Candidates for 4-Year Terms:
|
Candidates for 2-Year Terms:
|
Joel Feinstein
Biography
Joel I Feinstein has lived in Wilmette since 1999 with his wife and three children. He is a practicing civil engineer specializing in drainage, utilities, and permitting. He works for a transportation group at a consulting engineering firm. Joel is interested in representing all of Wilmette as a Village trustee. Visit him at jif.jfein.net.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
I want to represent the people of Wilmette with progressive stances that I believe are reflective of the values and wishes of the majority of residents. Currently the most pressing and expensive issue on the Village’s agenda is to make sure the west side stormwater plan proceeds diligently. As a water resources engineer, I believe that I am well positioned to make this happen. Unfortunately rainfall has increased over the decades and will likely continue to increase. For more information about me and my views, please visit my website at www.jif.jfein.net. You can be directed there from my Facebook page, Feinstein For Trustee, or my LinkedIn page, Joel I Feinstein.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Though property taxes represent the lion’s share of income to the Village, a significant amount of income comes in through retail taxes. Loss of revenues at Eden’s Plaza and challenges at Fourth and Linden threaten income. The plan to implement the west side stormwater plan will likely be funded through municipal bonds, where Moody’s currently rates us at AAA. The Board must continue its commitment to fiscal sustainability through good governance, and attracting new businesses to come and flourish.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
I am proud that the Village of Wilmette has signed on to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Greenest Region Compact, along with our neighbors Evanston, Winnetka, and Northfield. The consensus lays out 49 goals, broken into ten categories: leadership; mobility; municipal operations, sustainable communities, waste & recycling, and water. Many of the goals are interconnected and tend to support others, however some stand out.
Support safe and effective active transportation is an important goal. It encourages us to be more active and healthy and is important to allow children to get to school or park district camps safely on foot or bicycle. Looking into the future, with the onset of more cars for hire and autonomous driving vehicles, the number of personally owned cars may significantly decrease, along with the need for parking. This would present an opportunity to potentially increase the number of cycling lanes.
Ensure local policies and codes support sustainability encourages residences and businesses to follow best practices. We can influence how things get implemented. For example, if a stormwater utility were to be implemented, charges could be based on a formula that gives credits for effective green infrastructure and discourages contiguous impervious areas, which cause higher runoff.
Lead by demonstrating sustainable values and practices is a good goal because the Village can take the lead while educating people on sustainable development and best management practices.
And of course as a lakefront community, enacting policies to protect water resources is of the utmost importance. Lake Michigan and the other great lakes, hold about 20% of the world’s fresh surface water. We often take for granted the beauty of Lake Michigan and the awesome responsibility of its stewardship. As a water resources engineer, issues of water are of particular interest to me.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
Expanding affordable housing would be easier if we could develop denser housing, which could mean more or taller high rises. However, changing the character of the Village by becoming more urban, is not something most residents want, particularly those living in the central business district. However developers that do not provide sufficient affordable housing should be encouraged to donate to the emergency assistance fund, which helps low income residents in the Village. The Board should encourage the Village to publicize these resources.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
Stormwater management will continue to be an issue for Wilmette in the coming decades. Our first priority is to keep on track with our solution for the west side. Our engineering consultant, supported by the Board, is making improvements to the neighborhood storage plan to serve previously underserved residents. An intergovernmental agreement with the Wilmette Park District must be negotiated to obtain permission for park use. It is expected that the Village will pay for improvements on park property where the underground stormwater detention basins are to be located.
Stormwater on the east side of the Village is also an issue during large rainfall events. We have brick streets that allow water to infiltrate the porous sandy soils, which cleans the water and lessens the load on the sewer system. A few years ago Kenilworth implemented a porous asphalt and permeable parkways project and is now proceeding with Phase II design. The continued success and challenges of their projects could indicate a workable strategy in east Wilmette.
I would like to explore the idea of starting to separate the storm and sanitary systems on the east side of Wilmette. This may be too expensive, but it would be a good idea to look towards a cleaner, more efficient future. I also would also like to eventually create a Village stormwater ordinance that fully incorporates the MWRD ordinance and adds a few items. One thing we can consider is more groundwater recharge of stormwater into pervious soils where the water table is sufficiently low. Another stormwater challenge that needs to be addressed is how to pay for our sewer systems. As policy setters, the Board should be looking at a stormwater utility or other methods to fund our system while encouraging sustainable development and best management practices.
Joel I Feinstein has lived in Wilmette since 1999 with his wife and three children. He is a practicing civil engineer specializing in drainage, utilities, and permitting. He works for a transportation group at a consulting engineering firm. Joel is interested in representing all of Wilmette as a Village trustee. Visit him at jif.jfein.net.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
I want to represent the people of Wilmette with progressive stances that I believe are reflective of the values and wishes of the majority of residents. Currently the most pressing and expensive issue on the Village’s agenda is to make sure the west side stormwater plan proceeds diligently. As a water resources engineer, I believe that I am well positioned to make this happen. Unfortunately rainfall has increased over the decades and will likely continue to increase. For more information about me and my views, please visit my website at www.jif.jfein.net. You can be directed there from my Facebook page, Feinstein For Trustee, or my LinkedIn page, Joel I Feinstein.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Though property taxes represent the lion’s share of income to the Village, a significant amount of income comes in through retail taxes. Loss of revenues at Eden’s Plaza and challenges at Fourth and Linden threaten income. The plan to implement the west side stormwater plan will likely be funded through municipal bonds, where Moody’s currently rates us at AAA. The Board must continue its commitment to fiscal sustainability through good governance, and attracting new businesses to come and flourish.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
I am proud that the Village of Wilmette has signed on to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Greenest Region Compact, along with our neighbors Evanston, Winnetka, and Northfield. The consensus lays out 49 goals, broken into ten categories: leadership; mobility; municipal operations, sustainable communities, waste & recycling, and water. Many of the goals are interconnected and tend to support others, however some stand out.
Support safe and effective active transportation is an important goal. It encourages us to be more active and healthy and is important to allow children to get to school or park district camps safely on foot or bicycle. Looking into the future, with the onset of more cars for hire and autonomous driving vehicles, the number of personally owned cars may significantly decrease, along with the need for parking. This would present an opportunity to potentially increase the number of cycling lanes.
Ensure local policies and codes support sustainability encourages residences and businesses to follow best practices. We can influence how things get implemented. For example, if a stormwater utility were to be implemented, charges could be based on a formula that gives credits for effective green infrastructure and discourages contiguous impervious areas, which cause higher runoff.
Lead by demonstrating sustainable values and practices is a good goal because the Village can take the lead while educating people on sustainable development and best management practices.
And of course as a lakefront community, enacting policies to protect water resources is of the utmost importance. Lake Michigan and the other great lakes, hold about 20% of the world’s fresh surface water. We often take for granted the beauty of Lake Michigan and the awesome responsibility of its stewardship. As a water resources engineer, issues of water are of particular interest to me.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
Expanding affordable housing would be easier if we could develop denser housing, which could mean more or taller high rises. However, changing the character of the Village by becoming more urban, is not something most residents want, particularly those living in the central business district. However developers that do not provide sufficient affordable housing should be encouraged to donate to the emergency assistance fund, which helps low income residents in the Village. The Board should encourage the Village to publicize these resources.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
Stormwater management will continue to be an issue for Wilmette in the coming decades. Our first priority is to keep on track with our solution for the west side. Our engineering consultant, supported by the Board, is making improvements to the neighborhood storage plan to serve previously underserved residents. An intergovernmental agreement with the Wilmette Park District must be negotiated to obtain permission for park use. It is expected that the Village will pay for improvements on park property where the underground stormwater detention basins are to be located.
Stormwater on the east side of the Village is also an issue during large rainfall events. We have brick streets that allow water to infiltrate the porous sandy soils, which cleans the water and lessens the load on the sewer system. A few years ago Kenilworth implemented a porous asphalt and permeable parkways project and is now proceeding with Phase II design. The continued success and challenges of their projects could indicate a workable strategy in east Wilmette.
I would like to explore the idea of starting to separate the storm and sanitary systems on the east side of Wilmette. This may be too expensive, but it would be a good idea to look towards a cleaner, more efficient future. I also would also like to eventually create a Village stormwater ordinance that fully incorporates the MWRD ordinance and adds a few items. One thing we can consider is more groundwater recharge of stormwater into pervious soils where the water table is sufficiently low. Another stormwater challenge that needs to be addressed is how to pay for our sewer systems. As policy setters, the Board should be looking at a stormwater utility or other methods to fund our system while encouraging sustainable development and best management practices.
Gina Kennedy
Biography
Gina has been a resident of Wilmette since 1987. She is a former partner with the law firm of Sidley Austin, LLP, with over 20 years' experience with state and municipal bond finance, affordable housing tax credit financings, project and capital asset financing, and tax exempt organizations, as well as other tax-intensive transactions. She has been an active volunteer in the community, primarily with the District 39 schools and New Trier Township High School, which all three of her now-grown children attended
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
My priorities are (a) exploring avenues for improving Village revenues, including enhancement of the Village's business districts; (b) tackling badly needed infrastructure projects, including street repairs and flood control measures; (c) fostering constructive, civil and respectful dialogue among Village residents, the Board and the business community; and (d) making the Village more accessible, livable and pleasant for all residents, including through expansion of affordable housing, greenscaping, and bike and pedestrian safety. These goals are important to me because, I believe, they are priorities for most Village residents.
These goals won't be easy to meet. I don't believe anyone, myself included, has a ready, fool-proof plan. Problem solving must be nuanced, with the recognition that even the most initially appealing idea may have unexpected adverse consequences. What I bring to the process is a deep understanding of municipal finance and business, dedication to listening respectfully to all members of our community, willingness to work hard, a flexible, pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and commitment to co-operation.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
From decades of experience with public financings, I have a solid understanding of Village finances. The community's expectations regarding public services, infrastructure improvements, beautification of our business districts, improved safety, sustainability, etc., will be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve unless the Village has a strong financial footing.
The Village currently faces challenges for which there aren't easy, painless solutions.
Recurring non-property tax revenues have declined in recent years, while property tax revenue has increased only modestly. Consequently, the Village's total operating revenue declined 12% between 2017 and 2018 alone. Due to the loss of businesses that contributed significant sales tax revenue to the Village, it will likely decline further. Additionally, Wilmette's share of the state's income tax receipts may be in jeopardy as the state legislature looks for money to address its own fiscal issues.
Meanwhile, expenses are increasing. The pension plan for many Village employees is fully funded. However, the plan for police and firefighters is not and, by 2020, contributions to it will need to increase by $425,000. Village staffing is at its lowest level in decades. The police department currently has five vacancies. Further staffing cuts would likely erode vital services. Our obsolete police station needs replacing, many roads in the Village are in poor condition and there are other infrastructure projects, such as storm sewer improvements, that require funding.
No one welcomes an increase in fees or taxes. Currently, only 12% of a resident's property taxes goes to Village government, but total property taxes are high and, because of recent federal tax law changes, the burden of these taxes is greater than ever. Even a modest increase will likely be unpopular with some residents. I believe, however, that we cannot rule out this option. Additionally, increases in fees, particularly sewer and water fees which have been flat for many years, may be prudent. If possible, however, the Village should endeavor to address revenue needs in a way least burdensome to our less affluent residents.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
No priority is more important than reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is real and we are perilously close to reaching a point after which we may be unable to prevent catastrophe. Major reductions in greenhouse gases require policies and practices at the national and international level.
Nevertheless, the Village can do more than take symbolic action. There are pragmatic, achievable initiatives that will have a positive impact. I favor amending our building code to incentivize the use of greenscaping, solar panels, recycled and environmentally-friendly building materials, and energy-efficient building components, while discouraging construction that increases impervious surfaces. The Village should maintain a conservation ethic in our community, promote public transportation, and improve bike and pedestrian safety. As the Village replaces its municipal fleet it should do so with energy-efficient vehicles and as it renovates or replaces out-of-date municipally-owned buildings it should do so with sustainable, energy-efficient structures.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
The Village has an obligation to support development of affordable housing. Fulfilling that obligation will benefit the community at-large. There are significant challenges to doing so, however. The vast majority of land suitable for residential development is already developed, the high value of land within the Village makes construction of single-family affordable housing financially infeasible, and sites appropriate for multi-family affordable housing are scarce. In 2004, the Village developed an affordable housing plan that, despite such challenges, encouraged development of affordable housing. Later a Housing Commission was established. Unfortunately, the plan hasn't been fully implemented and the Housing Commission hasn't met since September 2014. I endorse the 2004 plan. I would like to see it implemented fully and the Housing Commission revived, and I would like to encourage openness to fresh approaches.
Additionally, there are alternatives to sole reliance on private developers to build affordable housing. Based on many years' professional experience with tax-credit affordable housing, I believe the Village should explore partnering with not-for-profit organizations. Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH), a seasoned organization dedicated to increasing affordable housing in other North Shore communities, is an outstanding example of such organizations.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
The plan, adopted last year, for stormwater management in parts of central and western Wilmette is a welcome first step towards solving a problem that, because of climate change, will only worsen in coming years. As regards the existing plan most of the issues are engineering and technical in nature -- the solutions to which should be left up to experts -- and questions regarding appropriate sites for infrastructure are currently being discussed by the Village and the Park District.
The fact remains, however, that a significant portion of the Village has flooding issues that will not be resolved by the current plan. This problem will require further consideration. Solving it will benefit not just the affected neighborhoods -- which have as strong a claim to Village resources as other Wilmette neighborhoods -- but our entire community. As long as Wilmette's flood-prone reputation stands, homebuyers may shy away from the village, diminishing everyone's home values.
Gina has been a resident of Wilmette since 1987. She is a former partner with the law firm of Sidley Austin, LLP, with over 20 years' experience with state and municipal bond finance, affordable housing tax credit financings, project and capital asset financing, and tax exempt organizations, as well as other tax-intensive transactions. She has been an active volunteer in the community, primarily with the District 39 schools and New Trier Township High School, which all three of her now-grown children attended
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
My priorities are (a) exploring avenues for improving Village revenues, including enhancement of the Village's business districts; (b) tackling badly needed infrastructure projects, including street repairs and flood control measures; (c) fostering constructive, civil and respectful dialogue among Village residents, the Board and the business community; and (d) making the Village more accessible, livable and pleasant for all residents, including through expansion of affordable housing, greenscaping, and bike and pedestrian safety. These goals are important to me because, I believe, they are priorities for most Village residents.
These goals won't be easy to meet. I don't believe anyone, myself included, has a ready, fool-proof plan. Problem solving must be nuanced, with the recognition that even the most initially appealing idea may have unexpected adverse consequences. What I bring to the process is a deep understanding of municipal finance and business, dedication to listening respectfully to all members of our community, willingness to work hard, a flexible, pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and commitment to co-operation.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
From decades of experience with public financings, I have a solid understanding of Village finances. The community's expectations regarding public services, infrastructure improvements, beautification of our business districts, improved safety, sustainability, etc., will be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve unless the Village has a strong financial footing.
The Village currently faces challenges for which there aren't easy, painless solutions.
Recurring non-property tax revenues have declined in recent years, while property tax revenue has increased only modestly. Consequently, the Village's total operating revenue declined 12% between 2017 and 2018 alone. Due to the loss of businesses that contributed significant sales tax revenue to the Village, it will likely decline further. Additionally, Wilmette's share of the state's income tax receipts may be in jeopardy as the state legislature looks for money to address its own fiscal issues.
Meanwhile, expenses are increasing. The pension plan for many Village employees is fully funded. However, the plan for police and firefighters is not and, by 2020, contributions to it will need to increase by $425,000. Village staffing is at its lowest level in decades. The police department currently has five vacancies. Further staffing cuts would likely erode vital services. Our obsolete police station needs replacing, many roads in the Village are in poor condition and there are other infrastructure projects, such as storm sewer improvements, that require funding.
No one welcomes an increase in fees or taxes. Currently, only 12% of a resident's property taxes goes to Village government, but total property taxes are high and, because of recent federal tax law changes, the burden of these taxes is greater than ever. Even a modest increase will likely be unpopular with some residents. I believe, however, that we cannot rule out this option. Additionally, increases in fees, particularly sewer and water fees which have been flat for many years, may be prudent. If possible, however, the Village should endeavor to address revenue needs in a way least burdensome to our less affluent residents.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
No priority is more important than reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is real and we are perilously close to reaching a point after which we may be unable to prevent catastrophe. Major reductions in greenhouse gases require policies and practices at the national and international level.
Nevertheless, the Village can do more than take symbolic action. There are pragmatic, achievable initiatives that will have a positive impact. I favor amending our building code to incentivize the use of greenscaping, solar panels, recycled and environmentally-friendly building materials, and energy-efficient building components, while discouraging construction that increases impervious surfaces. The Village should maintain a conservation ethic in our community, promote public transportation, and improve bike and pedestrian safety. As the Village replaces its municipal fleet it should do so with energy-efficient vehicles and as it renovates or replaces out-of-date municipally-owned buildings it should do so with sustainable, energy-efficient structures.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
The Village has an obligation to support development of affordable housing. Fulfilling that obligation will benefit the community at-large. There are significant challenges to doing so, however. The vast majority of land suitable for residential development is already developed, the high value of land within the Village makes construction of single-family affordable housing financially infeasible, and sites appropriate for multi-family affordable housing are scarce. In 2004, the Village developed an affordable housing plan that, despite such challenges, encouraged development of affordable housing. Later a Housing Commission was established. Unfortunately, the plan hasn't been fully implemented and the Housing Commission hasn't met since September 2014. I endorse the 2004 plan. I would like to see it implemented fully and the Housing Commission revived, and I would like to encourage openness to fresh approaches.
Additionally, there are alternatives to sole reliance on private developers to build affordable housing. Based on many years' professional experience with tax-credit affordable housing, I believe the Village should explore partnering with not-for-profit organizations. Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH), a seasoned organization dedicated to increasing affordable housing in other North Shore communities, is an outstanding example of such organizations.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
The plan, adopted last year, for stormwater management in parts of central and western Wilmette is a welcome first step towards solving a problem that, because of climate change, will only worsen in coming years. As regards the existing plan most of the issues are engineering and technical in nature -- the solutions to which should be left up to experts -- and questions regarding appropriate sites for infrastructure are currently being discussed by the Village and the Park District.
The fact remains, however, that a significant portion of the Village has flooding issues that will not be resolved by the current plan. This problem will require further consideration. Solving it will benefit not just the affected neighborhoods -- which have as strong a claim to Village resources as other Wilmette neighborhoods -- but our entire community. As long as Wilmette's flood-prone reputation stands, homebuyers may shy away from the village, diminishing everyone's home values.
Ryrie Pellaton
Biography
Wilmette resident since 2006
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
My goal is to maintain the high level of Village services that our community currently enjoys and to simultaneously maintain the Village’s current excellent financial status. Residents understandably want any property tax increases to be minimal and justified. They also want the services that the Village provides to continue undiminished.
If, in the next few years, expected financial challenges result in an overall reduction of tax and fee revenue, the Trustees will need to make prudent and creative financial decisions. I feel that my four years on the Wilmette Park Board Financial Planning & Policy Committee and three years as Chair of the Lakefront Committee demonstrate that I am qualified to do so. In 2015 Village residents voted down the proposed Gillson Beach referendum. Since then, after gathering additional public input and working with my fellow Commissioners, the Park District has been able to design and begin construction on a much improved plan for the beach house and parking lot and to fund it without asking tax payers for additional taxes via a new referendum. The $9,000,000 building and parking lot are scheduled to open this summer. That is the kind of leadership, creative and collaborative problem solving, and fiduciary acumen, that I will bring to the Village Board.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Despite the Village being in the best financial position in decades, there are several areas of potential future and current concern.
Local:
Loss of sales tax revenue from five retailers (Carson Pirie Scott, Carson’s Furniture, Skokie Valley Materials, Treasure Island and Imperial Motors) which collectively generated over $500,000 in annual sales tax revenue.
Pension payments:
Village’s share of Fire and Police pension payments total over $5,000,000 annually. Total employer annual pension contributions for all Village employees exceed $6,000,000 annually. The average rate of increase over the last 22 years has been 8.88%. That represents an increasing share of the Village’s total budget each year and is a significant cause of pressure on property tax rates as pensions alone represent 18% of the $33,400,000 total Village budget.
State funding:
The Local Government Distributive Fund is a designated portion of state income tax revenues distributed by the State to Cities and Counties. Distributions occur on a per capita basis. In FY 2018 a “one time” 10% reduction followed by another “one time” 5% reduction resulted in a $130,000 loss of revenue to the Village. Many observers believe that State may discontinue this program entirely forcing the Village to make up the shortfall.
Illinois imposed a 1.5% administrative fee on the Home Rule share of retail sales taxes totaling an additional $30,000 reduction in Village revenue.
Continued discussion of a potentially disastrous freeze by the state on local property taxes which would result in an approximate $1.8 million reduction in Village revenues and would also likely raise the cost of borrowing for future infrastructure investments such as the Storm water project. No one wants to give Springfield more power at the expense of local government.
National:
The $10,000 Federal cap on State and Local Tax deductions will affect most Wilmette residents as their SALT tax burden exceeds $10,000. Property taxes are the largest part of that. The result of the cap is that our current property tax burden will effectively increase and any future tax increases will be that much more onerous as residents won’t be able to offset them with Federal income tax deductions.
Predicted recession within the next two years:
Former Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke, likened the U.S. economy to an episode of Looney Tunes, explaining it could soon face what’s been called a “Wile E. Coyote moment” as benefits from the Trump Administration’s various forms of fiscal stimulus – like the 2017 tax cuts – start to fade. “In 2020, Wile E. Coyote is going to go off the cliff,” Bernanke said. Bernanke’s opinion is far from an outlier; Moody’s and JP Morgan also predict increasing (70%+) odds of a 2020 recession.
Increased costs:
Approved “Neighborhood Storage Option” storm water improvements totaling $68,200,000 including the recent Optimization and Future Proofing additions.
$25,000,000 Police station replacement delayed for 17 years now scheduled for 2025.
These financial issues, and others, will be a significant concern for many residents when casting their votes for Trustee.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
The Village Environmental and Energy Commission is tasked with the enormous job of overseeing pursuit of the GCR2 goals. I believe that the Village should pursue all of the areas in the GRC2 framework rather than focusing on one or two most important areas and take opportunities as they arise during Village projects to incorporate GRC2 best practices.
The Village currently has projects under consideration or construction that fall into the Land Use, Water and Waste Water, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy categories.
For example:
a) The Storm water storage plan is a good opportunity to add some green infrastructure to aid in flood control in addition to the underground storage tanks.
b) The current $5.2 million construction project at the Wilmette water treatment plant (which supplies 105,000 area residents) is designed to reduce electrical requirements and to make the water treatment process more energy efficient.
c) I support installation of solar and/or geothermal systems at the new Police Station (2025) similar to the system the Wilmette Public Library installed. In fact the new Police Station will be a good candidate for a LEED project.
There are limitations to the incorporation of renewable energy which must be considered, e.g., earlier this year, we received a quote to add solar panels to our home but the inadequate suitable roof area means that installing them would actually increase our electrical costs.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
There are a number of fixed income Village residents that are living on the margin. Any increase in their cost of living may force them to move out of the Village or make other difficult financial choices.
For about 30 years, the Village provided some financial housing assistance to allow qualified residents to remain in their homes. The 2008 recession made it increasingly difficult for the Village to continue funding the program and in 2013, the Village’s affordable housing program was transferred to a separate non-profit organization, Housing Our Own. Housing Our Own does an admirable job of administering financial assistance to 27 residents for whom $1,800 in property tax loans or up to $2,400 a year in rent subsidies often makes the difference in their ability to continue to live in Wilmette. Since it is not a Village program they have also been able to raise over $100,000 in donations to support the program.
The Village has a goal of 15% affordable housing for all new multifamily developments, and, with the completion of the HODC project on Wilmette Ave, will be meeting that goal (the last four multifamily developments are Mallinkrodt, Greenleaf Ave, 611 Greenbay Rd and HODC) The Village also accepted $80,000 payment in lieu of additional affordable units at 611 Greenbay. While that is not a large amount, the payment went to Housing Our Own and was adequate to fund their grant and subsidy operations for two years.
The Village benefits from having housing options for seniors on fixed income or younger persons on social security disability. The goal of 15% is in line with the state requirements and the Village should work towards continuing to meet that goal.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
The Village decided on the Neighborhood Storage option in April 2018. They presented drawings of the project to the Park District Board for the first time in November and the proposed project has since increased in scope to cover more affected residences.
I support the Park Board’s plan to gather community input to ensure that the Parks are preserved or enhanced by the Stormwater project. The answer is to take the time to determine what the effects of the tank installation will be on the Parks and then to figure out as a community how to augment the project to provide benefits to the Park District to offset the negative consequences. Additional smaller local storm water options should also be pursued separately to reduce the amount of water entering on the sewer lines.
Residents who’s homes flood want action taken as quickly as possible. The Village studied the project for 5 years. The Park Board will need to work with the residents and subsequently the Village to reach a mutually acceptable agreement which ideally will result in improved Parks while meeting the Village’s stormwater storage goals.
Wilmette resident since 2006
- Johns Hopkins University, BA Political Science and French Literature
- Commissioner Wilmette Park District (4yrs)
- Chairman, Lakefront Committee (3yrs)
- Financial Policy and Planning Committee (4yrs)
- Chairman, Facilities Committee (1yr)
- Golf Committee (1yr)
- PTA/PTO participation over the last 8 years;
- Community Review Committee (1yr)
- Chairman Village Wide PTO Civics & Safety Committee (2yrs)
- Central School Carnival Chairman (2yrs)
- Central School and Highcrest PTA/PTO Civics & Safety Representative (4yrs)
- Kara’s husband and father of Rhys (14), & Tommy (11)
- Previous positions:
- Director of Operations at the Francis W. Parker School, Chicago (10yrs)
- General contractor single family residential construction (16yrs)
- Business Manager Countryside School
- Director of Auxiliary Programs Evergreen School
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
My goal is to maintain the high level of Village services that our community currently enjoys and to simultaneously maintain the Village’s current excellent financial status. Residents understandably want any property tax increases to be minimal and justified. They also want the services that the Village provides to continue undiminished.
If, in the next few years, expected financial challenges result in an overall reduction of tax and fee revenue, the Trustees will need to make prudent and creative financial decisions. I feel that my four years on the Wilmette Park Board Financial Planning & Policy Committee and three years as Chair of the Lakefront Committee demonstrate that I am qualified to do so. In 2015 Village residents voted down the proposed Gillson Beach referendum. Since then, after gathering additional public input and working with my fellow Commissioners, the Park District has been able to design and begin construction on a much improved plan for the beach house and parking lot and to fund it without asking tax payers for additional taxes via a new referendum. The $9,000,000 building and parking lot are scheduled to open this summer. That is the kind of leadership, creative and collaborative problem solving, and fiduciary acumen, that I will bring to the Village Board.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Despite the Village being in the best financial position in decades, there are several areas of potential future and current concern.
Local:
Loss of sales tax revenue from five retailers (Carson Pirie Scott, Carson’s Furniture, Skokie Valley Materials, Treasure Island and Imperial Motors) which collectively generated over $500,000 in annual sales tax revenue.
Pension payments:
Village’s share of Fire and Police pension payments total over $5,000,000 annually. Total employer annual pension contributions for all Village employees exceed $6,000,000 annually. The average rate of increase over the last 22 years has been 8.88%. That represents an increasing share of the Village’s total budget each year and is a significant cause of pressure on property tax rates as pensions alone represent 18% of the $33,400,000 total Village budget.
State funding:
The Local Government Distributive Fund is a designated portion of state income tax revenues distributed by the State to Cities and Counties. Distributions occur on a per capita basis. In FY 2018 a “one time” 10% reduction followed by another “one time” 5% reduction resulted in a $130,000 loss of revenue to the Village. Many observers believe that State may discontinue this program entirely forcing the Village to make up the shortfall.
Illinois imposed a 1.5% administrative fee on the Home Rule share of retail sales taxes totaling an additional $30,000 reduction in Village revenue.
Continued discussion of a potentially disastrous freeze by the state on local property taxes which would result in an approximate $1.8 million reduction in Village revenues and would also likely raise the cost of borrowing for future infrastructure investments such as the Storm water project. No one wants to give Springfield more power at the expense of local government.
National:
The $10,000 Federal cap on State and Local Tax deductions will affect most Wilmette residents as their SALT tax burden exceeds $10,000. Property taxes are the largest part of that. The result of the cap is that our current property tax burden will effectively increase and any future tax increases will be that much more onerous as residents won’t be able to offset them with Federal income tax deductions.
Predicted recession within the next two years:
Former Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke, likened the U.S. economy to an episode of Looney Tunes, explaining it could soon face what’s been called a “Wile E. Coyote moment” as benefits from the Trump Administration’s various forms of fiscal stimulus – like the 2017 tax cuts – start to fade. “In 2020, Wile E. Coyote is going to go off the cliff,” Bernanke said. Bernanke’s opinion is far from an outlier; Moody’s and JP Morgan also predict increasing (70%+) odds of a 2020 recession.
Increased costs:
Approved “Neighborhood Storage Option” storm water improvements totaling $68,200,000 including the recent Optimization and Future Proofing additions.
$25,000,000 Police station replacement delayed for 17 years now scheduled for 2025.
These financial issues, and others, will be a significant concern for many residents when casting their votes for Trustee.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
The Village Environmental and Energy Commission is tasked with the enormous job of overseeing pursuit of the GCR2 goals. I believe that the Village should pursue all of the areas in the GRC2 framework rather than focusing on one or two most important areas and take opportunities as they arise during Village projects to incorporate GRC2 best practices.
The Village currently has projects under consideration or construction that fall into the Land Use, Water and Waste Water, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy categories.
For example:
a) The Storm water storage plan is a good opportunity to add some green infrastructure to aid in flood control in addition to the underground storage tanks.
b) The current $5.2 million construction project at the Wilmette water treatment plant (which supplies 105,000 area residents) is designed to reduce electrical requirements and to make the water treatment process more energy efficient.
c) I support installation of solar and/or geothermal systems at the new Police Station (2025) similar to the system the Wilmette Public Library installed. In fact the new Police Station will be a good candidate for a LEED project.
There are limitations to the incorporation of renewable energy which must be considered, e.g., earlier this year, we received a quote to add solar panels to our home but the inadequate suitable roof area means that installing them would actually increase our electrical costs.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
There are a number of fixed income Village residents that are living on the margin. Any increase in their cost of living may force them to move out of the Village or make other difficult financial choices.
For about 30 years, the Village provided some financial housing assistance to allow qualified residents to remain in their homes. The 2008 recession made it increasingly difficult for the Village to continue funding the program and in 2013, the Village’s affordable housing program was transferred to a separate non-profit organization, Housing Our Own. Housing Our Own does an admirable job of administering financial assistance to 27 residents for whom $1,800 in property tax loans or up to $2,400 a year in rent subsidies often makes the difference in their ability to continue to live in Wilmette. Since it is not a Village program they have also been able to raise over $100,000 in donations to support the program.
The Village has a goal of 15% affordable housing for all new multifamily developments, and, with the completion of the HODC project on Wilmette Ave, will be meeting that goal (the last four multifamily developments are Mallinkrodt, Greenleaf Ave, 611 Greenbay Rd and HODC) The Village also accepted $80,000 payment in lieu of additional affordable units at 611 Greenbay. While that is not a large amount, the payment went to Housing Our Own and was adequate to fund their grant and subsidy operations for two years.
The Village benefits from having housing options for seniors on fixed income or younger persons on social security disability. The goal of 15% is in line with the state requirements and the Village should work towards continuing to meet that goal.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
The Village decided on the Neighborhood Storage option in April 2018. They presented drawings of the project to the Park District Board for the first time in November and the proposed project has since increased in scope to cover more affected residences.
I support the Park Board’s plan to gather community input to ensure that the Parks are preserved or enhanced by the Stormwater project. The answer is to take the time to determine what the effects of the tank installation will be on the Parks and then to figure out as a community how to augment the project to provide benefits to the Park District to offset the negative consequences. Additional smaller local storm water options should also be pursued separately to reduce the amount of water entering on the sewer lines.
Residents who’s homes flood want action taken as quickly as possible. The Village studied the project for 5 years. The Park Board will need to work with the residents and subsequently the Village to reach a mutually acceptable agreement which ideally will result in improved Parks while meeting the Village’s stormwater storage goals.
Senta Plunkett
Biography
My family and I have lived in Wilmette for the past 15 years. I grew up in Chicago and attended Northwestern University and law school at the University of Illinois. I worked as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago for many years. I have been serving the Village of Wilmette in various capacities for the past 10 years: currently as a Village Board member and previously as a member of the Police and Fire Commission and as Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. I have also been an active volunteer in Wilmette schools where our three children have and still are attending.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
It’s been a busy four years since I was elected to the Board, and we have accomplished a lot. In 2016, we instituted a substantial increase to our annual Road Program with the goal of significantly improving our roads over time without large increases to the tax levy. In 2018, after much study and public outreach, we approved a stormwater plan. This plan promises to protect 98% of homes from flooding. Also in 2018, we approved Wilmette’s first all-affordable non-senior housing project.
I’m particularly excited about some of my objectives that were accomplished. I sponsored the ordinance to raise the age to purchase tobacco (including vaping products!) from 18 to 21 in Wilmette. On the sustainability front, I helped bring the Greenest Regions Compact to Wilmette and was a catalyst for Rain Ready Wilmette.
Moving forward, I hope to continue the momentum on the green initiatives that we started. I look forward to the implementation of Rain Ready Wilmette, and to collaborating on a Sustainability Plan. This spring the Board will review the consultant’s report regarding a stormwater utility. We will also be presented with an Active Transportation and Master Bike Plan that can be used as a roadmap for future budgets.
This next Board will also be able to collaborate on the Central Street Reconstruction Project. This project will make our downtown even more vibrant and help bolster our existing businesses and attract new ones as well.
What financial challenges do you see for the Village and how would you address them?
The financial position of the Village is its strongest in decades. Our AAA bond rating was affirmed and our General Fund Reserves have continued to increase as the result of a conservative budget approach. Our 2019 Budget includes the lowest percentage increase in the property tax levy in 22 years!
That being said, financial challenges lie ahead. In losing Carsons, Treasure Island, and Imperial Motors, the Village lost valuable sales tax revenue. We are currently setting new zoning regulations to ensure the retail character of those districts. While we will need to identify strategies to offset this revenue loss, we are hopeful there will be larger sales tax generators in the future in those locations.
Pensions are another important topic that we on the Finance Committee are tackling right now. Not only do we need to meet the State of Illinois mandate, we know that a healthy pension system is very important to the financial stability of the Village and directly affects the Village’s bond rating. We are working on long-term strategies to increase funding to the pension system that will not cause marked increases to the tax levy.
As discussed, we are embarking on a significant stormwater project. While this plan is the most cost-conscious of those we studied, it will still result in an increase to residents’ fees. I am mindful that we need to have a measured approach, taking into account all of the taxes and fees residents pay as a whole as we go through the budget process.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
In December 2017, Trustee Julie Wolf and I attended the North American Climate Summit and returned to the Village with a renewed excitement for the environmental initiatives presented. We shared our experiences with the Board, and last August the Board signed onto the GRC2, tasking the Village’s Environmental and Energy Commission (EEC) with implementation. Through collaboration with the EEC, Village staff, the Board and environmental groups, the Village will create its own Sustainability Plan within the framework of the GRC2.
The GRC2 is a menu of environmental initiatives, many of which the Village has already implemented. We also have several new projects coming soon, including curb-side composting and Rain Ready Wilmette. During our last budget review, the Board made a policy decision directing staff to review green alternatives whenever we replace a vehicle. On the solar front, the Village is actively pursuing designation from the national SolSmart program which recognizes municipalities for taking steps to encourage solar energy. We anticipate obtaining this SolSmart designation this Spring.
I think that a future Sustainability Plan for Wilmette should be woven into all operations of the Village. When the Village updates its Comprehensive Plan in 2020, I hope that our Sustainability Plan will become an integral part.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
The Village has recently made significant strides in affordable housing and I’m proud to have taken part. In 2004, with the help of past president John Jacoby, the Village drafted its Affordable Housing Plan. That plan established a goal that 15% of new multi-family units would be affordable. Because of that Plan, Village staff reached out to the Housing Development Corporation (HODC) when the American Legion site became available. In 2018 the Village Board unanimously approved the application of the HODC for affordable housing at that site. When completed, we will have slightly exceeded our 15% goal. I believe that in the near future other multi-family building proposals will be reviewed, and the Board should look to our Plan to try to meet that goal.
The Village’s Housing Assistance Program, Housing our Own, is at its greatest level since the program began. While the funds come from private donations, the Village manages the program and the Board has been successful in securing donations from developers. As a result of these recent efforts, more residents than ever are benefiting from the direct assistance the program offers and are able to remain in our community. I foresee that the Housing Our Own program will continue to grow to benefit even more residents and the Board can definitely help guide it in that direction.
What issues remain in the Village’s plan to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
As most residents know, following much study and resident involvement, the Board chose the Neighborhood Storage Plan. After preliminary engineering studies were completed, the Board recently learned that the Plan could be optimized to protect 98% of the homes west of Ridge Road. We will be moving forward with a stormwater plan that is significantly less costly than the other proposals but promises to protect even more homes.
There is still much to do on stormwater management. I was a strong supporter of green infrastructure, and we will be looking at options as part of the stormwater plan. The Village just introduced Rain Ready Wilmette, a cost-sharing program for sustainable landscaping slated to begin this spring.
Also this spring, the Board will be presented with a consultant’s report regarding a stormwater utility as a means to fund the stormwater project. I look forward to reviewing the report and discussing our options.
My family and I have lived in Wilmette for the past 15 years. I grew up in Chicago and attended Northwestern University and law school at the University of Illinois. I worked as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago for many years. I have been serving the Village of Wilmette in various capacities for the past 10 years: currently as a Village Board member and previously as a member of the Police and Fire Commission and as Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. I have also been an active volunteer in Wilmette schools where our three children have and still are attending.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
It’s been a busy four years since I was elected to the Board, and we have accomplished a lot. In 2016, we instituted a substantial increase to our annual Road Program with the goal of significantly improving our roads over time without large increases to the tax levy. In 2018, after much study and public outreach, we approved a stormwater plan. This plan promises to protect 98% of homes from flooding. Also in 2018, we approved Wilmette’s first all-affordable non-senior housing project.
I’m particularly excited about some of my objectives that were accomplished. I sponsored the ordinance to raise the age to purchase tobacco (including vaping products!) from 18 to 21 in Wilmette. On the sustainability front, I helped bring the Greenest Regions Compact to Wilmette and was a catalyst for Rain Ready Wilmette.
Moving forward, I hope to continue the momentum on the green initiatives that we started. I look forward to the implementation of Rain Ready Wilmette, and to collaborating on a Sustainability Plan. This spring the Board will review the consultant’s report regarding a stormwater utility. We will also be presented with an Active Transportation and Master Bike Plan that can be used as a roadmap for future budgets.
This next Board will also be able to collaborate on the Central Street Reconstruction Project. This project will make our downtown even more vibrant and help bolster our existing businesses and attract new ones as well.
What financial challenges do you see for the Village and how would you address them?
The financial position of the Village is its strongest in decades. Our AAA bond rating was affirmed and our General Fund Reserves have continued to increase as the result of a conservative budget approach. Our 2019 Budget includes the lowest percentage increase in the property tax levy in 22 years!
That being said, financial challenges lie ahead. In losing Carsons, Treasure Island, and Imperial Motors, the Village lost valuable sales tax revenue. We are currently setting new zoning regulations to ensure the retail character of those districts. While we will need to identify strategies to offset this revenue loss, we are hopeful there will be larger sales tax generators in the future in those locations.
Pensions are another important topic that we on the Finance Committee are tackling right now. Not only do we need to meet the State of Illinois mandate, we know that a healthy pension system is very important to the financial stability of the Village and directly affects the Village’s bond rating. We are working on long-term strategies to increase funding to the pension system that will not cause marked increases to the tax levy.
As discussed, we are embarking on a significant stormwater project. While this plan is the most cost-conscious of those we studied, it will still result in an increase to residents’ fees. I am mindful that we need to have a measured approach, taking into account all of the taxes and fees residents pay as a whole as we go through the budget process.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
In December 2017, Trustee Julie Wolf and I attended the North American Climate Summit and returned to the Village with a renewed excitement for the environmental initiatives presented. We shared our experiences with the Board, and last August the Board signed onto the GRC2, tasking the Village’s Environmental and Energy Commission (EEC) with implementation. Through collaboration with the EEC, Village staff, the Board and environmental groups, the Village will create its own Sustainability Plan within the framework of the GRC2.
The GRC2 is a menu of environmental initiatives, many of which the Village has already implemented. We also have several new projects coming soon, including curb-side composting and Rain Ready Wilmette. During our last budget review, the Board made a policy decision directing staff to review green alternatives whenever we replace a vehicle. On the solar front, the Village is actively pursuing designation from the national SolSmart program which recognizes municipalities for taking steps to encourage solar energy. We anticipate obtaining this SolSmart designation this Spring.
I think that a future Sustainability Plan for Wilmette should be woven into all operations of the Village. When the Village updates its Comprehensive Plan in 2020, I hope that our Sustainability Plan will become an integral part.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
The Village has recently made significant strides in affordable housing and I’m proud to have taken part. In 2004, with the help of past president John Jacoby, the Village drafted its Affordable Housing Plan. That plan established a goal that 15% of new multi-family units would be affordable. Because of that Plan, Village staff reached out to the Housing Development Corporation (HODC) when the American Legion site became available. In 2018 the Village Board unanimously approved the application of the HODC for affordable housing at that site. When completed, we will have slightly exceeded our 15% goal. I believe that in the near future other multi-family building proposals will be reviewed, and the Board should look to our Plan to try to meet that goal.
The Village’s Housing Assistance Program, Housing our Own, is at its greatest level since the program began. While the funds come from private donations, the Village manages the program and the Board has been successful in securing donations from developers. As a result of these recent efforts, more residents than ever are benefiting from the direct assistance the program offers and are able to remain in our community. I foresee that the Housing Our Own program will continue to grow to benefit even more residents and the Board can definitely help guide it in that direction.
What issues remain in the Village’s plan to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
As most residents know, following much study and resident involvement, the Board chose the Neighborhood Storage Plan. After preliminary engineering studies were completed, the Board recently learned that the Plan could be optimized to protect 98% of the homes west of Ridge Road. We will be moving forward with a stormwater plan that is significantly less costly than the other proposals but promises to protect even more homes.
There is still much to do on stormwater management. I was a strong supporter of green infrastructure, and we will be looking at options as part of the stormwater plan. The Village just introduced Rain Ready Wilmette, a cost-sharing program for sustainable landscaping slated to begin this spring.
Also this spring, the Board will be presented with a consultant’s report regarding a stormwater utility as a means to fund the stormwater project. I look forward to reviewing the report and discussing our options.
Daniel Sullivan
Biography
My name is Dan Sullivan and I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving as a trustee for the Village of Wilmette. My family and I have a long history living and working in the Village. My wife Catherine and I moved here in 2003, restored a 90 year old home and started raising our family of two boys and a few dogs. I have worked in the banking industry for over 25 years, currently with CIBC in our wealth management group. We are active in the community taking advantage of all the Village offers from wonderful park district programs, retail and dining options and the ability to volunteer from zoning to trustee positions. I look forward to continuing that service.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
I have been fortunate to be able to volunteer my time and experience over the last 14 years as a Zoning and Village board member and through that effort I have come to further appreciate all that there is to offer in Wilmette. Continuing that service was an easy decision as I want to ensure we further improve the quality of life I have come to enjoy for myself, family, friends, neighbors and business owners. My main focus will be continued financial responsibility and prudence which has allowed us to have the highest quality of public services, water and safety that makes Wilmette special. We have a number of large capital projects to undertake in the next few years that include stormwater improvement and a new police station. Starting both of these in the next few years is important but also financing them in an affordable fashion is critical. We must be responsible with the debt we incur while maintaining our reserve levels so that we can continue to deliver the level of service our residents and business have come to expect and deserve.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
The Village of Wilmette is financially stable and well-positioned today given the steps we have taken over the last ten years to be more efficient, well-funded and financially responsible. As a result, Wilmette is affordable yet able to continue providing the services we all expect from public works, police and fire. Maintaining that approach and diligence is important as we have capital projects and pension obligations to meet, while balancing reduced sales tax revenue and a potential slowdown in the economy.
To address these, I will continue to lead our “open for business & development” mindset to welcome in new businesses, residents and commercial and residential development projects. Over the years we have been successful at inviting new stores and restaurants that have complimented Wilmette’s charm and brought terrific options to all of us. We have improved our community development process to allow both residents (new and existing) a way they can make improvements to their homes so they can continue living in this community, while also pursuing developers of multi-family affordable living to consider a project in Wilmette.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
The board’s unanimous support for the GRC2 allows Wilmette to expand our own Sustainability Plan. We have accomplished much as it relates to this over the years from solid waste and composting, free electronics recycling, pursuing SolSmart certification, creating a RainReady program and the replacement of LEDs throughout the Village. GRC2 initiatives help us further focus on other initiatives including Water & Wastewater, Economic Development and Municipal operations, all very important to the continued success of our community. Focusing on our Water, including our plant and the delivery of this to our residents is very important as we must maintain the quality and safety for our residents.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
The Village board and staff should continue to play a pro-active role in expanding affordable housing and I am fully supportive of expanding this important initiative. Wilmette has been supportive of Affordable Housing over the years, ever since we self-elected to adopt our own plan in 2004. It is this plan that allows Wilmette to exceed our goals of having at least 15% of new multi-family housing units constructed (to-be) as affordable, including the most recent support for HODC’s development of the Legion Property. In addition to our commitment to affordable housing in new multi-family development, the Village in 2015 established Housing Our Own- Wilmette, a not-for-profit corporation, to provide financial housing assistance to low income Wilmette senior citizens and persons with disabilities. To help fund this program, the Village secured a one-time payment of $80,000 as well as a recurring annual payment of $10,000 through its Planned Unit Development process on the behalf of Housing Our Own- Wilmette. Through the Village’s funding efforts and generous support from Wilmette residents, Housing Our Own- Wilmette increased its monthly financial assistance by 12.5% effective January 1, 2019. This organization is a successful example of a public and private partnership working to better Wilmette.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
Stormwater management will be an ongoing issue for Wilmette well into the future. Our challenges will not end with the completion of one project but rather will require constant long term focus to continue providing options and solutions that will improve the lives within the community.
The initial step that the majority of the board took to approve spending over $50 million is to develop retention and enhance our sewer system is an important first phase. The Village staff, our consultants, the boards and residents have spent years better understanding what are our challenges and how can we address those to provide relief to our community. Stormwater management goes well beyond just a sewer system underground, as just as important is the education of what we can do to reduce water in the system, such as environmental improvements through rain gardens. We are experiencing greater storms on a more regular basis so it is important that stormwater education remains an important part of our communication with the Village.
My name is Dan Sullivan and I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving as a trustee for the Village of Wilmette. My family and I have a long history living and working in the Village. My wife Catherine and I moved here in 2003, restored a 90 year old home and started raising our family of two boys and a few dogs. I have worked in the banking industry for over 25 years, currently with CIBC in our wealth management group. We are active in the community taking advantage of all the Village offers from wonderful park district programs, retail and dining options and the ability to volunteer from zoning to trustee positions. I look forward to continuing that service.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
I have been fortunate to be able to volunteer my time and experience over the last 14 years as a Zoning and Village board member and through that effort I have come to further appreciate all that there is to offer in Wilmette. Continuing that service was an easy decision as I want to ensure we further improve the quality of life I have come to enjoy for myself, family, friends, neighbors and business owners. My main focus will be continued financial responsibility and prudence which has allowed us to have the highest quality of public services, water and safety that makes Wilmette special. We have a number of large capital projects to undertake in the next few years that include stormwater improvement and a new police station. Starting both of these in the next few years is important but also financing them in an affordable fashion is critical. We must be responsible with the debt we incur while maintaining our reserve levels so that we can continue to deliver the level of service our residents and business have come to expect and deserve.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
The Village of Wilmette is financially stable and well-positioned today given the steps we have taken over the last ten years to be more efficient, well-funded and financially responsible. As a result, Wilmette is affordable yet able to continue providing the services we all expect from public works, police and fire. Maintaining that approach and diligence is important as we have capital projects and pension obligations to meet, while balancing reduced sales tax revenue and a potential slowdown in the economy.
To address these, I will continue to lead our “open for business & development” mindset to welcome in new businesses, residents and commercial and residential development projects. Over the years we have been successful at inviting new stores and restaurants that have complimented Wilmette’s charm and brought terrific options to all of us. We have improved our community development process to allow both residents (new and existing) a way they can make improvements to their homes so they can continue living in this community, while also pursuing developers of multi-family affordable living to consider a project in Wilmette.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
The board’s unanimous support for the GRC2 allows Wilmette to expand our own Sustainability Plan. We have accomplished much as it relates to this over the years from solid waste and composting, free electronics recycling, pursuing SolSmart certification, creating a RainReady program and the replacement of LEDs throughout the Village. GRC2 initiatives help us further focus on other initiatives including Water & Wastewater, Economic Development and Municipal operations, all very important to the continued success of our community. Focusing on our Water, including our plant and the delivery of this to our residents is very important as we must maintain the quality and safety for our residents.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
The Village board and staff should continue to play a pro-active role in expanding affordable housing and I am fully supportive of expanding this important initiative. Wilmette has been supportive of Affordable Housing over the years, ever since we self-elected to adopt our own plan in 2004. It is this plan that allows Wilmette to exceed our goals of having at least 15% of new multi-family housing units constructed (to-be) as affordable, including the most recent support for HODC’s development of the Legion Property. In addition to our commitment to affordable housing in new multi-family development, the Village in 2015 established Housing Our Own- Wilmette, a not-for-profit corporation, to provide financial housing assistance to low income Wilmette senior citizens and persons with disabilities. To help fund this program, the Village secured a one-time payment of $80,000 as well as a recurring annual payment of $10,000 through its Planned Unit Development process on the behalf of Housing Our Own- Wilmette. Through the Village’s funding efforts and generous support from Wilmette residents, Housing Our Own- Wilmette increased its monthly financial assistance by 12.5% effective January 1, 2019. This organization is a successful example of a public and private partnership working to better Wilmette.
What issues remain in the Village’s plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
Stormwater management will be an ongoing issue for Wilmette well into the future. Our challenges will not end with the completion of one project but rather will require constant long term focus to continue providing options and solutions that will improve the lives within the community.
The initial step that the majority of the board took to approve spending over $50 million is to develop retention and enhance our sewer system is an important first phase. The Village staff, our consultants, the boards and residents have spent years better understanding what are our challenges and how can we address those to provide relief to our community. Stormwater management goes well beyond just a sewer system underground, as just as important is the education of what we can do to reduce water in the system, such as environmental improvements through rain gardens. We are experiencing greater storms on a more regular basis so it is important that stormwater education remains an important part of our communication with the Village.
Jeff Axelrod
Biography
Jeff is a former software engineer turned household renaissance man and activist who is the dad to Zoe, 17, Evan, 8, and husband to local OB-GYN Cheryl. His passions include pinball, bike advocacy, craft beer, affordable housing, gourmet food preparation and fair wages.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
Our village board’s values need to more closely align with those of our community, and I hope to help. For instance, almost 80% of Wilmette consistently supported abiding by our county’s minimum wage and earned sick time benefits, however our existing board followed their own agenda and circumvented the laws. We need representation from progressive leaders who will better support each of our families, including the underserved. We need more leaders dedicated to environmental stewardship, and who are committed to reinvestment in our roads, services, and other infrastructure to keep Wilmette the same great place we chose to take root.
I hope to introduce ethics reform and better transparency in our village government. I support stronger disclosure from elected officials, detailing local business relationships that might raise concerns about conflicts of interest. I aim to stop former elected officials appearing to benefit from their past service by conducting village-related business that might appear conflictual.
For example, there’s the appearance of a revolving door with a former official who appointed commission members, then later represented clients requesting special accommodations from those very commissioners. He also then publicly endorsed favorite future village board candidates. We need independence.
I have a solid record of not being afraid to do and say what’s right to represent the will of the residents of Wilmette. I’m not afraid to hold officials accountable when necessary, standing up to the chamber lobby who pushed the board to go not only against the will of almost all of our residents, but also the majority of business owners.
I will continue to work with the chamber and other groups to invest in and promote sustainable business health. To help further strengthen Wilmette’s economy, I would like to reinstate our cancelled membership in the North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau; we’re the only North Shore non-member community.
I’d also like to re-establish Wilmette health and human services that have been eliminated or weakened, including our restaurant health inspector who protects us and our visitors from foodborne illness, the village housing assistance program for Wilmette residents, our human relations and housing commissions. Our transportation commission is responsible for our children’s crossing guards, ensuring our community is safely walkable, and that we can get around town smoothly. I want this commission to fulfil its legal requirements meeting six times per year instead of meeting twice annually, despite there being much to discuss.
This all underlines how important it is that our village government reflect the welcoming, safe, and generous community that we are. Local government matters now more than ever. We need your help; it really does take a village. Please join us at axelrodforwilmette.com.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Sales tax revenues are somewhat reduced because of Carson’s, Treasure Island, and other struggling retailers. However, as online sales are increasing, Wilmette shares in this tax revenue to offset local losses. Our community development department and chamber of commerce are strong, and I expect new retailers to fill in the voids. If necessary, I support creative solutions such as an additional food and beverage tax as other neighboring suburbs have done, or even vacancy taxes to discourage less motivated landlords from letting valuable retail space remain empty and creating retail blight, like we’ve seen in the Linden business district.
Our village has been lowering its tax levy increase consecutively for the past decade, sparked by the 2007 housing crisis. I’m concerned that we’ve been cutting staff and service levels while our economy is at its strongest, leaving us little buffer to propel us through future hardships.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
I organized residents to encourage President Bielinski sign onto voluntary climate agreements back when Trump withdrew from the Paris Accord. While our national leadership seeks to move us backward, local governments need to step up combat climate change. I was thrilled last August when our village signed on and joined Climate Mayors. The compact is wide ranging and holistic, and I feel remiss answering a question narrowing priorities. However, areas of special interest to me are enhancing and preserving our parks, trees, and natural ecosystems as well as the mobility goals. I am already helping Wilmette improve in this area; for instance, I secured a National Parks Service grant on behalf of Canal Shores to bolster their ecological master plan and help the park develop a multi-use trail. I was at the forefront advocating against Cullerton’s plans to pave the Canal Shores tenth hole. I support making Wilmette even more walkable and promoting other healthy activities that get us moving safely.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
It’s important that we provide and maintain safety nets for our residents, whether seniors or disabled residents struggling to afford rising property taxes or to help support someone going through a life transition like divorce, or a surprise medical condition. This can happen to any of us or our loved ones, and it’s delusional to think otherwise. It’s also important that we make available affordable housing for our police officers, school teachers, and other important members of our community. Within the past few years, Wilmette defunded and privatized our housing assistance program. I also support our village president fulfilling his duties and making the required appointments to fill the long-vacant housing commission seats.
What issues remain in the Village's plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
I’m pleased by the very recent unanimous support for a plan that better protects virtually every family’s home. One issue that remains is that in comparison to the conveyance option, which would have cost us about $50 more annually, is that the proposed system will at times become overwhelmed causing flooding. During sustained rainfall, storage tanks will reach capacity and stop providing relief. Despite these limitations, I fully support the current plans being implemented as quickly as possible serve the residents who will be helped by storage tanks. I’m now optimistic about working out an intergovernmental agreement with the park district, but felt discussions could have been more public. I will work to foster better intergovernmental cooperation to address the issues that came up during this process.
Jeff is a former software engineer turned household renaissance man and activist who is the dad to Zoe, 17, Evan, 8, and husband to local OB-GYN Cheryl. His passions include pinball, bike advocacy, craft beer, affordable housing, gourmet food preparation and fair wages.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
Our village board’s values need to more closely align with those of our community, and I hope to help. For instance, almost 80% of Wilmette consistently supported abiding by our county’s minimum wage and earned sick time benefits, however our existing board followed their own agenda and circumvented the laws. We need representation from progressive leaders who will better support each of our families, including the underserved. We need more leaders dedicated to environmental stewardship, and who are committed to reinvestment in our roads, services, and other infrastructure to keep Wilmette the same great place we chose to take root.
I hope to introduce ethics reform and better transparency in our village government. I support stronger disclosure from elected officials, detailing local business relationships that might raise concerns about conflicts of interest. I aim to stop former elected officials appearing to benefit from their past service by conducting village-related business that might appear conflictual.
For example, there’s the appearance of a revolving door with a former official who appointed commission members, then later represented clients requesting special accommodations from those very commissioners. He also then publicly endorsed favorite future village board candidates. We need independence.
I have a solid record of not being afraid to do and say what’s right to represent the will of the residents of Wilmette. I’m not afraid to hold officials accountable when necessary, standing up to the chamber lobby who pushed the board to go not only against the will of almost all of our residents, but also the majority of business owners.
I will continue to work with the chamber and other groups to invest in and promote sustainable business health. To help further strengthen Wilmette’s economy, I would like to reinstate our cancelled membership in the North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau; we’re the only North Shore non-member community.
I’d also like to re-establish Wilmette health and human services that have been eliminated or weakened, including our restaurant health inspector who protects us and our visitors from foodborne illness, the village housing assistance program for Wilmette residents, our human relations and housing commissions. Our transportation commission is responsible for our children’s crossing guards, ensuring our community is safely walkable, and that we can get around town smoothly. I want this commission to fulfil its legal requirements meeting six times per year instead of meeting twice annually, despite there being much to discuss.
This all underlines how important it is that our village government reflect the welcoming, safe, and generous community that we are. Local government matters now more than ever. We need your help; it really does take a village. Please join us at axelrodforwilmette.com.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Sales tax revenues are somewhat reduced because of Carson’s, Treasure Island, and other struggling retailers. However, as online sales are increasing, Wilmette shares in this tax revenue to offset local losses. Our community development department and chamber of commerce are strong, and I expect new retailers to fill in the voids. If necessary, I support creative solutions such as an additional food and beverage tax as other neighboring suburbs have done, or even vacancy taxes to discourage less motivated landlords from letting valuable retail space remain empty and creating retail blight, like we’ve seen in the Linden business district.
Our village has been lowering its tax levy increase consecutively for the past decade, sparked by the 2007 housing crisis. I’m concerned that we’ve been cutting staff and service levels while our economy is at its strongest, leaving us little buffer to propel us through future hardships.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
I organized residents to encourage President Bielinski sign onto voluntary climate agreements back when Trump withdrew from the Paris Accord. While our national leadership seeks to move us backward, local governments need to step up combat climate change. I was thrilled last August when our village signed on and joined Climate Mayors. The compact is wide ranging and holistic, and I feel remiss answering a question narrowing priorities. However, areas of special interest to me are enhancing and preserving our parks, trees, and natural ecosystems as well as the mobility goals. I am already helping Wilmette improve in this area; for instance, I secured a National Parks Service grant on behalf of Canal Shores to bolster their ecological master plan and help the park develop a multi-use trail. I was at the forefront advocating against Cullerton’s plans to pave the Canal Shores tenth hole. I support making Wilmette even more walkable and promoting other healthy activities that get us moving safely.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
It’s important that we provide and maintain safety nets for our residents, whether seniors or disabled residents struggling to afford rising property taxes or to help support someone going through a life transition like divorce, or a surprise medical condition. This can happen to any of us or our loved ones, and it’s delusional to think otherwise. It’s also important that we make available affordable housing for our police officers, school teachers, and other important members of our community. Within the past few years, Wilmette defunded and privatized our housing assistance program. I also support our village president fulfilling his duties and making the required appointments to fill the long-vacant housing commission seats.
What issues remain in the Village's plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
I’m pleased by the very recent unanimous support for a plan that better protects virtually every family’s home. One issue that remains is that in comparison to the conveyance option, which would have cost us about $50 more annually, is that the proposed system will at times become overwhelmed causing flooding. During sustained rainfall, storage tanks will reach capacity and stop providing relief. Despite these limitations, I fully support the current plans being implemented as quickly as possible serve the residents who will be helped by storage tanks. I’m now optimistic about working out an intergovernmental agreement with the park district, but felt discussions could have been more public. I will work to foster better intergovernmental cooperation to address the issues that came up during this process.
Peter Barrow
Biography
I’m a Wilmette resident of over 35 years, with three children all graduates of the Wilmette schools and New Trier. Three of our grandchildren live in Wilmette and one daughter teaches at Ramona. I served on our Plan Commission for eight years and am in my second year on our Transportation Commission. Of Counsel to a downtown law firm, I’m an avid cyclist and walker of our third Golden Retriever, Leo.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
There’s much to like in Wilmette today. Our downtown is prospering, with abundant retail choices and a thriving restaurant scene. Our finances are strong, including a Aaa bond rating and significant reserves in this year’s budget, and the recent sale of Edens Plaza suggests that redevelopment will bring new life to that shopping area. My goals, as a Village Trustee, are to build upon these successes, to address the commercial areas of the Village that have struggled, and to maintain the quality of essential municipal services provided by the Village. The vibrancy of our economic community is essential to attracting and retaining families and is essential in mitigating the need for tax and fee increases. Sustained economic development, especially during challenging times for retail and a possible recession, is critical to our Village. As residents, we correctly expect a high level of municipal service, delivered in a cost-effective way. The Village has been, and must remain, prudent in its budgeting and spending. Finally, my priorities will be to represent our residents independently and respectfully, serving the Village as a whole, committed to common-sense, practical solutions.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Our financial challenges have several sources, the most obvious of which is the loss in recent years of major sales tax generators and pension related costs. This year’s Village budget assumes a decrease in sales tax revenue of approximately $400,000 and while some of that may be made up with other revenue sources and cost savings, neither is sure and may not reoccur. Continued economic development, downtown and in all commercial areas, must be a priority. Let’s be sensible in how we address regulation to make our business areas attractive for investment. The outlying commercial areas have not prospered as the downtown has and renewed attention must be given there. Let’s understand better what’s needed and expand our outreach to potential businesses to locate there. We must be user friendly as well for residents and businesses alike. Pension costs for the Village’s three defined benefit plans will continue to challenge our budget. While we have control over some aspects, the benefit levels are set by the State and are unfunded by Springfield. The Village adopted a two-tier benefit plan for employees hired after 2011, but it will take some years for its full benefit. In the near term, careful management of all Village expenses may be the real answer over which we actually have control. Finally, while the Village has established substantial reserves in its current budget, major capital improvements may be on the horizon, including equipment replacement and a new police station. The adequacy of those reserves, if there’s a recession, may be tested and will require careful planning.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
An affluent community like Wilmette should be a leader in adopting many of the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2) goals. Some of those, like waste recycling, public transportation, biking initiatives, and land preservation, have long been in practice. Water conservation is an important goal and will be addressed as part of the coming storm water project. All of the GRC2 goals are desirable; the challenge is to adopt and effect goals that provide the greatest benefit, but also are affordable to our community. How to do this? Let’s start by tapping into the expertise within our very town. We have knowledgeable, committed residents and Village Staff that can help prioritize here. Let’s explore the costs and benefits of a Sustainability Coordinator for the Village. There may be grants and programs to defray the costs and such a person would provide full time engagement and coordination of Village initiatives. Of the stated GRC2 goals, effecting more renewable energy, including inducements for solar, should be a priority. Vehicle charging stations, well located, may be useful for residents and visitors alike, and would make a public statement that Wilmette cares. Local merchants, especially the banks, might sign on and would appreciate the positive publicity and defray some of the cost. Much is possible here, but a practical approach is essential.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
Our Village and its residents support the goal of providing housing choices to persons of moderate incomes; all benefit from a community with economic diversity. Implementation of this goal must reflect the economic realities of our Village and the wishes of its residents. I believe that the 2004 Affordable Housing Plan reflects a thoughtful, flexible, and balanced approach, encouraging communication and cooperation, while preserving our single family home character and open land. I believe the Board should continue this approach. Our Plan wisely rejects absolute mandates, special fees and taxes, and taxpayer-funded subsidies. However good our intentions, nothing gets sold or built unless the expected returns are possible and we can’t simply will this to happen. The approval of the 1925 Wilmette Avenue development (the VFW Hall) is a bright light as it adds 16 affordable units. Given Wilmette’s demographics, this will always be a challenge, but let’s be thoughtful and use common sense in spending our dollars here and encouraging this development.
What issues remain in the Village's plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
With the Board approval in February of the Community Playfield as the initial site, the stormwater project is well on its way. Analysis, engineering and design for what is likely the largest Wilmette project for a generation are on going and much needs to be done before we lift a shovel. The challenges here will be many, two of which are project fatigue and communication. The project encompasses many neighborhoods and three public parks. It will take years to complete and will require the attention and cooperation of several Village and Park District Boards. If successful, the rewards of the project will be substantial and will benefit us all. It’s critical that we and our Boards not lose our resolve to complete this. Dedicated, regular communication from the Village and the contractors to the affected residents and the Village generally will do much to alleviate the stress and aggravation of major construction. The best surprise will be no surprise.
I’m a Wilmette resident of over 35 years, with three children all graduates of the Wilmette schools and New Trier. Three of our grandchildren live in Wilmette and one daughter teaches at Ramona. I served on our Plan Commission for eight years and am in my second year on our Transportation Commission. Of Counsel to a downtown law firm, I’m an avid cyclist and walker of our third Golden Retriever, Leo.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Village Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
There’s much to like in Wilmette today. Our downtown is prospering, with abundant retail choices and a thriving restaurant scene. Our finances are strong, including a Aaa bond rating and significant reserves in this year’s budget, and the recent sale of Edens Plaza suggests that redevelopment will bring new life to that shopping area. My goals, as a Village Trustee, are to build upon these successes, to address the commercial areas of the Village that have struggled, and to maintain the quality of essential municipal services provided by the Village. The vibrancy of our economic community is essential to attracting and retaining families and is essential in mitigating the need for tax and fee increases. Sustained economic development, especially during challenging times for retail and a possible recession, is critical to our Village. As residents, we correctly expect a high level of municipal service, delivered in a cost-effective way. The Village has been, and must remain, prudent in its budgeting and spending. Finally, my priorities will be to represent our residents independently and respectfully, serving the Village as a whole, committed to common-sense, practical solutions.
What financial challenges do you see for our Village and how would you address them?
Our financial challenges have several sources, the most obvious of which is the loss in recent years of major sales tax generators and pension related costs. This year’s Village budget assumes a decrease in sales tax revenue of approximately $400,000 and while some of that may be made up with other revenue sources and cost savings, neither is sure and may not reoccur. Continued economic development, downtown and in all commercial areas, must be a priority. Let’s be sensible in how we address regulation to make our business areas attractive for investment. The outlying commercial areas have not prospered as the downtown has and renewed attention must be given there. Let’s understand better what’s needed and expand our outreach to potential businesses to locate there. We must be user friendly as well for residents and businesses alike. Pension costs for the Village’s three defined benefit plans will continue to challenge our budget. While we have control over some aspects, the benefit levels are set by the State and are unfunded by Springfield. The Village adopted a two-tier benefit plan for employees hired after 2011, but it will take some years for its full benefit. In the near term, careful management of all Village expenses may be the real answer over which we actually have control. Finally, while the Village has established substantial reserves in its current budget, major capital improvements may be on the horizon, including equipment replacement and a new police station. The adequacy of those reserves, if there’s a recession, may be tested and will require careful planning.
The Village has recently signed onto the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2), which is an environmental sustainability blueprint for Chicago-region communities. As Village Trustee, what environmental priorities from the GRC2 strike you as most important, and why?
An affluent community like Wilmette should be a leader in adopting many of the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2) goals. Some of those, like waste recycling, public transportation, biking initiatives, and land preservation, have long been in practice. Water conservation is an important goal and will be addressed as part of the coming storm water project. All of the GRC2 goals are desirable; the challenge is to adopt and effect goals that provide the greatest benefit, but also are affordable to our community. How to do this? Let’s start by tapping into the expertise within our very town. We have knowledgeable, committed residents and Village Staff that can help prioritize here. Let’s explore the costs and benefits of a Sustainability Coordinator for the Village. There may be grants and programs to defray the costs and such a person would provide full time engagement and coordination of Village initiatives. Of the stated GRC2 goals, effecting more renewable energy, including inducements for solar, should be a priority. Vehicle charging stations, well located, may be useful for residents and visitors alike, and would make a public statement that Wilmette cares. Local merchants, especially the banks, might sign on and would appreciate the positive publicity and defray some of the cost. Much is possible here, but a practical approach is essential.
Should the Village play a role in expanding affordable housing and/or housing assistance programs in Wilmette and, if so, what role should the Village Board take?
Our Village and its residents support the goal of providing housing choices to persons of moderate incomes; all benefit from a community with economic diversity. Implementation of this goal must reflect the economic realities of our Village and the wishes of its residents. I believe that the 2004 Affordable Housing Plan reflects a thoughtful, flexible, and balanced approach, encouraging communication and cooperation, while preserving our single family home character and open land. I believe the Board should continue this approach. Our Plan wisely rejects absolute mandates, special fees and taxes, and taxpayer-funded subsidies. However good our intentions, nothing gets sold or built unless the expected returns are possible and we can’t simply will this to happen. The approval of the 1925 Wilmette Avenue development (the VFW Hall) is a bright light as it adds 16 affordable units. Given Wilmette’s demographics, this will always be a challenge, but let’s be thoughtful and use common sense in spending our dollars here and encouraging this development.
What issues remain in the Village's plans to improve stormwater management and how would you address them?
With the Board approval in February of the Community Playfield as the initial site, the stormwater project is well on its way. Analysis, engineering and design for what is likely the largest Wilmette project for a generation are on going and much needs to be done before we lift a shovel. The challenges here will be many, two of which are project fatigue and communication. The project encompasses many neighborhoods and three public parks. It will take years to complete and will require the attention and cooperation of several Village and Park District Boards. If successful, the rewards of the project will be substantial and will benefit us all. It’s critical that we and our Boards not lose our resolve to complete this. Dedicated, regular communication from the Village and the contractors to the affected residents and the Village generally will do much to alleviate the stress and aggravation of major construction. The best surprise will be no surprise.