QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
GOVERNMENT/POLICIES
- Do you favor electing councilmen by districts or wards?
- What method would you employ to appoint citizens to commissions and boards?
- Provide examples how you brought about efficiencies and reduce the size of government?
- What do you think about the current Nichols Library policy that allows users unfiltered access to view such things as pornography, etc.?
- How do you propose to enforce the proposed smoking ban?
- Do you believe the special event and cultural amenities funds are being properly allocated? If so, please explain why. If not, what changes would you propose?
- Should the city legislate the business mix in downtown, i.e. restaurants vs. retail shops vs. locally-owned retailers? Why or why not?
Do you support Edward Hospital’s expansion?
CITY FINANCES
- What is the City doing to protect electric utility customers from a significant increase in rates?
- The City imposed a 1% restaurant tax for the purpose of funding the so called “Culture Fund”. Did you originally support this tax and if so what was your justification? Are you in favor of continuing this tax?
- The Council agreed to fund the Carillon/Moser Tower after the private funding dried up. What was your position on the City making this project a public responsibility?
PARKING
- Discussion is underway regarding the construction of the new parking facility at the Nichols Library. Should taxpayers fund all of the cost, create a Special Service Area or another funding source?
- What are your thoughts on the proposed parking deck at Nichols Library? Is it a good site for the deck or should it be built somewhere else?
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
ZONING
- What are your thoughts on the city council's decision to rezone six acres of farmland at the Ponds of Hobson West?
- What is your philosophy on zoning changes to suit developments?
- Do you support rezoning the Edward Hospital Campus into a planned unit development? If so, why? If not, why not?
- What is your position on the Edward Hospital rezoning? Should the proposed South Addition to the hospital's main campus be "grandfathered"?
PERSONAL
- Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in this office?
- For incumbents and non-incumbents: If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
Answers:
Do you favor electing councilmen by districts or wards?
Naperville has dramatically grown in population and size; the question of whether to change to representation by districts/wards has been raised and should be considered.
Public input must be an integral part of the decision making process. This mandates ensuring that council members are not only accessible to, but actively seek out the involvement of the community – this is a fundamental element of my candidacy.
The research I have done to date leads me to believe “at large” provides the opportunity for each member of the community to reach out to any and all city council members. I believe council members are obligated to listen, respond, and educate themselves on not just one area of Naperville, but all of Naperville.
In order to make decisions for the entire city – council members must be in touch with and committed to our entire city, not a specific area or interest group. Our city has relied on a master plan as a tool to encourage a cohesive community. While I believe we must update our Master Plan, including the sector plans, to ensure their effectiveness, I believe “at large” firmly supports such an approach.
I have also heard suggested that district/ward representation might make approaching a council member easier (i.e. more personal, knowledge that council member is specific to local area, and /or council member may be have a greater understanding or interest in an area). While this is inconsistent with my personal experiences, I respect that others have expressed this sentiment.
I and our City highly value public input. If the people do not believe they can communicate with City Council, we should first determine why this perception exists and what steps we might take to improve it. If no better alternative can be found then by all means we should offer our community the opportunity to voice their preference via a referendum.
I encourage and actively seek input from the community to ensure a well-informed and well-balanced perspective.
What method would you employ to appoint citizens to commissions and boards?
I believe the best interests of Naperville are served if the appointment/selection of citizens to our commissions and boards are by the entire council. Council as a whole relies on the information and advice generated by these entities.
Naperville’s commissions and boards should have a balance of volunteers. Ideally, this balance should include professionals with direct expertise in the area; community members directly impacted by the types of issues considered by the board/commission (i.e. Transportation Advisory Board: a train commuter and the stay-at-home parent shuttling kids around the city); and community members who expressed an avid interest who may not receive direct impact but bring an additional perspective to the table.
I believe the selection process must consider the balance. Vacancies must be filled swiftly. By having all council members involved in the entire process, council members can encourage and reach out to constituents asking for their involvement based upon prior experience or interest in related matters. The council as a whole bases many of their decisions on the information and advice provided by our boards/commissions; it makes sense to have the entire council involved from the beginning.
The appointments should be made if the consensus is the appointee “wants” to do the job; will be mindful that the decisions made do impact the community; and we have verified that the candidate has entered into the process knowing the time and effort needed is demanding and requires a commitment. For these reasons, I believe it is in the appointee’s best interest and the best interest of Naperville to place a term duration of a year, possibly two (2), which is renewable at both parties’ option.
Community involvement is what makes Naperville thrive.
Provide examples how you brought about efficiencies and reduce the size of government?
While I have yet to have the opportunity to act on behalf of the residents of Naperville, I am proud of the tremendous breath and depth of resources in Naperville that are and could be focused on serving the community.
I look forward to actively fostering improved communications and coordinating those resources to ensure we are capitalizing on the respective strengths. Active involvement and volunteerism of our community aid in the reduction and efficiency of our government.
I will focus on the responsibilities and priorities of Naperville (public safety, development, utilities, maintenance, and finance). Make certain the basics are covered – ensure our city personnel excel, provide the tools to do the job, and retain our staff. This is what we “need” to do. I will also focus on building partnerships and finding other ways to reduce when and where we can. I’d like to see us get back to the basics.
What do you think about the current Nichols Library policy that allows users unfiltered access to view such things as pornography, etc.?
I believe this statement and question does not accurately represent the policy of the Naperville Public Library and specifically our Nichols location.
Our exceptional library encourages users to access the internet and to enjoy our federally protected rights.
That being said, the library offers public access computers. To use these computers, patrons must sign an agreement (Policy No. 255). Policy No. 255 offers 3 levels of filtering when accessing the internet:
- Unfiltered (not available in Children’s Services Departments)
- Level 1 filtering (materials obscene/pornographic/deemed harmful to minors blocked) lowest filtering level provided
- Level 2 filtering (in addition to Level 1 blocking prohibits access to Chat Rooms, Instant Messaging, Email & Websites devoted to hacking information) highest filtering level provided
Adults may chose their own level of access, a parent or guardian is required to sign the agreement for patrons under 18 and choose the level of access. As a policy – all computers located in the Children Services Departments are set to Level 2 Filtering – the highest level provided. The Naperville Public Library is safeguarding our children.
I support the Naperville Public Library Internet User Policy No. 255. I believe this policy balances individual rights with safeguards in place for our kids. The Naperville Public Library is also safeguarding our individual rights. While “pornography” has been mentioned; we, as a society, have gone to great lengths to assure our freedom of speech. The internet is one mode of expressing that freedom of speech.
How do you propose to enforce the proposed smoking ban?
If and when a smoking ban is approved by Council, the enforcement is two-fold.
The first is to educate the public about the new ordinance: what is permitted and what is prohibited.
Second, our ordinances are typically complaint based. There has not been discussion or the suggestion to deviate from this process. The consensus to date has been the anticipation that the existence of the regulation itself along with the greater social pressure will encourage compliance.
Do you believe the special event and cultural amenities funds are being properly allocated? If so, please explain why. If not, what changes would you propose?
Allocations from the SECA Fund are based upon the City Manager's recommendations and the guidelines of the Fund, and require a Council majority decision. I believe the intent of the SECA Fund is beneficial to Naperville. I believe the Fund promotes interrelationships, allowing us to support organizations that enhance our community while promoting non-governmental initiatives. I also believe that there should be specific criteria which must be met to receive funding, and the criteria should be continually re-evaluated. I would like the "Eligible Events or Projects" guidelines tightened to ensure that the funding provided will directly contribute a measurable benefit to the community, and so Naperville may continue to assist with events/programs which enhance our community.
Should the city legislate the business mix in downtown, i.e. restaurants vs. retail shops vs. locally-owned retailers? Why or why not?
I am not a proponent of unnecessary legislation. The downtown area is market-driven. I have witnessed other communities' downtowns suffer/fail due in part to lack of a balanced business mix. My research and discussions to date show that the "ideal" is to have an appropriate mix of complimentary businesses and that planning is key. I believe the tools/mechanisms to promote such a mix are already available and could be better utilized, including such things as parking requirements, build-out limitations, etc. It is not uncommon for Naperville to use incentives to attract larger commercial development; we could use similar incentives to attract a targeted business type. Such incentives could also be utilized to "maintain" current types of businesses. We could apply this throughout our city to ensure we have an appropriate business mix in all our commercial areas.
Do you support Edward Hospital's expansion?
Of course I support Edward Hospital. I entrust my and my family's healthcare to Edward Hospital. I, like most of this community, rely upon Edward to not only to meet our healthcare needs but also to provide us with the highest quality of healthcare and to be accessible. None of us want our accessibility to healthcare restricted.
I have and will continue to support Edward Hospital in their request to provide accessible quality healthcare in Plainfield. I firmly believe there is an absolute need for a hospital in this area.
My personal experience supports my conviction. I previously resided in an area which would be served by this proposed hospital. I have rushed to the hospital only to be caught in traffic. A trip to the hospital about 10 years ago only took 5 minutes – it would take much longer now – 20 minutes if lucky. My family has been sent elsewhere for hospitalization because there were no beds available at Edward Hospital. I also live in close approximately to Edward Hospital and am well aware of the medical demands placed on our hospital.
There is an ever increasing demand for accessible quality healthcare upon Edward. When Edward determines that the needs have become too great and additional hospital beds are needed, we should support Edward when they apply to the State for approval.
What is the City doing to protect electric utility customers from a significant increase in rates?
Our City has diligently and proactively negotiated purchase of electric at a rate much lower than if electric purchased on the open market. The City negotiated this purchase for a period of four (4) years.
Furthermore, the City recently joined IMEA (Illinois Municipal Electric Agency). The goal of our alliance within IMEA is to benefit from economies of scale and rate stabilization. Naperville is taking a forward thinking approach and strategically planning for approximately 30 years into our future to assure our needs will be met. Not only is our City aggressively protecting our wallets in the immediate future, the City is also protecting our wallets for the long term.
In addition, the City has taken the initiative to offer the community an alternative mode of energy – the Renewable Energy Program; electricity generated from natural resources that will never be depleted or release harmful pollution into the air.
Importantly, the City is in the process of updating and improving our electric infrastructure which should improve the efficiency of getting the utility into our homes/businesses and improving the reliability of the service.
Lower rates are great – but getting the service through efficient and reliable means is also imperative and increases our savings!
The City imposed a 1% restaurant tax for the purpose of funding the so called “Culture Fund”. Did you originally support this tax and if so what was your justification? Are you in favor of continuing this tax?
The SECA or “Cultural” Fund has helped provide our community with many programs/events which are intended to enhance our quality of life and encourage citywide celebrations of the community and cultural opportunities. Without the SECA Fund many organizations would not be able to provide these opportunities in Naperville. The funding also aids in enhancing the “character” of Naperville. Examples are the Fourth of July fireworks, our parades, and the Fine Art Fair.
My research and discussions regarding the SECA Fund have shown that while there are requirements/guidelines as to how and to whom funds can be disbursed, it is at the discretion of City Council based on City Staff recommendations and past disbursements.
My discussions with residents throughout Naperville have shown that there is dissatisfaction with the “Cultural Fund”, the consensus I have received is that it is/has been used as a “Slush Fund” and residents are not happy.
I believe the intent of the SECA Fund is beneficial to Naperville. However I would like to see better defined guidelines put in place so Naperville may continue to assist with events/programs which enhance our community. I believe this will promote interrelationships; we can support organizations that will meet the needs and wants of the community; and promote private instead of governmental initiatives.
There should be specific criteria which must be met. I would like to see the “Eligible Events or Projects” guidelines tightened to assure the funding provided will directly provide a measurable benefit to the community.
I believe the SECA Fund must be under strict scrutiny as it falls under that fine line of what is a “want” and what is a “need”, and whether it is appropriate for our government to pay for it.
The Council agreed to fund the Carillon/Moser Tower after the private funding dried up. What was your position on the City making this project a public responsibility?
The Carillon/Moser Tower placed Naperville in a challenging position. The project was anticipated to be an enhancement to Naperville and an additional attraction for the community to enjoy. There were significant private donations/contributions, which I would assume (I was not involved in this project) led the Millennium Carillon Foundation to believe adequate funding could be raised. Unfortunately full funding did not occur.
I did not support this project being built as a public responsibility using our tax money.
It is my understanding that many factors came into consideration when Council contemplated overtaking this responsibility.
- The project’s location on City property
- The impact if left uncompleted
- The perception that the public supported the project
- The repercussions to other entities if the City did not step in.
These are all relevant factors which needed to be considered.
My concern is the precedence that may have been set by “bailing out” private organizations/groups when things don’t go as planned. Our City dollars are limited, by assuming this project, monies which would have been allocated elsewhere must now be allocated for the completion and maintenance of this project.
I believe we can learn and improve from this endeavor. We need better assurances that projects such as the Carillon are not commenced without reasonable and reliable data that they can and will be achieved, and to ensure safeguards are in place to mitigate the potential impacts to the community if they are not achieved.
Discussion is underway regarding the construction of the new parking facility at the Nichols Library. Should taxpayers fund all of the cost, create a Special Service Area or another funding source?
Funding of the parking facility should come from those that benefit from the facility. Taxpayers will be paying for the facility; it is “how” that needs to be decided:
- Any City funding comes from tax money
- Any funding from debt obligations or increasing a specific tax is based on tax money
- Any Special Service Area (SSA) is essentially a “tax” to the business owner and property owner
Good business sense would have been to determine the funding prior to the design. I believe we have “put the cart in front of the horse”. We’ve basically said: this is what we think we want; maximize it for us; add needed washrooms; and give us the design and cost –then we’ll figure out paying for it.
The options discussed to date are: City funding (bond/debt obligation); additional 1% Food & Beverage Tax; taking the current 1% Food & Beverage Tax from the Downtown Naperville area from SECA; creating a new SSA; another option is to charge a fee in the garage.
The question of who benefits from the project must be answered. Is it the businesses in the downtown core – consumers can park more conveniently and will be more apt to spend money (commerce profits and remains in the area)? Are there specific types of businesses which require additional parking for consumers? Is it the Library which needs the parking for its patrons and employees? Or is it the City as a whole – convenient parking alleviating consumers concerns of lack of parking, encourages and promotes usage of the central business district (consumers dine, shop and are entertained which in turn sends tax money to our City and creates a broader tax base)?
My experience is that it is one thing to “want” something and even to “need” something but when it comes to paying for something that is when the true “wants” and “needs” are determined.
To create a SSA for funding also raises concerns – the downtown area has witnessed many businesses closing their doors. My research indicates that many have closed due to the costs of doing business downtown. What impact will another SSA have the remaining and future businesses?
I believe we are putting too much focus on the Nichols location. I have discussed this with numerous residents, I have had meetings with various City staff members, I have done and am continuing to do research, and I have reviewed the Executive Summary of the draft Downtown Parking Site Feasibility and Financing Study. It is projected that there will be a shortage of 700-850 spaces. Alleviating the parking concerns in the downtown area will most likely require more than one location. The Central Facility tops the list however due to the vast number of lost spaces which would occur during this project, it was not the first location to be undertaken.
This is the location where we should focus maximizing available space and get the most bang for our buck! By focusing on the Central Facility:
- Current inefficiencies could be addressed
- Sheer size and location offers the best utilization of maximum spaces
- Ability to be renovated as high as surrounding buildings while maintaining the downtown character
- Most flexibility and least impact on residential neighborhoods.
Additionally, development currently underway in the surrounding area will most likely be drawing consumers to our downtown; the Central location is in close proximity for convenient parking promoting multi-use of our downtown – shop, dine, and be entertained and parked conveniently!
The “partnering” options increase and could aid in the benefit received and the contributions made.
Let’s step back; refocus; and plan for the future so we can get the most bang for our buck with the least impact to our residents and the most beneficial to the community.
What are your thoughts on the proposed parking deck at Nichols Library? Is it a good site for the deck or should it be built somewhere else?
I believe we are putting too much focus on the Nichols location. It is anticipated that more than one location will be necessary to meet the projected need for parking. My research indicates the Central Facility (Chicago Avenue) is the location where we should focus on maximizing available space to get the most bang for our buck. The advantages of focusing on the Central Facility are: current inefficiencies could be addressed; size and location offer best utilization of maximum spaces; ability to renovate as high as surrounding buildings while maintaining the downtown character; and the most flexibility and least impact on residential neighborhoods. Let's step back, refocus, and plan for the future so we can get the most bang for our buck with the least impact to our residents and the most benefit to the community.
One of the Council’s goals for this year is to promote “affordable housing” in Naperville. How do you envision this occurring?
I believe we all want and need affordable housing. To promote “affordable housing” in Naperville we need to define it. What is “affordable housing”?
- Are we promoting specific dollar amount?
- Are we promoting specific housing size?
- Are we promoting specific housing type?
- Are we promoting specific housing locations?
I believe we need diversity in available housing. Naperville is best served if quality housing is available at various costs and sizes for renters and home-owners alike.
Recently a group of local religious leaders along with representatives of other entities requested a meeting with Council (a workshop) to openly discuss affordable housing. This is a great step to take to help define affordable housing and to communicate concerns, offer suggestions and gain a perspective of what may be needed by the community. Many such discussions should occur to gain as much input as possible.
After we define affordable housing, we need to determine what makes housing unaffordable and what steps can we as a community take to make our housing affordable?
Communication and strategic planning are essential. Patience and the understanding that there is no “quick fix” must be acknowledged.
What are your thoughts on the city council's decision to rezone six acres of farmland at the Ponds of Hobson West?
I do not agree with the decision to rezone the 6 acres at the Ponds of Hobson West from single-family residential to multi-family residential. I firmly believe there must be a compelling reason to change zoning. At the meetings I attended and in the discussions I have had, I did not hear a compelling reason to deviate from the planned zoning. Additionally, a vast number of residents and the Planning Commission did not agree with the higher density zoning change. My focus is on the development and redevelopment of the entire City. We need to reevaluate and update our Master Plan and not deviate from the Plan unless there is a compelling reason. We need to determine the best uses of "fill-in" development by considering "intensity of use", impact on surrounding community, and maintaining the character of the surrounding area.
What is your philosophy on zoning changes to suit developments?
Any zoning change should be in Naperville's best interests. Developments should suit Naperville, not the other way around. Ours is a thriving, desirable community and we need to make decisions which ensure that continues. Zoning determinations have been based in part upon the foreseeable community needs (i.e. public safety and services, education, quality of life enhancements). Requests for zoning changes should carefully consider the potentially positive and negative impacts to both the surrounding area and the community as a whole; to the precedence a change sets; and to the future impact it may have. If a change is made – do we need to compensate for it and if so, how and where will that compensation be made. There must be a compelling reason to change zoning.
Do you support rezoning the Edward Hospital Campus into a planned unit development? If so, why? If not, why not?
A "Health Services District" (HSD) zoning designation would be more appropriate than a PUD designation. City Staff proposed an HSD zoning designation which addresses zoning issues more in keeping with campus-style development. The goal of HSD is to "acknowledge the unique relationship between the high intensity mixed use nature of the Hospital Campus and the surrounding residential and transportation land uses". Edward's campus is unique: it is relatively large (approx. 55 acres); development has been limited by State guidelines and requirements; and it has experienced tremendous growth in demand for its services. The proposed HSD specifically addresses this uniqueness; it considers the additional regulatory process which must be undertaken and it does not overly burden or hamper the hospital's efforts to meet our needs. The "Health Services District" appears to be the most consistent rezoning option in balancing the needs of our community.
What is your position on the Edward Hospital rezoning? Should the proposed South Addition to the hospital's main campus be "grandfathered"?
I support the City Staff's recommended Health Services District zoning designation for the Edward Hospital Campus. I believe this option most balances the needs of our hospital with the needs of the community. It is also sensitive to the uniqueness of the hospital regulatory process.
Similar to any other large scale development, I believe the proposed South Addition should seek approval under the guidelines of its zoning designation. This should not and can not be a long drawn out process which would be disadvantageous to both Edward and to Naperville. The basis for the Health Services District is to provide efficient movement through the development process. I believe this process will ensure that both Naperville and Edward are aware of and prepared for the impacts large scale development such as this will have on the community and work collaboratively to ensure our needs are being met. It also provides for public input from the community.
Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in this office?
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 specific block. Naperville is my (and our) present and future. I believe in getting involved, and impacting them both. My motivation and priorities are: 1) to be a voice of the people – to actively seek input from the community to ensure a well-informed, well-balanced perspective so that decisions can be made which represent what Naperville wants for Naperville; 2) the development and redevelopment of our entire city – we need to reevaluate and update our Master Plan; determine the best uses of "fill-in" development; and foster a cohesive sense of community throughout our entire city; 3) to ensure responsible spending of our City dollars.
For incumbents and non-incumbents: If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
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 (schools, park district, entertainment, etc.) and as a stay-at-home mother, who drives our roads and who shops, dines and is in Naperville all of the time – I am well aware of Naperville because I am Naperville. I have a vested interest in ensuring Naperville is a great community for all ages and life stages. I also am committed to actively seeking input from the community, and taking a hands on approach. To make decisions which 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.