Mike Baker: Candidate for 4th Ward Alderman

Campaign Information
www.Baker4Alderman.com
Mike@Baker4Alderman.com

Family: wife, Barbara; sons, David, 20, and Brian, 16

Education: Bradley University, Peoria, 1982, double major in broadcast journalism, journalism

Occupation: Vice President of Marketing, PSI Marketing Consultants Inc.

In 30 years at PSI, I have developed a strong foundation in leadership, budgeting, personnel and consensus building. These traits will help me to examine projects not only by cost, but their merit to the community. I will use my other skills to listen to opposing views, but also to arrive at a compromise when necessary. 

Why are you seeking office? 

I am running to represent the people of the 4th Ward. Our ward needs someone to hear the concerns of the people and bring their wishes to the City Council.  I’d like our residents to know who their alderman is and that I am working for them! 

What will be your highest priority if elected?

Infrastructure issues which include stormwater management, sanitary water issues and electrical issues are pressing issues for our ward. Studies have been done and alternatives have been suggested, yet the work still must be completed. Storm water concerns nearly doubled in the 2012 city survey, highlighting the fact that this project is of the utmost concern to our ward.  Although Commonwealth Edison made a presentation to the council in February 2013, it still wasn’t clear if their funding is enough to make a significant difference in the outage problems of many of the city’s residents. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I believe what makes me unique is the drive I have to help others. I have many years and experiences from volunteer work I have done. One of the most gratifying venues for my charitable work is with my church, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. I have taken leadership roles in financial matters, personnel areas and on the Church Council, where I served as president. My father instilled in all seven of his children a strong work ethic. This helps me to have the drive to research important issues, gather resident feedback and ultimately make an independent decision from a position of knowledge. I will work diligently to be prepared and have considered the options available before settling on a position. 

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?

Only after the city has explored and executed their fixes should residents be asked to shoulder the burden of waterproofing their homes. For example, in southwest Elmhurst, the work on a new treatment facility is not an end all fix to flooding, but it will provide a greater level of protection for residents. The 4th Ward would benefit from seeing this same type work done, before residents are asked to subsidize a project. Communication with residents is paramount to moving the storm and sanitary water projects along. As a resident of Brynhaven, one of the many areas hardest hit by flooding, the 4th Ward needs to be informed on what remedies are being considered and what their alderman is doing for them. As a member of the City Council, I would communicate to our residents each step of the way. 

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 have concerns about the city’s usage of TIF. We need to have more clearly defined goals as a city before proceeding with any new TIF projects. TIFs should not be the only economic engine the city uses to increase its business base. 

TIF 4 is an ambitious project especially considering its size, which is even more challenging with the Hahn Street component. Hahn Street was not added to the TIF because it would make the TIF better; but, it appears, it was due to the lack of movement made on the project thus far. Adding properties to TIFs should be made for the benefit of the TIF, not for convenience.   

Before adding more TIF projects, I would want to retire or release some current TIF commitments.

What is Elmhurst missing that you would like to see?

I would like to see a stronger strategic plan for the future.  We have had several key changes in personnel at high levels in the city over the past couple years. I envision a partnership with the residents, city leaders, business, schools and parks which can move our city forward. When you act in synergy with each other, great things are possible.

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?

I think having informed citizens is good and I’m open to critiques from any of our residents. I will have a relationship with our ward where residents can approach me by phone, via the internet or at home. I currently have a website, www.Baker4Alderman.com, where people can communicate with me. Since our citizens are informed, I would appreciate the opportunity to talk to them about issues facing the city. 

Should Elmhurst allow backyard chicken coops?

Discussion on this subject should begin by having conversations with other communities. We should attempt to understand why some communities have permitted or rejected allowing chicken coops. 

After these discussions occur, if we choose to consider allowing coops, I have several issues to be addressed. Some of these concerns include cleanliness, noise, size and placement of the coop, number of chickens allowed and materials used on the structure of the coop. There should also be a neighbor approval component with a permit application, too.

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

I can bring some fresh thinking to City Council and share the needs of the 4th Ward. Our two aldermen live within two blocks of each other. I would like to expand the representation the 4th Ward gets at City Hall.    

Transparency enables those who wish to be informed about government to have the ability to do so. A lack of transparency presents an impression of mistrust. As elected officials, we need to constantly provide the public with information.  The Open Meetings Act clearly defines what is appropriate to discuss privately.  It concerns me when there are questions about transparency in our city government. We cannot forget who we are representing.   

I will be hardworking, prepared and responsive to our residents. I will strive to earn the respect of those I represent and those I interact with. My wife and I are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to raise our family in Elmhurst.  As alderman, I will strive to make Elmhurst a stronger community for its citizens, future families and businesses.