Earl L. Wilson: 2023 candidate for Des Plaines City Council, Ward 2

Bio

Town: Des Plaines

Age on Election Day: 55

Occupation: Information technology

Employer: Self

Previous offices held: Two term Des Plaines Library Board trustee

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council or village board respond to it?

A: While listening to residents and business leaders, I have heard your concerns. Rising costs, safer streets, self-serving officials and community division are some top issues. As your alderman, I will protect families, their freedoms and futures by being available, promoting economic growth, nurturing community unity, supporting law enforcement and implementing cost saving solutions that reduce burden.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: Having a balanced budget with low taxes while increasing the efficiently of city services is my goal. The city budget increased to $174 million which is a $2.8 million increase over the 2022 city budget. With raising interest rates, the city should avoid new debt while continuing to pay off $9.4 million of existing debt. We must be aware of the difference between a need and a want. I will work with residents, fellow council members and city staff to prioritize our needs. Together, we can plan infrastructure improvements, such as downtown revitalization, water mitigation, police and fire department facilities, while being budget conscious.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: 1.) Infrastructure. Front line safety workers need sufficient resources to serve and protect the community. Both police and fire departments need modern equipment and facilities. 2.) Promote and encourage businesses that meet our resident's diverse needs. Businesses should be excited to be part of the Des Plaines community. 3.) Evaluate spending at city hall. Efficiently should increase while not negatively impacting service.

Q; What do you think is the right way to revitalize Metropolitan Square? Should it be funded privately or publicly or not at all?

A: Having a vibrant Metropolitan Square is important, but it should not be done at a cost to residents. Too many times, projects have started and fallen through the cracks. Planning should consider community input in conjunction with business leaders from the private sector to coordinate the right mix of commerce coexisting alongside an assortment of activities, festivals, and events.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: We should be getting the best benefit for the community for every dollar spent. Efficient allocation of funds to contracted services should undergo closer inspection. An example would be the garbage collection contract. Residents deserve reliable service at a fair price. When the city switched to a slightly lower cost provider, new problems negatively affected residents.

Q: Is city hall doing enough to retain businesses in town and lure new ones? If not, what should be

done?

A: It is never enough. Permits and zoning requirements can be onerous and discourage investment in the community. Streamlining permits and variance processes to be performed quickly and accurately is essential. Changes to insure that messaging and requirements remain consistent throughout the approval process should also be implemented. No one wants to be told one thing and to have it change later. In addition, council should explore using similar incentives from surrounding towns to attract desired businesses. Business owners need to feel wanted and encouraged to be in our community.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: Flooding has been an ongoing concern. Progress has been made, but active planning is needed to reduce chances of being caught off guard. Water mitigation is best performed proactively rather than reactively when irreparable damage has been done. Funding should be allocated from the capital improvement/investments fund. Projects that might be reconsidered would be actions where the city is placed into the business of being a land lord.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

A: I believe in collaboration, resilience, and leading by example. I vigorously pursue getting the facts and keeping an open mind, before reaching a conclusion. No one should be spoken down or lied to. I am dedicated to truth and service to the community for the common good.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I am the best candidate for the job because I represent everyday average people. I want to be a public servant serving the community, not another dignitary. My wife and I chose to raise our family in Des Plaines because we love the community and want to make it even better. My deep compassion for our town motivates me to increase my civic engagement and focus attention on the needs of our town. I am not happy with Moylan's poor performance. When elected, I'll bring proven experience solving complex problems and managing budgets to our council. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work representing all residents of Des Plaines.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A: The city needs to do a better job of engaging residents about activities and services. With the constant lure of our electronic devices missing out on local events, or not trying out a new restaurant happens all to often. Reacquaint yourself with our town. Spend quality time with neighbors. Shop local businesses. Explore Des Plaines and help make our city better together.