Palatine village council candidates clash on economic development

Palatine’s only contested race for village council in the April 1 election pits District 1 Council Member Tim Millar against challenger Greg Langer.

Millar has served on the council since 2013. For eight years prior, he was on the Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 board. He also represents Palatine on the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission.

Langer, a fourth-generation Palatine resident, is president of the Whytecliffe Homeowners Association and serves on the Palatine Historical Society board.

One issue dividing the two is their approach to economic development.

Langer, who has a marketing and business background, is critical of the village’s approach to economic development.

He especially believes Palatine is trailing surrounding communities in downtown development.

“The residents I have spoken to tell me that this is the number one issue,” he said. “Surrounding communities have thriving downtowns, while Palatine does lag behind.”

Millar said economic development tools are available, including tax incentives and Tax Increment Financing funds. Palatine has used TIF extensively in areas like the downtown, with his support.

“We have a lot of great things going forward, including the downtown,” he said.

Langer said using TIF dollars for parking and the streetscape is a good start, but added the village should be more proactive in recruiting businesses and restaurants.

“Let’s drive the bus instead of just waiting back and saying, ‘Well, we can’t force businesses to come to Palatine,’” Langer said.

Millar, an entrepreneur, said he has worked to add or relocate businesses to the village.

“I have a deep understanding of many of the challenges our businesses face,” he said. “I have done payroll, I have hired people, I have sold companies, I have bought companies.”

He also said there has been an influx of businesses, including the Two Libras Cafe, as well as an expansion of Cook, Cork and Fork.

The village, he added, has brought in car dealerships, which generate a large amount of taxes. Another big tax generator is the fast-food sector, with Starbucks, KFC and others.

“They actually generate more sales tax and more food and beverage tax than our downtown establishments,” he said.