Election 2013 Candidate: David McCarty

Name: David McCarty

Position Sought: Village of La Grange Trustee

Campaign Contact Information: www.KeepLaGrangeWorking.org / dave4lagrange@sbcglobal.net / 708 574 1045

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: As our Village edges towards 150 years old we must remain focused to keep our infrastructure working. The Board must be diligent in reviewing life expectancies, life cycle costs and wear data on every component of our infrastructure; water lines, sewers, power & telephone lines, etc. to ensure we maximize their useful life without passing obsolete components on to future generations. We must also be constantly vigilant for grants & other funding opportunities that help us repair or replace dilapidated components.

Home Address: 600 South Madison Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525

Family Members:

Wife, Dorothy married 30 years
3 adult children, Nora, Patrick & Kevin, All graduates of L.T.H.S.

Education:

University of Illinois at Urbana
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 1979

Current Occupation and Employer:

Managing Pricipal & founder of Chicago Design Network an Architecture firm specializing in corporate planning, design and real estate strategies. 1985 - present.
Village service:
5 yrs., Heritage & Architecture Commission
10 yrs., Chairman of the Design Review Committee
10 yrs., Plan Commission.
Ad hoc Committee for the Design of the Parking Garage
Ad hoc Committee for Design Review for the Triangle Project
Ad hoc Committee for the Development of Streetscape Standards

Political Party Affiliation:

Citizens for La Grange - Supports the candidacy of Mark Langan, Bill Holder and David McCarty for Village Trustee, John Burns for Village Clerk and Tom Livingston for Village President.
Citizens' Council of La Grange Recommended

Why are you seeking office?: I am an architect, business owner and longtime resident. Through my work on various Village commissions and committees I have worked to streamline codes and reduce approval times for residents & businesses, while also maintaining a strong voice for our historic village character and open spaces. It is a better town now than it was 29 years ago. I would like to help make sure the Village continues to be a vibrant, affordable, diverse and welcoming community to which my children can return. As a Trustee, I will work with residents and businesses to make sure we Keep La Grange Working.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?: As Chairman of the Design Review Commission, I worked to simplify the processes for sign and façade improvements resulting in faster approvals at a lower cost to business owners. By presenting a strong voice for public space while on the Committee for the Design of the Parking Garage the resulting fountain plaza has become the social hub of Downtown La Grange. Business and Village Leadership must move forward together to keep our unique spirit working.

What are the other issues you plan to address in this position, and how?: To ensure we Keep La Grange Working we must be vigilant in maintaining the vitality, diversity and generosity of spirit that defines our Village character. Our community must remain accessible for young families. Our businesses must provide a range of products to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers. As we look to develop the next pieces of La Grange, such as the Y.M.C.A. property or various Village owned downtown parcels, we must ensure that these developments are consistent with our long-term goals.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign: My wife Dorothy & I have 3 children that are graduates of L.T.H.S. We are both graduates of University of Illinois at Urbana, with B.S., Architecture. Our home in La Grange is the only home we have ever owned. I am founding principal and managing partner for Chicago Design Network an Architecture firm providing services for Fortune 500 companies across North America. Village service includes 5 yrs., Heritage & Architecture Commission; 10 yrs., Chairman of the Design Review Committee; 10 yrs., Plan Commission.

See also:

Election 2013: Village of La Grange Board