Charles Mueller: Candidate for Alderman in the 7th Ward

Campaign Information
www.CharlesMueller.com
charles7th@comcast.net

Family: Wife, Kelly, for 21 years; sons, Drew, 18, and Elliot, 15; and daughter, Melissa, 8

Education: BA, Economics, NIU-DeKalb; Real Estate Managing Brokers License

Occupation: I own the bakery on Spring Road (to re-open soon) and run a commercial real estate business in town. I’m 100 percent vested in Elmhurst with investments, work, family, friends and charitable community involvement. Over 25 years experience providing occupancy cost reduction strategies to corporate CEOs and presidents.

Civic Involvement: YMCA basketball coach; AYSO soccer coach; Medinah Shriner; Elmhurst Elks member #1531; Visitation fathers club, lector, usher; York Booster.

Why are you seeking office? 

I am running for alderman with a clear and positive plan to protect home values, ensure safe and secure neighborhoods and put taxpayers first. I’m excited about the opportunity to give back to the community and accelerate the fixing of flood and electrical problems in the 7th Ward.

What will be your highest priority if elected?

Do a thorough review of all the proposed projects planned in the ward. Any planned work pertaining to mitigating flooding should move to the highest priority level. I really worry when rainy season approaches.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Institutional knowledge, coupled with a combination of experience and insight. I work with CEOs and presidents of companies every day, so I have deep business experience solving big problems. I am action- and results-driven by nature.

Consultants suggest most of the city’s flooding and sewer problems require fixes at individual residences. Homeowners may resist, especially if there is a cost. How do you propose getting that done?

Any reasonable person should be highly suspicious of any “newly” created flood issues that never existed the past 50 years. It’s obvious and apparent there is a problem with the crumbling infrastructure. As a matter of principle, the city should help residents with flooding and sewer issues. I propose helping residents through a cost sharing plan, 75 percent city, 25 percent resident. Although the new wet weather forced main work is appreciated, we need to address the storm water management side to handle the 50-100 year events.

Elmhurst has four TIF districts now and two more proposed. Do you agree with TIF decisions made thus far (creating TIF 4, moving Hahn St., etc.) and do you support moving forward with TIFs 5 and 6? What other methods of increasing development do you favor?

I would not have included “Hahn Street” in TIF 4. That’s another 23 years of lost increased revenues to all other taxing bodies. No to creating TIF 5 for lack of business interest and no to TIF 6 which is in a flood plain. Let market-based solutions work. Ninety-five percent of all recent new redevelopment in the city are now in TIF districts. Imagine how low our taxes would be without TIFs.

What is Elmhurst missing that you would like to see?

Missing is vision, accountability and real leadership on the City Council. We need to restore the taxpayers' trust, stop the cronyism culture and stop the backroom deal-making. Open, honest and good government is what is missing as well, based on recent news reports.

Taxpayers will be your toughest critics, in large part because you’re spending their money. Elmhurst has a lot of informed, outspoken citizens. How will you connect with them to address their concerns?

One of the most important skills I possess is the ability to see things from the other person’s point of view. The more citizen input, the better. It’s good to listen, learn and understand other points of view contrary to your own.

Should Elmhurst allow backyard chicken coops?

I would need to learn more about the chicken coop proposal. Not sure if chickens get along with cats, dogs or skunks.

What other message do you really want to get across to Elmhurst voters? Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

I am the people’s choice for 7th Ward alderman. I will get the job done. Period.  I have very high energy and insist on getting things accomplished.