Candidate Response: City Clerk, Gloria Ludwig

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1. Is the corner of Miner and Lee, site of the Choo Choo and Masonic Temple buildings, an appropriate place to build a police station and an appropriate use of TIF funds?

No, I do not believe that the corner of Lee and Miner Streets is the appropriate place to build a police station and an appropriate use of TIF funds. I believe that the Littelfuse property would be the best place for a police station. It would provide a secure section for alleged criminals, plenty of space for offices for the police officers, file cabinets, equipments, etc., and a secure section for the public. Also a sufficient number of parking spaces with storage for a variety of vehicles would be available. (I was graduated from the Citizens Police Academy in December, 2007 which was time well spent.) Apparently the current structure was not built to sufficiently house the Police Department to start with or did not provide room for expansion.

The Choo Choo should be saved. It provides not only a landmark or icon representing a part of the character of Des Plaines history, but provides enjoyment for all, young and old, residents and visitors alike.

What happened to the History Campus that was discussed some time ago?

2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?

Yes, I believe it does have the potential to be a draw for downtown. Perhaps trying another appeal to the public to become involved. I know this has been tried. I would like to see a variety of foreign films (Japanese, Polish, etc.) to make it multi-cultural based on the ethnic backgrounds within our community.

3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?

I am not sure how to make it more attractive. I need more time to think about this issue. Obviously Metro Square is too well hidden from Miner Street. Making us look like another community is not the answer. We should enhance what is part of our history.

4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?

Yes, I support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines' historical resources. We also need to get our Mayor and Aldermen behind the effort for this would be for the benefit of all residents.

I was a member of the Board of Directors of the Des Plaines Historical Society for two years 2002-2004 and enjoyed doing what I could to help support their mission.

5. Do you support pursuing listings on the National Register of Historic Places for Des Plaines historic properties and districts, making them eligible for Federal tax credit programs?

Yes, I do support pursuing listings on the National Register of Historic Places and whatever processes are required to accomplish this. Making them eligible for Federal tax credit programs would be an excellent result.

I was a member of the Hanover Park-Ontarioville Historical Commission in the mid 1980's. We were able to obtain Block Grants and funding to preserve Ontarioville which dated back to the 1800's.

More information at the Cook County Clerk's Website
Gloria Ludwig's Campaign Site