WORKING FOR A BETTER BERWYN
As a current and experienced Alderman, some of the projects I was involved in and accomplishments I have achieved for the Community, include the following
key-milestones:
- I Worked with the BDC in 2002 for the inception of the Municipal Parking Garage, which will alleviate traffic and eliminate parking issues for the Depot District.
- I lobbied on behalf of the Community against the MacNeal 6-story Parking Structure, which would have obstructed open-air views for nearby residents and damaged the Depot District's appearance.
- I was on the committee that created the Retail/Depot and Odgen Avenue overlay, with the firm Holland and Knight in 2003.
- I put the legislation from 2 Bathrooms to adding up to 1 Bathroom per floor excluding the Master Bath.
- I legislated to allow upscale larger and up-to-code garages, without going to Zoning.
- I legislated the Natural Gas Tax elimation in 2002, to help alleviate costs for residents, who now need more than ever to save money.
- I submitted numerous requests for Financial's and Audits from all administrations since 2002 to keep track of spending and money management.
- I was Instrumental in putting in security video cameras in the Library in 2002 to provide safety for employees, young students and visitors alike.
- I was involved in submitting feedback, guidance, and approving the Billboard Marketing program which has led to extensive and positive news coverage and publicity for Berwyn.
- I Lobbied tirelessly for a 2 tier Union package to present to the Unions.
Additional important achievements that I have fulfilled on behalf of the community include:
- I was instrumental in opening the Library for Sunday Hours.
- I was instrumental in getting funding for a new Library parking lot
- Originated and started legislation for the Mid Mount lighting in the Depot Area
- Brought Garbage cans, benches, Planters, Bicycle racks to the Depot Area in 2004.
- Improved Holiday decorations, & seasonal plantings for the City
- Tried to legislate and requested the Implementing of Administrative processes & controls for Financial's repeatedly from May of 2005
- Established a hiring freeze to stop wasteful spending of newly created positions by the Mayor
- Instituted an "Initiative for a balanced Budget" that still has not come to fruition. (a 5 year plan) (in the planning stages since 2005)
- Assisted with establishing a 501 (3) c for the Library
- Established Business parking permits in the Depot District for Business owners
- Tried to save taxpayers over a half million dollars yearly by fighting the Mayor on numerous Mayoral Appointments and the hiring of multiple Attorneys
- Requested Balance sheets monthly until removed from the Budget committee
- Requested and legislated Dangerous Animal Ordinance to protect children and residents
- Introduced to the council floor an "Ethics Ordinance" concept that eventually was approved and ended up establishing an ethics board
- Established the "Great American Cleanup" Depot District Style in the 1st ward (2008) to help maintain a clean and healthy environment for the area
- Requested and received by council, the Alley repairs in the 1st ward (2008)
- I blocked storefront churches and substance abuse clinics from entering 1st floor retail space
