Kevin York: Candidate for 4th Ward Alderman

Campaign Information
www.York4Elmhurst.com
Kevin@York4Elmhurst.com

Family: Wife, Jill; sons, Connor, 17, and Colin, 8; and daughter, Carli, 15 

Education: Illinois Wesleyan University, 1985, Bachelor of Science - Accounting

Occupation: Self-employed real estate investor

Why are you seeking office? 

To continue serving the public and representing the residents of the 4th Ward in the manner I have the last four years.

What will be your highest priority if elected?

I will continue to ensure that city business is conducted in a fiscally responsible manner, which will lead to continued strengthening of the fiscal health of the city, directly benefiting the taxpayers of Elmhurst.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have a proven track record of leadership, accomplishment and experience in public service that my opponent simply does not. For the past four years, I have exhibited leadership in many of the same areas that my opponent is just now aspiring to address. As a good listener and an innovative problem-solver, I will continue to be an effective public servant for residents of the 4th Ward from the beginning of my second term versus the inevitable "learning curve" required for a new alderman.

Consultants suggest most of the city’s flooding and sewer problems require fixes at individual residences. Homeowners may resist, especially if there is a cost. How do you propose getting that done?

I believe that education and cooperation will be the key to obtaining resident "buy-in" to a plan that will likely have to incorporate investment on the resident side of the pipe. There is going to be a cost to the resident regardless of whether it is through increased taxes and/or fees, or an investment by the property owner to update infrastructure on their own property. If, as suggested, a large part of the problem with both sewer and storm systems emanate from I & I and connection of sump pumps and downspouts, respectively, then there has to be an outreach to the community to raise awareness of the problems and then a strategy to work together to facilitate the necessary changes to alleviate the problems in a timely fashion.

Elmhurst has four TIF districts now and two more proposed. Do you agree with TIF decisions made thus far (creating TIF 4, moving Hahn St., etc.) and do you support moving forward with TIFs 5 and 6? What other methods of increasing development do you favor?

I supported and voted for TIF IV, including moving certain properties from TIF I to TIF IV. Since the Hahn St. redevelopment plan is still uncertain with regard to scope, in my opinion it was just too financially risky to guarantee that the city could recoup its portion of the redevelopment costs in the time remaining in TIF I. 

At this time, I have no appetite for additional TIF districts. In this "new economy" that we find ourselves in, I believe that we need to concentrate on nurturing TIF IV and make sure that it is well on its way to success before we contemplate an additional TIF project.

The city has other economic development tools available, including sensible, cooperative sales tax incentives and the ability to finance, either short-term internally or long-term with debt, any infrastructure improvements required to aid economic development. 

What is Elmhurst missing that you would like to see?

I believe that Elmhurst could really benefit by developing comprehensive senior residence facilities that would serve seniors of all income levels throughout the various stages of their care spectrum. This type of development would complement the "life-cycle" of Elmhurst and would make it possible for residents to spend their entire life in town in a safe and healthy environment.

Taxpayers will be your toughest critics, in large part because you’re spending their money. Elmhurst has a lot of informed, outspoken citizens. How will you connect with them to address their concerns?

Taxpayers, residents and property owners in this case, should consider that all elected officials are also taxpayers and, as a result, any change in policy has a direct effect on the elected officials as well. With that being said, I am an alderman that is always willing to listen to constituents of the 4th Ward and other residents and property owners in Elmhurst. My phone number is published on the city website and residents can also email me from the city website.  Either way of communicating is just fine with me.

Should Elmhurst allow backyard chicken coops?

That, in large part, is up to the citizens of Elmhurst. Once the process begins, I will listen carefully to what the residents are saying, both pro and con, and consider recommendations that are forthcoming from city staff and the basis for them. When I feel a sufficient amount of good information is available, I will take it into consideration and make my decision. This is how I evaluate issues like this, being mindful of public opinion while balancing staff recommendations and best practices.

What other message do you really want to get across to Elmhurst voters? Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

As one of your alderman for the 4th Ward, I take a great deal of pride in my hard work, my dedication and time commitment to the job of alderman and my resultant public service. I seek advice from residents on the issues of the day and I listen respectfully with an open mind to those that have differing or opposing views than mine. I promptly and respectfully return all resident correspondence. I am also actively involved in the community far beyond my role as alderman, making me very accessible to residents. 

I regularly meet with, engage and challenge city staff in the course of my duties and I effectively interact with other elected officials.  I take the time required to read and learn about municipal government and how our government interacts with the other levels of government. 

What I treasure most about my service as your alderman are the many residents that I’ve been able to help and the relationships that have been forged out of my service. I look forward to four more years of service to residents of the 4th Ward!