Matt Harrington: 2023 primary candidate for Aurora City Council-6th Ward
Bio
Town: Aurora
Age on Election Day: 60
Occupation: TV show host for Chicago Under Fire
Employer: Film Volt Group
Previous offices held: None
Q&A
Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?
A: Matt Harrington will introduce a Real Local Gun and Ammunition Law, that will have a ripple effect threw out the United States. This New Law will Target the A. R. Weapons of War and mandating their Ammo to have serial numbers, that are killing our children and terrorizing our communities. in order to trace it back to the shooters and their supplier, with a new 3 parts of the A. R. T. Ordnance, that will bring about real Accountability, Responsibility and Traceability back to these weapons of mass destruction, that's ripping families lives apart, while leaving a hole in their heart.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: One of these ideas, would be to work with the Penn Group, have our city, takeover the old casino building. Let's have Penn, help pay for the rehab of this, for future restaurants and small kiosk-shops from our own Outlet Mall, on the River with a Deck and a Boat Dock, Becoming the Real Jewel of the Fox River Community. Working in partnership with Penn, to have them pay for the 1.6-million-dollar rehab of our canoe shoot, Thus, freeing that monies for a pilot program of tiny homes that could be located on the eastside of our river, just south of downtown.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you 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: Once again, we must look at the old casino. One of these ideas, would be to work with the Penn Group, have our city, takeover the old casino building. Let's have Penn, help pay for the rehab of this, for future restaurants and small kiosk-shops from our own Outlet Mall, on the River with a Deck and a Boat Dock, Becoming the Real Jewel of the Fox River Community. All the while working in partnership with Penn, to have them pay for the 1.6-million-dollar rehab of our canoe shoot, Thus, freeing that monies for a pilot program of tiny homes that could be located on the eastside of our river, just south of downtown, for a more vibrant downtown.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: The yearly cost of the upkeep of the 440 vacant lots. This need to be sold to the community at large. Use that money for community engagement.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: Dismal
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 city council.
A: I have work on getting legislation brought forth, Illinois House Bill. HB 3088 to mandate serial numbers to be on all bullets and casings, to track back that weapon of mass killings, and bring about real Accountability, Responsibility and Traceability in order to ensure our children's safety. I brought about actions to bring justice for those whose voice wasn't heard, examples, Laquan McDonald, Jemel Robinson, The victims of the Ripper Crew, who's recently released serial killer lives in downtown Aurora.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: Over the pass 12 years I have been a candidate for local ward and citywide office, always fighting for a better tomorrow for us all. in the most recent pass the city has taken some of my ideas, to move in a direct of rebirth. But this will cost us more in interest payment then if they took these steps when I first suggested these bold plans. We need a new alderman for the 6-ward, not the same leadership of 34 years, that brought nothing new, nor back bone to oppose the corruption that has been reported on.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: The Real Local Gun and Ammunition Law, that will have a ripple effect threw out the United States. This New Law will Target the A. R. Weapons of War and mandating their Ammo to have serial numbers, that are killing our children and terrorizing our communities. in order to trace it back to the shooters and their supplier, with a new A. R. T. Ordnance, that will bring about real Accountability, Responsibility and Traceability back to these weapons of mass destruction, that's ripping families lives apart, while leaving a hole in their heart.
Corruption. the other part of the ordinance has a provision for an, Independent I G. With subpoena powers to investigate corruptions within our city government. I will introduce TERM LIMITS, 2 for Mayor/3 for Alderman, this is my Pledge to you.