The City Council Finally Catches Up to Me - Again

I have noted that some of the proposals that I made in my first run for Commissioner in 2013, despite being told by well-meaning people that they were unworkable for some reason or another, were subsequently taken up and acted upon by the City Council. 

The first was my proposal that the City needed a new Comprehensive Development Plan, and that they should apply to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning to obtain a grant to do so. Not long after the 2013 election, the City did just that.  I spoke in favor of it at the City Council meeting, and I am pleased to be a member of the Steering Committee for the Plan.

Looking ahead to Tuesday's meeting of the Zion City Council. I note that one of the items for discussion is a Rental Certification and Inspection Program. I proposed such a program over two years ago, here is the section from my platform:

Rental Property Licensing and Inspection. The collapse of housing values has resulted in a corresponding increase of residential rental properties, often owned by absentee landlords or property management companies. Unfortunately, distance tends to foster an attitude of neglect, and proper maintenance is often exchanged for profit. A well-regulated program to register and inspect rental properties is vital in order to sustain the value of neighboring properties, and to ensure the health and safety of the tenants .

Added to that is a discussion of the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance. Both this and the Rental Program touch on two issues of concern to Zion residents; the flood of residential rentals held by absentee landlords, and the actions of some of their tenants. 

That these subjects are finally being discussed, is a good thing, but it illustrates the fundamental problem with the current Council.

What took so long?

These issues were problems I brought up during the last election, and they were problems long before that. Here we are TWO YEARS LATER, another election is just around the corner, and now the Council finally finds time to discuss these issues.

Both of these problems should have been actively dealt with years ago, the fact that they haven't been, confirms my belief that we need new leadership, with new energy and vision on the City Council. If you agree with me, I ask for your support and your vote on April 7th.  Also, share this post with your friends and neighbors, and ask them to go to www.fischerforzion.com to learn more.