“As a newly elected Trustee, one of my first priorities on the job has been focused on helping improve the quality of Village neighborhoods that have fallen in disrepair and discussing ways to reduce crime in these areas and others.
In my opinion, if these issues were resolved I believe that Villa Park and its residence would see an up-tick in business development, property values, and an overall improvement in one’s quality of life here in town. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that my initial goals would be so difficult to achieve.
Through group discussions about the topic with other Board members, a “Crime Free” community & housing program was brought to the Board’s attention. This type of program would allow the Village Board to propose a landlord licensing program, offering recourse for code violations associated with disrepair of rental property or other violations. Additionally, this program would give way to proposing harsh penalties on renters that commit illegal acts on rental properties, leading to quick evictions if found guilty of such crimes. In order to establish a “Crime Free” community & housing program, the Village of Villa Park must be a Home Rule unit. Several communities have established Home Rule to implement a “Crime Free” community & housing program and have had tremendous success; Schaumburg is one such community.
Unfortunately, often times when folks hear about Home Rule, they immediately think of increased taxes. Because the Board is sensitive to this subject, we have passed an ordinance to levy taxes when requested as if we were still a non – Home Rule town with a tax cap. We have also put safe guards in place if the Board were to recommend a usage tax, committing to public hearings and offering citizens a chance to submit petitions, which would lead to a referendum vote on the proposed ordinance. I believe we have all of the safe guards in place to assure citizens that we are focused on a “Crime Free” community & housing program and not on taxes.
I encourage all citizens to get out on Feb. 5th and vote yes for Home Rule!
Thank you.
Jeff Blankensop - Trustee
Village of Villa Park
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