Issues

Stormwater Management

As the past Chairman of the City Council’s Public Works Subcommittee, I am keenly aware that flooding of residences and businesses has exposed unacceptable limitations in our stormwater management system. Attempts at identifying connections between the storm and sanitary systems have failed to correct existing cross contamination issues.  The economic consequences for homeowners and businesses are substantial.  Neighborhoods are not uniformly affected resulting in concerns from some residents about second class status with regard to infrastructure prioritization. 

While I recognize the excellent major projects that have recently been completed to alleviate some of the town’s flooding hotspots, I would establish a committee of properly selected participants, similar to the Fire Vision 2020 Committee, to examine the issue in depth with a goal of providing the city with actionable intelligence to define and institute short, intermediate, and long-term plans for cost-effective remediation. 

It is essential that residents and businesses see and feel movement on this issue and that is why on Day 1 of taking office I will act to establish the 2021 Stormwater Management Committee.

Public Safety

Another important issue impacting our residents is Public Safety.  Most residents are aware that there has been an increase in car thefts and burglaries, particularly against our residents near Highway 41, Waukegan road and the Tollway. Our Police Department is excellent in responding to and successfully investigating these crimes.  They have started installing new technology around our city to scan license plates and proactively identify stolen cars (the preferred mode of transportation for the criminals) as they enter Lake Forest. 

Unfortunately, our State’s Attorney in Waukegan, who was supported by my opponent, has repeatedly declined to prosecute many of the suspects that our detectives have charged with these and other crimes. I plan to work closely with the city staff, the Police Department and the Lake Forest Police Foundation to identify and implement additional technology, as well as enhanced community education campaigns, to ensure that Lake Forest becomes a less appealing target for criminals.

Another public safety concern is the notable increase in mental health related incidents within Lake Forest since the pandemic.  Lake Forest has been a leader in addressing this issue, with our long standing CROYA organization, and the recent addition of a full time Social Worker to the Police Department.  

However, I anticipate more resources may need to be added in the near future, and I will work with the City Council to ensure that this critical community support system is properly funded and staffed during my term.

Development

As current Chairman of the Committee to revise the comprehensive plan for our East Central Business District, I am acutely aware of the need to engage in thoughtful planning with a diverse set of stakeholders (Historical Preservation Commission, downtown business owners, residents, and developers) to ensure our East and West Central Business Districts meet the needs of our longer term residents and our newer residents who now live in the 1,300 households which have changed hands over the last two years. 

Thoughtful discussions and planning will be required to meet the needs of the future, while preserving what has made Lake Forest special in the past.  Along these lines, I commit to forming a committee with the aforementioned stakeholders to review all of our community development ordinances to strengthen our vital Historic Preservation Commission and look for additional ways to foster growth and vitality, while maintaining the historic character of our City.  I will invite Art Miller, Susan Athenson (President of the Lake Forest Historical Foundation), developers, and selected citizens who care about the long term interests of Lake Forest to join a new committee, Lake Forest 2030, to do this important work.