Video Commentary - Tax Relief and Quality Public Serivces

This is the second of my video commentaries about my campaign platform, the transcript as prepared follows:

Introduction

Welcome.

I’m Christopher Fischer, candidate for the office of Commissioner in the City of Zion Illinois. This is the second in a series of commentaries about my campaign platform and my vision for the future of Zion.

High property taxes are the top concern of almost everyone I talk with.  The large number of foreclosed and abandoned homes in the city have diminished our tax base and placed more of the burden onto fewer homeowners.  High tax rates discourage the very home sales and new business development we need to establish a solid tax base that can support the public services we expect and deserve.

Proposals

There isn’t an easy solution to this problem, but dealing with it will take innovation, determination and decisive action on the part of our city government.

That is why I offer the following propositions for action if I am elected, with the goal of helping Zion begin to break free of a fiscal cycle that is stifling future growth and development.

To address the burgeoning costs of our aging infrastructure I propose that Zion join with our neighboring communities of Beach Park and Winthrop Harbor in developing a regional infrastructure improvement project that would qualify for funding under the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority.  Enacted by Congress in 2014, this law provides special low-interest loans for large water and wastewater infrastructure projects.  Obtaining alternative funding to fix our very real infrastructure needs while also easing some of our tax burden should be a priority for the City.  More importantly these infrastructure improvements would provide some much needed relief to our neighbors who currently can’t use their basements due to backups and flooding.

In growing our local economy, we can create the jobs and revenue that will help alleviate the tax burden on the individual homeowner.  If Zion had a greater ability to offer businesses incentives to locate here, we could overcome the economic barriers that drive them to other communities, including those on the other side of the state line. To achieve this I would encourage the city to apply for Enterprise Zone status under the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act.  Once granted, Zion would then have access to the taxing and regulatory tools necessary to help establish new businesses here and build long-term growth in our local economy.

Additionally, I propose that the City lobby our State Legislature for certain amendments to the Enterprise Zone Act, in consideration of our unique status as a host community for the Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Installation, which will be located on the site of the former Zion Nuclear Power Station. 

I propose amending the Qualifications for Enterprise Zones to include long-term nuclear material storage in the same criteria as an abandoned coal mine, or brownfield site.

I also propose amending the zone duration standards in the Act by granting Zion an automatic renewal of the Enterprise Zone status, until the spent fuel is moved to a permanent site by the federal government. 

These amendments would be moderate first steps towards compensating for the detrimental effect of the nuclear storage site on the future development of Zion’s Lakefront.

I believe that by building upon existing law, my proposals offer a realistic means to help Zion build a foundation for growth and development that will help ease our overall tax burden, and provide for the quality public services we deserve.

Conclusion

If you agree with me that Zion needs new leadership with a vision to move the city forward, I ask for your support.  Please share this message with everyone you know who cares about our community and let them know there is a real choice on the ballot this April.  If you have a question or suggestion, please contact me at fischerforzion.com, I look forward to hearing from you, and I look forward to seeing you on Election Day, April 7^th.  Thank You and Good Day.