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 7th. Thank You and
Good Day.
