Clark challenging Michels for Sugar Grove village president

Perry Clark, a business consultant and former head of the Sugar Grove Economic Development Corp., is challenging incumbent Sean Michels for village president in the April 7 election, saying the village lacks unity.

"I think the board lacks a common vision for Sugar Grove," Clark said.

Clark says the village needs a more diversified housing market. He believes that the board is split over this issue, with some trustees favoring only "high end" homes in Sugar Grove.

"We need homes for people with middle incomes," Clark said. "Why don't we have teachers or village employees living in Sugar Grove? Because they can't afford it. An affordable home doesn't mean that you give up quality."

Clark also said the development process for building in Sugar Grove is "way too long and way too difficult."

"I know what developers are looking for, what they're willing to do, and what they don't want to do," Clark said.

Clark said a more diversified housing market would bring in more retail, which he said the current administration has failed to do over the last nine years.

"We need a team to bring in housing and retail," Clark said. "I know I have the leadership skills needed for the job."

Clark was a village trustee for six years before serving as executive director of the Sugar Grove Economic Development Corp. for four years, a post he left this summer to avoid a conflict of interest while running for public office.

Sean Michels, who recently announced his bid for re-election, said he believes that the village already has a diversified housing market, citing a selection of prices in the Settlers Ridge subdivision, and homes in the older part of town.

"Sugar Grove has been a great community because you can start at the bottom and move up," Michels said. "We have all price points."

Michels, who has been village president since December, 1999, also said he wants to work toward a more diversified tax base.

Michels said that the extension of Municipal Drive and Galena Boulevard would serve as a catalyst to attract more retail and commercial builders.

"We're taking steps to diversify our tax base to attract commercial development during this slow time," Michels said. "When the economy turns around, we'll be ready to take advantage of new growth and development."