLISHMENT OF A CAPITAL PROGRAM FOR STREET AND SEWER REPLACEMENT 

COMMUNITY IMAGE:

CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE " AT THE CORNER OF PROGRESS AND HISTORY " CAMPAIGN

CONTINUED REVIEW, UPDATING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN. ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS.

FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRIDE GROWS PROGRAM. (PARTNERS RESTORING AND IMPROVING DANVILLE'S ENVIRONMENT)

QUARTERLY WARD MEETINGS - TO ADDRESS CONCERNS, PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND ALLOW FOR PUBLIC INPUT.

WORK TO TELEVISE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

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A HISTORY OF DANVILLE By Michael Puhr

I WANT TO TAKE YOU BACK

TO A TIME FAR FROM HERE

IT'S ANOTHER CENTURY

 IT'S ANOTHER YEAR

THE WILDERNESS, THIS VALLEY

 LIES ALL AROUND YOU

 THE MIAMI'S AND KICKAPOO

AND CHIEF KENNEKUK TOO

THE RIVERS ARE CALLING

THE SETTLERS ALL HEAR

 "WE HAVE SALT DEPOSITS

SO PLEASE GRAB YOUR GEAR"

BECKWITH AND TREAT

AND WEIR STAKED CLAIMS

IN "THE VALLEY OF THE SALINES"

THIS AREAS, INDIAN NAME

THE TRAPPERS AND TRADERS

GUERDON HUBBARD WAS ONE

 WENT NORTH TO CHICAGO

 ON WHAT'S NOW CALLED RT 1

TO DAN BECKWITH OUR FOUNDER

WE ALL OWE A HAND

IT WAS HIM AND GUY SMITH

THEY DONATED THE LAND

OUR CITY WAS FOUNDED IN 1827

TO MANY IT SEEMED ALMOST LIKE HEAVEN

 IT GREW AND EXPANDED AT A RAPID PACE

THERE WAS A DEMAND FOR MUCH MORE SPACE

THE SALT WORKS WERE DAMAGED

 WITH THE DISCOVERY OF COAL

THE LAND STRIPPED OF IT'S BEAUTY

WAS THAT REALLY THE GOAL ?

THE RAILROAD'S ARRIVAL IN 1856

BROUGHT WITH IT EXCITEMENT, SOME EVEN TURNED TRICKS

THE JUNCTION AND GREEN STREET WERE OFF LIMITS TO YOU

IF YOU SERVED IN THE MILITARY OF THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

WESTERN BRICK WHEN IT OPENED

 BACK IN 1901

BEGAN PRODUCING SO MANY

IT WAS SOON NUMBER ONE

NOW I CAN'T FORGET OUR FAVORITE SON

YOU KNOW ABRAHAM LINCOLN

 THE LAWYER, THE PRESIDENT

 OH YEAH, THAT'S THE ONE

OUR DOWNTOWN WAS BOOMING

 THERE WERE FACTORIES GALORE

 JOBS WERE PLENTIFUL

 AS WERE MOM AND POP STORES

THE ECONOMY TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORSE

 OUR CITY SUFFERED FROM THAT TERRIBLE CURSE

WE LOST MANY FACTORIES AND POPULATION TOO

 OUR LEADERS WONDERED WHAT COULD THEY DO

WE'RE NOW AT THE PRESENT

 YOU ALL KNOW THE REST

 IT'S UP TO ALL OF US HERE

TO MAKE DANVILLE THE BEST

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