Candidate Name:
Mike Strick
Why are you running for Naperville City Council?
Civic duty is something I believe in. As my children grew up in Naperville I was very involved and a presence in their everyday lives. I volunteered with their many athletic endeavors. I fell I am a person who will look out for the little guy. I always stuck up for the person being bullied because as a child I was bullied. I hope I can make decisions based on common sense everyday experiences.
I want to be a fiscal watchdog with your money and will always ask the hard financial questions. I also care deeply for the seniors who are being priced out of their homes by our ever increasing taxes and fees for basic services. I want to see fiscal transparency, debt reduction, increased public safety, and thoughtful economic development.
What is your position on defining legal source of income to include vouchers? Can you address the issue especially with respect to the effect on private landlords and property managers?
I believe that a voucher system for single family residents’ homes is intrusive. I do not support the city ordinance and many people that I have talked with were incredulous and unaware. This is where transparency from the elected officials making the decisions for such an ordinance needs to be explained. An ordinance with such gravitas needs to go to a referendum and must be approved by the masses not on the beliefs of 4 individuals. This ordinance affects all citizens of Naperville.
We continue to hear and read more about the City of Naperville and its efforts to redevelop the 5th Avenue property. What are your views on this redevelopment as it relates to: 1) redevelopment mix (residential, retail, business, entertainment & parking for downtown), 2) What role the City of Naperville should play in terms of financing (sale of bonds, TIF funds, tax incentives, etc).
The biggest concern with many residents is parking. Many hundreds of people want to park at 5th Ave station and the waiting list is 5 years out. Let’s relieve the parking issue first. I feel the mix for this area needs to incorporate, parking, walk up retail, and high rise residential. I cannot envision entertainment at this moment due to parking restraints for rail commuters and walk up business. This project needs thoughtful planning.
Naperville has just completed the water street project and I feel we need to step back for a short period of time and get this project right before pouring in funds. Time is on our side and many developers have a watchful eye on our city due to our disposable income. Parking at 5th Ave is the key to the successful build out. Let’s get it right!!
What is your judgment on the consolidation of township services and/or the potential for greater government consolidation?
Consolidation in government is something I advocate. There are many redundancies in government. I am all for reducing the foot print and size of government. If the needs of Naperville want more enhanced services we need to reduce the size of government to have the funds available.
Mike Strick
Why are you running for Naperville City Council?
Civic duty is something I believe in. As my children grew up in Naperville I was very involved and a presence in their everyday lives. I volunteered with their many athletic endeavors. I fell I am a person who will look out for the little guy. I always stuck up for the person being bullied because as a child I was bullied. I hope I can make decisions based on common sense everyday experiences.
I want to be a fiscal watchdog with your money and will always ask the hard financial questions. I also care deeply for the seniors who are being priced out of their homes by our ever increasing taxes and fees for basic services. I want to see fiscal transparency, debt reduction, increased public safety, and thoughtful economic development.
What is your position on defining legal source of income to include vouchers? Can you address the issue especially with respect to the effect on private landlords and property managers?
I believe that a voucher system for single family residents’ homes is intrusive. I do not support the city ordinance and many people that I have talked with were incredulous and unaware. This is where transparency from the elected officials making the decisions for such an ordinance needs to be explained. An ordinance with such gravitas needs to go to a referendum and must be approved by the masses not on the beliefs of 4 individuals. This ordinance affects all citizens of Naperville.
We continue to hear and read more about the City of Naperville and its efforts to redevelop the 5th Avenue property. What are your views on this redevelopment as it relates to: 1) redevelopment mix (residential, retail, business, entertainment & parking for downtown), 2) What role the City of Naperville should play in terms of financing (sale of bonds, TIF funds, tax incentives, etc).
The biggest concern with many residents is parking. Many hundreds of people want to park at 5th Ave station and the waiting list is 5 years out. Let’s relieve the parking issue first. I feel the mix for this area needs to incorporate, parking, walk up retail, and high rise residential. I cannot envision entertainment at this moment due to parking restraints for rail commuters and walk up business. This project needs thoughtful planning.
Naperville has just completed the water street project and I feel we need to step back for a short period of time and get this project right before pouring in funds. Time is on our side and many developers have a watchful eye on our city due to our disposable income. Parking at 5th Ave is the key to the successful build out. Let’s get it right!!
What is your judgment on the consolidation of township services and/or the potential for greater government consolidation?
Consolidation in government is something I advocate. There are many redundancies in government. I am all for reducing the foot print and size of government. If the needs of Naperville want more enhanced services we need to reduce the size of government to have the funds available.
