Sherman L. Jenkins: 2023 candidate for Aurora City Council (At Large)

Bio

Town: Aurora

Age on Election Day: 66

Occupation: Alderman-At-Large

Employer: City of Aurora

Previous offices held: Aurora City Council At Large since 2017

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: The most serious issue will be managing in uncertain economic times. We must maintain a balanced budget, forecast strategically for future infrastructure improvements and repairs, and manage Aurora's growth so that all areas of the city realize a good quality of life in the long term.

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

A: I describe the state of the city's finances as excellent. For years, the City of Aurora has consistently passed balanced budgets.

Last year was just another example of that especially after navigating the pandemic economic downturn three years ago. We used good fiscal judgment in holding the line on spending, using federal and state COVID relief funds to help Aurora businesses stay afloat, and providing consistent and reliable services to our citizens.

In addition, the city's tax base has increased by $1 billion dollars since 2017 which allows for rate relief and revenue growth.

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

A: The number one priority for spending should be economic development. Over the past four years, economic development initiatives throughout the city has allowed us to keep taxes low, bring additional revenue which helps to keep taxes low, and increases good-paying jobs to Aurora citizens.

The second priority should be to continue public improvements in the mature neighborhood areas of the city. Moreover, we must look at more sustainable energy initiatives that improves the quality of life for all our citizens. And the third priority should be to continue enhancing Housing and Community Development efforts.

The city has an outstanding track record of producing programs that assist existing and new homeowners. In addition, the city has worked to create a top-tier science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (STEAM) training programs for thousands of Aurora's underserved youth.

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

A: No, there are no areas where spending needs to be curtailed. As I said earlier, we have for years consistently maintained a balanced budget.

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: The most important infrastructure project is the continuation of the fiber-optics (broadband) to the home/commercial network that is being expanded throughout the City of Aurora. The city views connecting all Aurorans to the internet as being no different than gas, electric or water utility need. It is estimated that this project would serve 66,000 residences and businesses.

In order to pay for this project, the city has applied for a $100 million federal grant that would help pay for broadband internet for the entire City. Again, because the City of Aurora has been fiscally responsible, we can move forward on this five-year project.

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: My style of working in a group setting to determine policy involves collaboration. In today's political environment, confrontation appears at times to be the norm. I believe in making things happen.

First, I work to listen to understand what the problems are and then work to devise and take steps to address problems. My experience in working with city staff, community groups and individuals demonstrated that we have the interest of Aurora first and foremost.

Recently, the council debated the relocation of Hollywood Casino-Aurora from downtown Aurora to Farnsworth Avenue next to the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall. I used my experience in working to attract the Outlet Mall to Aurora to point out the long-term benefits that such a mega regional attraction would have to the entire city.

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

A: My more than 20 years of serving as assistant and executive director of Aurora's Economic Development Commission, and now including six years as Alderman-at-Large has put me in position to help move Aurora forward. Moreover, I have served as president and board chairman of the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce where we have help to foster African American business growth and development.

I know what it takes to strategically look at all of Aurora so that we plan, initiate and complete projects that improve our quality of life now and for generations to come.

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

A: I believe that a citywide economic development master plan still needs to be developed. I have pushed for this effort to be undertaken by staff and I feel we are at the tipping point to make it happen.

Before I retired from the Aurora Economic Development Commission, we created the city's first downtown master plan. That plan helped to spur the development of River Edge Park and other projects that are on the docket today.

An economic development master plan allows developers to see the vision that we have for our city and lets them determine if they want to share in our vision. We have 42 square miles of land that contains development opportunities, and we must be aggressive in marketing these opportunities to developers.