Post by JB on Mar 14, 2007 21:29:00 GMT -6
Interesting article from the Daily Herald on the 6 people running for the 4 openings. My bias is towards the folks who at least make some mention of the school districts. I particularly like Fieseler's thoughts on the Hobson Ponds issue.
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Six vie for seats on city council
Posted Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Six candidates are running for four available 4-year terms on the Naperville City Council in the April 17 election.
The field includes three incumbents: Richard Furstenau, Darlene Senger and Grant Wehrli. A fourth incumbent, Mary Ellingson, is not seeking re-election after a failed bid this spring for mayor.
Newcomers in the race are Robert Fieseler, Patricia Meyer and Geoff Roehll.
We recently asked the candidates to address several key issues facing the city in 150 words or less. Here is the first in a series of their edited responses that will appear on Tuesdays in Neighbor.
Q. Why are you running for council? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
Fieseler: It is the tradition of dedication of previous councilmen, and the council’s ability to effect positive change in our community, that motivates me.
I’ve been an active community member since 1986 and have worked in volunteer leadership positions in governmental, charitable and youth organizations. Now is the time to step up my level of community service and to apply my legal and technical skills, my 25 years of rail commuter experience, and my independent judgment to the tough issues Naperville faces.
I’m not motivated by any specific issue, but my main priorities are: (a) effective communication among governmental bodies; (b) improving transportation, particularly north-south arteries like Route 59; (c) prudent community planning, including preservation of open space like Hobson West Ponds; and (d) respecting the councilman’s proper role as a steward of residents’ tax dollars, independence and open-mindedness in policy making, and overseeing the delivery of city services.
Furstenau: I believe I can make a difference for the residents of Naperville and continue to improve their quality of living. An issue that motivates me is land-use zoning and the control of high-density townhouse, condo and apartment projects.
One of my main priorities is to keep all of the taxes that we currently pay in check and ensure that required city services such as police, fire, streets and administrative requirements are delivered on time and with a smile.
Meyer: Naperville is my home; I and my family have a vested interest in this community. When we moved here, we did so to live in the community that is Naperville — not just in a particular house or on a particular block.
Naperville is our present and future. I believe in getting involved and impacting them both.
My priorities are:
1) To be the voice of the people — to actively seek input from the community to ensure a well-informed, well-balanced perspective so decisions can be made that represent what Naperville wants for Naperville.
2) The development and redevelopment of our entire city — we need to re-evaluate and update our master plan, determine the best uses of “fill-in” development; and foster a cohesive sense of community.
3) To ensure responsible spending of city dollars.
Roehll: Because my wife let me. Running is my way of giving back to the community and helping to preserve the quality of life we all enjoy in Naperville. My main priority will be to initiate a green-growth policy promoting energy efficiency and environmentally friendly development initiatives.
Senger: I am running for a second city council term because I believe I am a productive and contributing member of this council and this community. Plus, I now have four-plus years of experience behind me.
My main priority will be to keep our community financially strong and safe, and to enhance and preserve the quality of life for the people who work and live here.
Wehrli: As a married, 38-year-old father of two, I think I have brought a different perspective to the dais. Partner that with the fact I was born and raised in Naperville and I think the insight and vision I have for Naperville are assets while deliberating the issues we confront.
I have a clear understanding as to where we have been and I have a clear vision for where I would like to see this city in the future.
All decisions I make are always based on doing what’s best for all of Naperville. Each decision along the way has and will continue to make Naperville the best town in America.
Under my leadership, I can assure you I will gather as much information as possible on any given issue, I will consider all viewpoints and I will continue to do what is best for Naperville as a whole.
Q. If you are an incumbent describe your main contribution. If you are a challenger, what contributions would you make?
Fieseler: The principal contribution I wish to make is to sustain Naperville’s vitality and prosperity into the next decade and beyond. I will work hard to foster cooperation among the council and other government bodies, including the park district; the district 203 and 204 school boards; the townships; the counties; and the state, particularly its transportation department.
I will promote business and job growth, stimulate cultural amenities, and strategically preserve Naperville’s dwindling open space. I will work hard to alleviate traffic bottlenecks, especially in the north-south directions.
Finally, I will work to instill a visionary and deliberative approach in the way the council conducts its business.
Two specific tasks I wish to accomplish are (1) begin construction on a widened Route 59 south of the BNSF overpass and (2) preserve the entire 15-acre Hobson West Ponds property as public parkland.
Furstenau: I’ve been a leader in lowering our property tax rate; the Southwest Sector scorecard implementation; the 50 percent brick ordinance in multi-family and commercial properties; budgeting improvements; monthly operational reporting; student representatives for our boards and commissions; and professionalizing our purchasing organization, to name a few.
Meyer: I do my homework. I listen to people and I attend meetings and research issues so I can make well-informed decisions. I bring a fresh perspective to the council.
As a parent of young boys actively involved in the wonderful amenities Naperville provides, and as a stay-at-home mother who drives our roads and who shops, dines and is in Naperville all the time, I am well aware of Naperville because I am Naperville.
I have a vested interested in assuring Naperville is a great community for all ages and life stages. I am also committed to actively seeking input from the community and taking a hands-on approach.
To make decisions that impact our lives, I, as a city council member, must be well-informed and have a well-balanced perspective. This requires open communication and active involvement to represent our community.
Roehll: I plan on using my abilities as a landscape architect and design professional to make solid and fair policies that will shape future development.
Senger: No single individual on the council can take all the credit for initiatives. It really is a team effort by council, staff and the community.
I am proud of our last electric contract procurement with J. Aron and Company/Goldman Sachs. Our rates are still below what ComEd has to offer, something I was steadfast about.
I am proud of the work the financial advisory board and staff did regarding our graduated plan for rate increases. I am very proud of the fact that our tax rate for the city is the lowest it has been in 30 years.
If re-elected, I would like to see a policy or guideline put in place in regard to the amount and repayment rate of our outstanding debt.
Wehrli: The vote I am most proud of is the vote I cast to purchase our electricity for the next four years. We deliberated this purchase over several special meetings, and by having a clear understanding of the financial markets and how they operate we secured a package that is being talked about at all levels of government.
As a city, we were able to beat the major corporations at their own game, assuring that we all pay lower rates than almost everyone else in the state. The yearly cost savings to all residents will be substantial.
==========================================
Six vie for seats on city council
Posted Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Six candidates are running for four available 4-year terms on the Naperville City Council in the April 17 election.
The field includes three incumbents: Richard Furstenau, Darlene Senger and Grant Wehrli. A fourth incumbent, Mary Ellingson, is not seeking re-election after a failed bid this spring for mayor.
Newcomers in the race are Robert Fieseler, Patricia Meyer and Geoff Roehll.
We recently asked the candidates to address several key issues facing the city in 150 words or less. Here is the first in a series of their edited responses that will appear on Tuesdays in Neighbor.
Q. Why are you running for council? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
Fieseler: It is the tradition of dedication of previous councilmen, and the council’s ability to effect positive change in our community, that motivates me.
I’ve been an active community member since 1986 and have worked in volunteer leadership positions in governmental, charitable and youth organizations. Now is the time to step up my level of community service and to apply my legal and technical skills, my 25 years of rail commuter experience, and my independent judgment to the tough issues Naperville faces.
I’m not motivated by any specific issue, but my main priorities are: (a) effective communication among governmental bodies; (b) improving transportation, particularly north-south arteries like Route 59; (c) prudent community planning, including preservation of open space like Hobson West Ponds; and (d) respecting the councilman’s proper role as a steward of residents’ tax dollars, independence and open-mindedness in policy making, and overseeing the delivery of city services.
Furstenau: I believe I can make a difference for the residents of Naperville and continue to improve their quality of living. An issue that motivates me is land-use zoning and the control of high-density townhouse, condo and apartment projects.
One of my main priorities is to keep all of the taxes that we currently pay in check and ensure that required city services such as police, fire, streets and administrative requirements are delivered on time and with a smile.
Meyer: Naperville is my home; I and my family have a vested interest in this community. When we moved here, we did so to live in the community that is Naperville — not just in a particular house or on a particular block.
Naperville is our present and future. I believe in getting involved and impacting them both.
My priorities are:
1) To be the voice of the people — to actively seek input from the community to ensure a well-informed, well-balanced perspective so decisions can be made that represent what Naperville wants for Naperville.
2) The development and redevelopment of our entire city — we need to re-evaluate and update our master plan, determine the best uses of “fill-in” development; and foster a cohesive sense of community.
3) To ensure responsible spending of city dollars.
Roehll: Because my wife let me. Running is my way of giving back to the community and helping to preserve the quality of life we all enjoy in Naperville. My main priority will be to initiate a green-growth policy promoting energy efficiency and environmentally friendly development initiatives.
Senger: I am running for a second city council term because I believe I am a productive and contributing member of this council and this community. Plus, I now have four-plus years of experience behind me.
My main priority will be to keep our community financially strong and safe, and to enhance and preserve the quality of life for the people who work and live here.
Wehrli: As a married, 38-year-old father of two, I think I have brought a different perspective to the dais. Partner that with the fact I was born and raised in Naperville and I think the insight and vision I have for Naperville are assets while deliberating the issues we confront.
I have a clear understanding as to where we have been and I have a clear vision for where I would like to see this city in the future.
All decisions I make are always based on doing what’s best for all of Naperville. Each decision along the way has and will continue to make Naperville the best town in America.
Under my leadership, I can assure you I will gather as much information as possible on any given issue, I will consider all viewpoints and I will continue to do what is best for Naperville as a whole.
Q. If you are an incumbent describe your main contribution. If you are a challenger, what contributions would you make?
Fieseler: The principal contribution I wish to make is to sustain Naperville’s vitality and prosperity into the next decade and beyond. I will work hard to foster cooperation among the council and other government bodies, including the park district; the district 203 and 204 school boards; the townships; the counties; and the state, particularly its transportation department.
I will promote business and job growth, stimulate cultural amenities, and strategically preserve Naperville’s dwindling open space. I will work hard to alleviate traffic bottlenecks, especially in the north-south directions.
Finally, I will work to instill a visionary and deliberative approach in the way the council conducts its business.
Two specific tasks I wish to accomplish are (1) begin construction on a widened Route 59 south of the BNSF overpass and (2) preserve the entire 15-acre Hobson West Ponds property as public parkland.
Furstenau: I’ve been a leader in lowering our property tax rate; the Southwest Sector scorecard implementation; the 50 percent brick ordinance in multi-family and commercial properties; budgeting improvements; monthly operational reporting; student representatives for our boards and commissions; and professionalizing our purchasing organization, to name a few.
Meyer: I do my homework. I listen to people and I attend meetings and research issues so I can make well-informed decisions. I bring a fresh perspective to the council.
As a parent of young boys actively involved in the wonderful amenities Naperville provides, and as a stay-at-home mother who drives our roads and who shops, dines and is in Naperville all the time, I am well aware of Naperville because I am Naperville.
I have a vested interested in assuring Naperville is a great community for all ages and life stages. I am also committed to actively seeking input from the community and taking a hands-on approach.
To make decisions that impact our lives, I, as a city council member, must be well-informed and have a well-balanced perspective. This requires open communication and active involvement to represent our community.
Roehll: I plan on using my abilities as a landscape architect and design professional to make solid and fair policies that will shape future development.
Senger: No single individual on the council can take all the credit for initiatives. It really is a team effort by council, staff and the community.
I am proud of our last electric contract procurement with J. Aron and Company/Goldman Sachs. Our rates are still below what ComEd has to offer, something I was steadfast about.
I am proud of the work the financial advisory board and staff did regarding our graduated plan for rate increases. I am very proud of the fact that our tax rate for the city is the lowest it has been in 30 years.
If re-elected, I would like to see a policy or guideline put in place in regard to the amount and repayment rate of our outstanding debt.
Wehrli: The vote I am most proud of is the vote I cast to purchase our electricity for the next four years. We deliberated this purchase over several special meetings, and by having a clear understanding of the financial markets and how they operate we secured a package that is being talked about at all levels of government.
As a city, we were able to beat the major corporations at their own game, assuring that we all pay lower rates than almost everyone else in the state. The yearly cost savings to all residents will be substantial.