1) Teardowns ( Neighborhood Redevelopment)

Other than the financial state of the Village, one issue that is having a major impact in our community is Teardowns. It is a complex issue with multiple sub-issues and competing interests. While there are many positives, there are aspects that can be detrimental to the neighbors and upset the character of the neighborhood.

Even though the entire Chicago area, including our neighboring communities, has been addressing the problem, this Council has done little of a substantive nature to address the issue. I was involved in the "Taxes and Teardowns" forum that fairly addressed the issue about a year ago. Since then, certain Council members organized a dialogue and a second dialogue is scheduled next week.

I propose bringing the architects, builders, realtors, and community and historic preservation groups together to address the issues, but not in a village-directed committee. This group could work on voluntary incentives and propose legislation necessary to protect our neighborhoods. In the meantime, we need to enforce those codes that have already been adopted.

2) Redevelopment vs. Infrastructure

Reset priorities to address our ignored infrastructure, get out of real estate business, invest in smart economic development while holding the line on taxes and fees.

For the last several years, the emphasis has not been on our infrastructure. This is not just my opinion, but statements made by the Village Council. In those years, the Village government has been investing in real estate with a propensity to buy high and sell low. We need to play a different role in redevelopment and help the market and not be the market.

We have been sending mixed messages to the business community by inviting them to come to Downers Grove, and then putting them through complicated processes and having a sign moratorium. We need to establish an Economic Development Council to get our economic engine running again.

3) Accountability, Respectability, and Effective Village Government

Citizens want an effective and accountable Council and Manager. The power politics and finger-pointing by the mayor and supporters in an attempt to replace our Council-Manager form of government has created low morale and a revolving door village staff. It is difficult for anyone to perform well when they do not have the support of their boss. Evaluations must be performed in a fair and consistent manner and not in a politically-charged environment.

February 2005

To All Downers Grove Residents

 The most important aspect of the operation of our Village is the delivery of our municipal services and is the fundamental reason why we pay taxes and fees. Downers Grove is not a club where we pay dues and participate in various social functions. A recent event is indicative of the true state of our village and recent comments serve as indicators of what may be ahead for our homes, neighborhoods, and community.

 This past week, Deputy Village Manager, Dave Van Vooren, resigned to become head of Public Works in Naperville.  Indications are that Mr. Van Vooren would have preferred to stay but saw this as a good opportunity to save a career from an increasingly hostile environment. 

 I, along with many others, were very appreciative of Mr. Van Vooren's knowledge and frank presentation of the facts.  He knew a great deal about the inner workings of our Village, not just the finances.  He was truthful, knowledgeable, and competent.  He was a-political, just did his job and, in my estimation, did it brilliantly.  Other members of the village staff, who I talked to, also had a great admiration for him as a coworker and manager.

 His loss is symptomatic of a climate and attitude that pervades our village staff. This attitude goes beyond budget cuts and staff reductions that are part of our economy.  It has now entered the realm of politics. 

 Our Mayor and a few close friends, consisting Council-wannabees and a club of close friends, circulated a petition for the overturn of our Council-Manager form of government and replacing it with a Strong Mayor form that gives him and future mayors more power and eliminates our professional village staff. If this occurs, the day-to-day delivery of village services would be at the mercy of political candidates and their agenda rather than a manager and professional staff trained in the delivery and financing of those services. The departure of Mr. Van Vooren illustrates that even now the damage is being done.

 The climate is dismal at the Village Hall.  The Mayor and friends have made known their intentions.  The personal attacks on the Village Manager and the staff has been brutal and persistent.  If there has been any deterioration in village services, could it be due to the lack of support by the Mayor and his friends?  Could you or anyone do an excellent job without the support of our bosses?  Some Council members recognize the power play for what it is, some feel they can benefit from the power play, and at least one thinks we, the citizens, need to be educated as he reportedly straddles the fence (straddling or playing politics?).

 PULLING THE PETITION DID NOT END THE POWER PLAY

 The Strong Mayor petition was pulled not only to save embarrassment, but to be used as a negotiation tool for future discussions.  The issue is far from over.  The Mayor hopes to strengthen his position in the April 5th election. Our village staff's future will now be put on hold.  How many more resumes are being floated?  How can our Village continue to attract good staff when they face the prospect of an uncertain and unfriendly future.

 WHY IS A PAST COUNCIL MEMBER QUOTED EXTENSIVELY IN THE PAPERS?

 It seems that every time you pick up the local paper, one past Council member is quoted extensively on the Strong Mayor issue. Appearing frequently with his choice for Council, he continuously berates the current manager and staff.  Could he be looking at a future run for Mayor?  Is having a more powerful mayor really promote the best interest of Downers Grove, or does it promote his political interests and familial ties to a specific department in Downers Grove?  The politics of a Strong Mayor and politicizing a professional staff has already taken a toll.

 Let’s put a stop to the damage of power politics. Let’s bring back common sense and accountability to Downers Grove.