Candidate Response: Mayor, Mike Lake

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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?

I have always stated that it is inappropriate to have our Police station as the centerpiece of downtown. What message does that send?

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

Realistically- no. Not as currently constituted. An in-depth study of surrounding communities, their theaters and their successes or failures needs to be analyzed.

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

When you drive west on the Northwest Hiway are you not impressed with the look of Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights. I am. It appears that those communities had a plan. I intend to communicate with others cities to find out what works and why. Same with what does not work. I plan to have a plan.

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

A heritage Commission is a great idea. Any input from knowledgeable citizens can only make our community better. I would explore the possibility of an ordinance for preservation. I am not sure what that would entail.

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?

Of course. Any assistance we can receive from State or Federal agencies would be desirable.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further concerns. Thank you for this opportunity.

More information at the Cook County Clerk's Website