Each year we meet with local residents to determine what issues to work on for the coming year. Last year we published a list of our top ten issues. Below is an update of our progress on those issues during the past year, as well as a look ahead.

Policy to control speeding on our residential streets: Instituted a residential area anti-speeding campaign and provided our police with new technologies such as the stealth radar device to help in their efforts.

Form a task force in order to further the beautification of Highland Park: Mayor Belsky has formed the Highland Park Beautification task force in the first three months of his administration, to work on the streetscape.

Enhance the online presence of our local government: I have advocated providing residents quick and easy internet access to our schools, park district programs and other community activities and have worked to make Highland Park take a leadership roll in gathering together community information and providing it to our residents in an easy and functional manner. I drafted a new Internet activity position paper and have received City Council approval for the program; additionally, the City is now implementing a new system that will allow resident to view their accounts and pay bills on line.

Help solve the parking problems in our core business district: We constructed a new double deck downtown parking area that will add the needed capacity without building a large multi level garage.

Protect the architectural integrity of our community: At my urging, we have continued to pass ordinances that limit the bulk and density of our community. We have also established the new RM1A district that protects our border residential area from massive development.

Preserve more open space in order to enhance our quality of life: I am proud to have worked on the purchase of the “38 Acres” between Half Day Road and Park Avenue with tremendous financial support from the State and the County.

Work aggressively to invest in our infrastructure, streets, sewers and sanitation: We have passed new laws protecting homeowners from infill construction, doubled our funding for our maintenance and new construction of our sewer and storm water management systems.

Aggressively lobby to lower property taxes in Highland Park: Together with other council members, I am working with our Rep. May and Sen. Garrett on a bill that would help prevent dramatic increases in our property taxes.

Enable more civil servants to live in Highland Park, especially members of the Police and Fire Departments: I have worked aggressively to modify the ordinance on affordable housing in order to create a super superior classification to provide funding for both Highland Park residents as well as Highland Park civil servants, including teachers.

I am quite encouraged by the progress made on these issues, but there is still much important work to be done. Here is my agenda for the coming months.

• Storm Water Management to reduce flooding for residents
• Water Treatment Plant Enhancement for drinking water quality
• Partnership with our Police Department and a smooth transition for our new Police Chief, Mr. Paul Scaffer
• Physical improvement of our streets and sidewalks
• Expansion of the Telecommunication Commission’s responsibilities to include Internet activities
• Maintaining our Aaa bond rating by working with local businesses to help build our sales tax base
• Lobbying efforts with the State of Illinois to provide relief from our exurbanite property tax increases
• Enhancing public safety by effectively controlling traffic in residential areas
• Building our Greenways plan for the city in order to provide safe and efficient means of traveling around Highland Park on foot or by bicycle.

One of my top concerns remains providing affordable housing for retired residents of Highland Park who want to remain in our community but cannot afford the tremendous tax increases.