I am excited to take the next step in helping to make DeKalb grow and hopefully return to the outstanding City it once was – and be proud again. After being approached by some local business owners, successful community leaders, neighbors, and residents of the City of DeKalb, I have elected to run for the office of Alderman of the 2nd Ward in the City of DeKalb. I did not make this decision lightly as I am and have been concerned about the current direction of the City of DeKalb and the many challenges that have made our local residents feel anxious about the future.
Crime, lack of transparency, fiscal responsibility, low school ratings, declining NIU student enrollment, taxes, and lagging residential and select business growth are just some of the concerns expressed by DeKalb citizens. Residents have complained that they are unable to communicate with city leaders, or have a direct dialogue with their elected officials. I have a goal to make sure I’m always responsive to my constituents (and the community), and to have their questions or concerns answered in a timely manner.
It is exciting to see more and more people stepping up to both run for office and volunteer to serve on committees, organizations, and commissions. Our leaders need to be more involved in addressing the issues, not rubber stamp others’ ideas or be one-dimensional. This is a community of the people and by the people – who need positive answers and respect. Being an elected official is about serving the citizens and not a popularity contest or beauty pageant…