As we face double-digit unemployment in Naperville, we need to make job creation and development of economic opportunities in the community a top priority. As a Councilman and a member of the Naperville Development Partnership Technology Committee, I’ve been committed to developing a well-diversified mix of next generation industries to provide jobs, economic stability for our families, and a solid tax base for Naperville into the future.

Naperville began as a mill town, went on to develop in farming, manufacturing, telecom and petroleum energy. It is natural for our generation and the next to embrace emerging technologies, especially in the clean energy and biotech fields, that offer new opportunities for employment and contribute to growing our economy. Chicagoland offers the infrastructure and critical mass; Naperville has the, pool of technical talent that can excel in these emerging technology areas.

I have been a strong advocate for the Navistar relocation, promoting dialog between Giant Steps, the County, the Forest Preserve District and business groups to find common ground and come to an understanding of the benefits to our area from the over 3,000 jobs it will provide. I’ve promoted the integration of Navistar’s technology with Naperville’s Clean Energy initiatives. We need to continue to work with our County, State and Federal representatives to develop new ways that Clean Energy can provide employment and economic opportunities in the future. And with the Naperville Development Partnership, I’ll continue to serve as a recruitment and retention ambassador, reaching out to and meeting with technology and energy based companies to convince them to locate in Naperville.

With regard to future land development, we need to maintain a long range view, maintaining our zoning standards despite the effects of the current economy and the pressure on developers. I trust our Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for due diligence and sound advice. They have a track record of strong fiscal and professional depth and experience. That’s why I’ve typically endorsed their findings at the Council level. Redevelopment should be rigorously scrutinized, and done by professionals with solid plans and the means to complete the project. Developer responsibility, neighboring property rights, concern for safety, and maintaining the character of the surrounding area must be paramount.