A Thoughtful Independent Voice.
Why I decided to run for City Council.
Evanston is exceptional. That’s why we live here!
There are only a handful of cities in the country that rival Evanston for its diversity, history, resources and institutions. It’s a city with a strength and character that makes me proud to have been born here.
But change is one thing that never changes.
I’m running for Evanston 3rd Ward Council member to bring some common sense, integrity, and transparency to the Council, and help make sure the future of our homes, blocks and neighborhoods is thoughtfully, and responsibly managed.
As a life-long tech/software executive and entrepreneur, I have decades of experience building, managing, and growing businesses. A balanced budget is my friend, not a stranger.
Evanston 3rd Ward deserves the best future that good ideas can provide, not that money can buy. May the best, most reasonable, ideas always win.
What are the important issues that concern us right now?
Envision Evanston proposes to rezone the Lakeshore Historic District.
The Envision Evanston 2045 proposes to rezone the entire city, eliminating R1 single family home zoning and allow multi-family, multi-story housing on every block, including yours and mine. Their goal is to increase the supply of housing, promising it will reduce the cost. This is a very complicated and speculative undertaking, and the city is trying to fast-track the process without being fully prepared and fully clear on the details. I support the goal, but I think we need to make sure we do it carefully and correctly.
You can watch me voice my concerns to the Land Use Commission on Jan 29, 2025.
Development of the Chicago Avenue Corridor
Chicago Avenue is the Main Street of our Ward. It should be a vital and vibrant place for residents, visitors and merchants. I support the master plan for new bike lanes on Chicago Avenue so bikers can travel the City easily and safely. I think we need a redevelopment master plan like Central Avenue Neighborhood . But when Envision Evanston Zoning Draft proposes a height allowance of 100’ (that’s ten floors!) on Chicago Avenue, I am against zoning changes that would allow 10-story buildings on both sides, creating a canyon-like effect.
The Unbalanced Budget
Our budgeting process is poorly managed. Instead of critically assessing expenditures and prioritizing what we can afford, the Council simply accepts all staff proposals and seeks additional revenue through taxes and fees. Council must focus on prioritizing spending to balance the budget, which they currently are not doing.
Taxes
We do not need add any new taxes to achieve our Goals, either now or in the foreseeable future. The City has a long history of high (most because of the property taxes) taxes, and we need to hold the line to make housing as affordable as possible.
Achieving our climate action goals
Alternative energy and transportation are great goals, but where’s the action? The City needs to assist homeowners and building owners with planning, permitting, and contracting for alternative power to meet our renewable energy targets.
We need an “affordable housing” policy that benefits those most in need
Let’s not pretend the Envision Evanston Rezoning Plan will help those in need for housing assistance. It will not! In fact, it might gentrify legacy neighborhoods and drive prices up in some areas. Adding new units at “market rate” will not benefit medium and low-income residents. New construction by developers will always be priced at the highest price the market will bear.
Our businesses need more support
Our downtown businesses are struggling with high rents (again, a function of high property taxes) and low occupancy rates. We need a more efficient and streamlined process to encourage the new vibrant, successful places. Let’s do more to attract customers! I think we should consider making Two-Hour free parking zones downtown.
Transparency in every debate and decision
Too often, the decisions made by this Council have ignored the concerns of local residents, like a summer-full of concerts at Ryan Field. Or have defied common sense, like the relocation of City Hall from the Civic Center. And then, after so many years ofthoughtless and wasteful spending,we come to find our City government has mismanaging our tax dollars, or doing City business behind closed doors and using Special Orders of Business to limit debate. (When Evanston residents are filing FOIA petitions against their City government, you know there’s a problem!)
Difficult decisions are inevitable, but they must be openly discussed and debated in public. It’s called Transparency.
“John has the experience, a tireless work ethic and a commitment to service. We’re grateful for his dedication to the community and it’s my pleasure to wholeheartedly endorse him.”
Josh Bowes- Carlson
Southeast Evanston Association President
Hon. Jay Lytle
Two-Term Mayor of
Evanston
Mark Metz
Past President, District 202
School Board
Emily Guthrie
Former 3rd Ward Council Member
Ralph Segall
Evanston Community Foundation, Board Member
Gerri Sizemore
”Vision Keeper” Award
Winner
Walter Carlson
Former District 65 School Board President
Bennett Johnson
Community Activist
Ann Jennett
Youth Job Center Executive Director
Illinois Realtors
Association
Nick Korzeniowski
Former 3rd Ward
Council Candidate
Jeff Smith
Founding President, Central Street Neighbors Assoc