"I have consistently voted with the consideration of what is best for Naperville and its residents.

I believe in smaller government and providing opportunities for businesses to grow. I understand the challenges of small business in Naperville, as I owned and operated "Good Stuff Company" in downtown Naperville from 1979 - 1990."

Here is how Doug voted on some key issues that came before the city council:

• High Density Building
• Library Park Deck
• Naper Place Bail-out
• City Manager Severence Package
• Ponds of Hobson West
• 75th Street Corridor
• Alden Construction

ISSUE: Rezoning Property for High Density Residential Developments

Position: Voted consistently to maintain low-density zoning on high-density residential development proposals, while voting to keep commercially-zoned properties from being re-zoned for high density residential developments. Many of our "in-fill" parcels of land are not large enough to sustain the increased traffic to our existing roadways, and would place an unfair burden on our school systems. Commercial developments contribute significantly to our City's tax base to keep your property taxes in check, while not increasing school enrollment.

Examples of votes against high density residential zoning:

• 75th & Naper Blvd: 155 townhomes
• Mill & Bauer: 155 townhomes
• Rt. 59 & Diehl: 54 townhomes
• Fort Hill & Audrey (behind Home Depot): 172 townhomes
• Rt. 59 & North Aurora: 124 townhomes
   

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ISSUE:   Library Parking Deck

Position: Continue to fight the construciton of a parking deck at the library.

Reason: This is not the right location, as it intrudes on the existing neighborhood and does not allow an orderly transition from business to residential. Alternative parking locations are available which include the new 317 parking spaces adjacent to the existing deck at VanBuren and Main. Parking for approximately 400 cars will be available i nthe new Water Street development within the next 2-3 years. Additionally, I am concerned about the continuing rising costs from the original $12 million to the projected $21 million today ... and construction has not yet begun!

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ISSUE: Naper Place Bailout

Position:  Voted against leasing this buildig to North Central to be used as a college dormitory.

Reason:  The building was originally built as condominiums for senior housing.  After three years, only 10 units were sold.  The developer wanted to convert the building to dormitories for North Central College students. 

1. It is not the city’s responsibility to bail out the developer due to a bad business decision
2. The city must not issue 30 additional parking stickers so students can now park in our already overcrowded parking decks.
3. The college originally had the option of purchasing the buidling after two years, and then applying for a property tax exemption, taking this revenue-producing property off the tax rolls. Just recently, the college renewed their lease on the property for three additonal years in lieu of purchasing the property.
4. The building was constructed using residential codes and materials, not the heavy-duty materials required for dorm construction that will withstand college student wear and tear.
5. The senior citizens who had purchased these units were forced to move to other, less conveniently-located housing.

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ISSUE:  City Manager Severance Package

Position: City employees should not be entitled to severance packages when voluntarily quitting their jobs.

Reason: When you quit a job, you should not expect, nor receive a severance package.  The city manager's package forgave a $50,000 loan made interest-free 10 years ago, $36,000 under the auspices of “consulting services," when, in fact, llittle or not services were provided, and healthcare coverage (when the city manager was going to work for a healthcare company.)

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ISSUE:  Ponds of Hobson West

Position: Preserve the area for recreation

Reason:  This was always the wrong location for another high density townhouse development.  Starting in 2003, I worked with the residents, Park District, and city, and was instrumental in finding a solution that would satisfy the developer and preserve the integrity of the neighborhood and the importance of this land to Naperville's heritage. Since the Park District already owned the two ponds on either side of this property, logic dictated that this land belong to them as well. Ultimately, they did purchase this from the developer for use by all the citizens of Naperville. Keep your eyes open for the public dedication ceremony this spring.

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ISSUE: 75th Street and Wherli Development

Position:  I do not support the commercial development of a "strip mall" on this property, but favor acquiring it, as well as the residential area going west on 75th Street (as such properties become available on the open market), to enlarge the existing park. This area could then support a fieldhouse for indoor activities such as basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming pool, etc., and separate rooms for programs. programs.

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Issue:  Alden Naperville Horizon Senior Citizen Housing

Position: Voted against buidling a three-story, 51-unit senior citizen housing project.

Reason:

1. The zoning variance would have provided just 53 parking places, where 102 were required by city code.
2. This location would have isolated seniors from banks, grocery stores, coffee shops, etc. to serve their needs
3. The remainder of the lot, currently occupied by Alden Nursing Home, would have been subdivided into two parcels, creating a limited access "flag" lot, which is not permitted in residential zoning.
4. This complex would have been owned by a non-for-profit company, and could have subsequently requested removal from the property tax rolls.
5. Only one accessible roadway was planned into the develoment, which could have caused problems for emergency fire and police vehicles, and interfere with traffic for the adjacent Park District ball fields.

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Click here to view Doug at City Council meetings. "I supported the posting of City Council meeting online from day one. It is important for residents to be able to view their elected officials and have a transparent process.

"I would encourage residents to spend time on the city's website and access information that impacts their everyday lives. Not too many people know the full financial audit is posted there for public consumption."