It has been a true honor to be elected by the people of Cary as their Trustee since April of 2011. As a 37 year resident and small businessman, I have “sold” the benefits of living and working in Cary every single day. I have had the pleasure to serve on the Cary Economic Development Committee for 7 years, as well as a number of business and Civic groups, like the Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce, Cary Grove Business Association, Association of Midwest Business Brokers (now MBBI), Cary Grove Jaycees, and Past President of the McHenry County Board of Realtors (now Heartland Realtor Organization).For many years, I also coached Cary Youth Basketball. I share a unique perspective of the hurdles small businesses face when considering expanding in or relocating to our town. I know firsthand their frustrations with unfair, confusing and many times costly decisions this Village has made at their expense. I plan to change that. As a Trustee, I have proven my level of engagement by attending nearly 100% of all meetings and as Mayor, I would expect to do no less.
First and foremost, we MUST make Cary competitive with surrounding towns. We are competing for new businesses and development all the time. We, as a Village, need to create a service oriented culture. We must let everyone know Cary will work with new and existing businesses and that we WANT their business! We must relieve tax pressure on our residents and broaden the commercial tax base. Residents deserve to know that business development and broadening the tax base are two sides of the same coin. We must seek new revenue sources to help offset flat revenues but not do so on the backs of businesses or residents. I plan to remove obstacles to development. Changes must be made to outdated building and zoning codes, high permit and impact fees, and excessive plan review requirements. Our response time to business requests must be quicker. Another issue I campaigned on two years ago was to create better transparency between our Village and our residents. While I am proud of our progress to date, we have more work to do. All ordinances need to accessible and searchable on the Village of Cary’s website. We must also update the woefully outdated Municipal Code Book and establish a new procedure to keep it up to date. We also need to look at how to better use social media as a way to reach out to our residents. I want our residents to be easily able to reach out to us.
While past Village Boards taxed to the max, I have kept my promise by voting twice since I was elected to NOT raise our property tax levy. My focus continues to be on the SPENDING side of the equation, by figuring our ways to run our Village with efficiency, while providing essential services. The people’s tax money needs to be cared for by an open and honest leader. I am against raising the taxing district’s levy at least until housing prices rebound substantially.
I disagreed with a decision to limit certain uses in residential districts for home businesses. I argued that the local government has NO RIGHT to tell a person what he can or can’t do in his home. A home business needs to pass three acid tests: 1) no noise, 2) no smell and 3) no excessive traffic or parking in the neighborhood. It was odd how the zoning board unanimously agreed with me but the Village Board went 4-3 with the current Mayor breaking the tie. In these economic times, people are trying every way they can to make money. They can’t afford to lease expensive commercial space and they need to be able to use their homes as a base of business without government interference. People need to remember that companies like Apple, Amazon and Disney all started in the garage of someone’s home!
We had two big accomplishments (among many lesser ones) in the lsat year: 1) We were the first Board EVER to create more parking spaces for downtown businesses and shoppers. Downtown business people have been screaming for more parking for years and we kept our campaign promise and made it happen. 2) We hired a full time Community and Economic Development Director to help focus attention on our prime development sites and vacant commercial/industrial spaces. This was a big investment and we expect big dividends!
Living in Cary since 1976, I am part of the fabric of the community. Debbie and I raised our four children here. We have been in numerous local groups and organizations. My wife taught in School District 26. What motivates me is helping people solve problems. I want businesses to thrive and prosper by keeping local government out of their way and focused on essential services. I do not accept the status quo when it comes to operating procedures at Village Hall. I’m a taxpayer, too, and I will be fiscally conservative with everyone’s tax dollars. I’ve run a business in Cary and understand the problems. Our focus must be to increase our Village’s financial returns. I also want everyone to enjoy first-rate Village services. I am and always will be approachable and accessible whether you are a resident or business owner. I want to be on a first name basis with all of you.
As an experienced Cary Village Trustee, I am ready to become Cary’s 27th Mayor. Having the integrity, experience and dedication to move Cary in a positive direction; by means of fiscal responsibility, economic development and continued public improvements. I have owned a business for over 25 years and for the last 16 years, been located in the Cary Point Business Park. I have held chairman, executive board level, director positions and volunteered within our community. My business experience, linked with years of public service, including the associations I represented and managed, have earned me the experience to be a successful Mayor. Listening to others, being trusted, maintaining relationships and bringing people together to get things done, is the core of my business philosophy. By attending over 90% of village board meetings since my term ended, I have a strong understanding of what is going on and what needs to be accomplished in Cary. I do not have a conflict of interest when working with land owners, landlords, potential developers and businesses in Cary, and will not profit from any transactions. I will make fair and balanced decisions that are in the best interest of the Village of Cary.
Fiscal responsibility. Prudently evaluating all expenses and revenue sources. Continue maintaining the highest level of budget management, live within our means, continue to deliver, approve and manage a balanced general fund budget. Search for new revenue streams. Keep the line on taxes.
Economic development. Diversify our tax base through new development and redevelopment opportunities with new corporate businesses, and sales tax generating businesses. Determine a variety of reasonable new incentives to drive development in order to remain competitive in the market. Review all related fees and streamline development. Listen to what the community wants.
Maintain the current high level of services rendered to the residents and businesses of Cary, including the continuation of infrastructure improvements: streets, sidewalks and water and sanitary sewer. Continue exploring new opportunities to enhance the Village of Cary.
I would support keeping our tax levy frozen, or very least at the bare minimum. These dollars are used to help fund vital services provided to the residents of the community. However, as our economy continues to grow and we generate more retail sales tax revenue, then we can take a harder look at the tax levy source of funding. Maintaining the current level of services for residents and business is important to me. Finding alternative revenue sources is essential to me. Keeping taxes low is a top priority.
Continuing to put non-sales-tax generating businesses in the current retail zoning districts. Therefore, eliminating any possibility of creating additional revenue from sales taxes in these spaces. I welcome all new businesses to the village, and will work hard to find the right businesses for the right districts. We currently have a limited area for retail stores generating much needed sales tax and need to fill these spaces with tax generating businesses . After my opponent voted to approve another service business in the retail taxing district, he stated: “we have to find ways to bring new revenue into the village”. I support our current zoning districts. When our retail zoning districts expand, adding more square footage, this will allow more mixed use flexibility in these important districts. Retail sales tax equals more revenue for the village, therefore, keeping property taxes low.
Bidding out the garbage removal service, with a cost reduction and an added value to the taxpayers.
I am an experienced, accountable and trusted leader in Cary. My vision: Making Cary a Destination; to live, work and develop, is my priority. With beautiful neighborhoods, high ranking schools, remarkable business parks and a variety of retail outlets, Cary has the foundation to grow. I will insure the Village partners with qualified developers bringing new businesses, specialty shops, restaurants and grocery stores to Cary. This will diversify our tax base. Structure reasonable development fees and incentives, streamlining the process for development. Work cooperatively with our other taxing districts. Explore Metra improvements and promote a downtown festival.
My commitment will include weekly office hours to encourage residents and businesses to bring suggestions and comments. Listening and understanding what the community wants will help drive the success our community.
I have no conflict of interests when working with developers, landowners, businesses and tenants. I will not have to recuse myself from village business. I will represent the best interests of Cary, first and foremost.
My opponent voted to allow gun sales in a residential zoning district and referred to village staff as “cockroaches-scattering”...is this the type of leadership Cary needs? Vote for Mark Kownick: fair, balanced leadership with integrity.
