Park Ridge Fourth Ward Candidates Talk Top Priorities

We asked Park Ridge aldermanic candidates about their backgrounds, qualifications, plans if elected and more in election questionnaires.

J.B. Johnson and Roger Shubert are running for Fourth Ward Alderman of Park Ridge.

The aldermanic candidates answered the question, what would your priorities be if elected to this office?, with the responses below. Check out the complete questionnaire for each candidate by clicking on his or her name.

J.B. Johnson:

1. Safety:

• Take a second at the fire department needs, their continued request for updated equipment necessary to deliver the best, up-to-date and emergency medical service possible to the residents of Park Ridge that should be the best; residents safety and medical needs should be a priority.
• Take a second look at the police department needs and continued request for updated funding for operational demands which are of importance to safety. One example: the red light camera continued project promotes safety; a law enforcement tool necessary at the city’s dangerous intersections, serving as a surveillance tool and enforcing accountability to violators (to actual receive several cameras at these dangerous intersections require maneuvers officials are hesitant to take on and may consider it not worth the agony; J.B. believes citizens of Park Ridge are worth it. J.B. Johnson resides at the second most dangerous intersection in the Fourth Ward at Dee and Touhy, just witnessed another accident at this intersection the other day. J.B. and her spouse have almost been hit while taking walks at that intersection by motorists who opt not to stop first, then turn on red as required and should be held accountable. While the city benefits from violators; J.B. would like to see a more productive revenue intake.

2. Economic stability for future generations:

• TIF reform; my solution is to immediately initiate a three-step financial plan to save the city, residents and their children who are the future of a financial burden. J.B. is uncertain as to the effectiveness of the annual approval of the abatement ordinance, which is a major dance partner in the general fund, budget dance circle we all are indebted to. My belief is if this were phased out, and the authoritative body (Cook taxes collector – the treasurer) could intervene, collect the TIF debt and disclose to residents.
• What to expect, they can plan accordingly for the future and have the TIF item removed from the budget dance circle as a silent partner hidden from all of us.
• The general fund would then be paid in a 10-15 year period; visibly reflected on the tax bill so residents can see how it varies over the years reflecting progress or its failure and this transparency should be had across the board. Further, if the TIF if refinanced (a kick the can down the road solution), it will be an extension of the debt and property taxes will drastically increase, with my vision it would only increase at the average rate or one percent above. J.B. would not be in favor of any huge tax increase more than a percent above the standard; at present J.B. believes future increases should be frozen for the next two fiscal years.

How (presence in the community):

• By involvement.
• My flexibility, my availability and schedule on my terms makes it possible to resolve.
• Core issues of concern on a level citizens would benefit substantially from.
• Utilizing the skills set acquired through years and years of training; motivated to aggressively continue to task until the job is done.

3. Zoning Committee:

• Taking a second look at the Zoning Committee
• Disclosing to a potential business what to expect, in order not to alienate new retailers into not coming to Park Ridge presenting them with a welcome package, including what it takes to settle into a business here and the process.
• In addition to disclosing strict Zoning requirements to maintain a business prior to commitments.
• Encourage an open dialogue plan - liaison to new business owners needing enlightenment so they can be successful without feeling left out or singled out. With an effective public relations plan in force would open the retail community door and others would follow and look to Park Ridge as a retail-friendly place to be like neighboring cities.

Roger Shubert:

• Fiscal responsibility when assessing city spending priorities.
• Attract appropriate small businesses to generate revenue by promoting economic development.
• Address the Uptown TIF Fund and ways to improve the financial burden on the city and on taxpayers.
• Serve as an advocate for community concerns over O’Hare expansion plans for new runways.