18March2011
Naperville Candidate Statements 2011
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
Candidates were asked via email by NCEC President Stephanie Hastings to provide a written statement about their personal thoughts about environmental issues within Naperville. Below is what was provided by the candidates:
John Adair
I appreciate your request for my thoughts. As a 19 year citizen of Naperville , I am new to the political scene. I am trying to keep my thoughts simple in this response, I hope I touched on the issues you are asking about. I think we can all help to reduce waste in our homes and I am trying new CFL and LED bulbs in my home all the time, the technology has come a long way. I have even swtiched most of my holiday displays to more effecient LED bulbs. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me and thank you for your time.
As a concerned resident of this city and a Naperville Electrical customer, I am trying to be aware of ways to reduce electrical use in my own home.
I am concerned how Naperville is addressing the use of solar panels and wind turbines on residential property and I thought it was too restrictive, especially with the solar panels. The new electrical grid system that is currently being worked on I have several questions on. I would like to have a better understanding of what it can give us in real energy savings to the consumer and to the environment.
Another environmental issue to be dealt with is electronic recycling. The city has a great household hazardous waste program which is keeping hazards out of landfills, now I think we need to address electronic recycling to keep these items out of the landfills.
I also believe the city is going the right direction in offering help to homeowners by offering the home energy audit as well as the energy saving programs on new city buildings. Combining LED lighting, solar panels and other energy savings into these buildings, they have taken the next step.
Steve Chirico
My name is Steve Chirico and I am seeking the office of Naperville City Council. My family moved to Naperville in 1961 and I grew up here attending the public schools. I graduated from Naperville Central in 1978 and then went on to Northern Illinois University where I studied political science.
Working my way through college I started a small tile company in Naperville called Great Western Tile and I devoted the rest of my working life to my company; which eventually was renamed to Great Western Flooring. Great Western Flooring has three locations and about 20 employees. It’s an honor to have two of my four children, who also grew up in Naperville , work with me at Great Western.
GWF has led our industry in promoting green products. In 1991 we were the first company in the Chicago market to start using a fully recycled tile underlayment. We were with the first wave of companies to recycle all of our used carpet padding. And, we have promoted all of the Earth friendly flooring products such as; bamboo, engineered hardwood and Smartstrand carpet (made from corn sugar). And, since our beginning, we have had an internal recycling program.
Clean energy has always been a passion of mine. Years ago I purchased my first hybrid vehicle and shortly thereafter I helped my daughter purchase one. I knew that strictly from an investment standpoint a hybrid was not a great investment, but I wanted to be part of the energy conservation movement.
My father spent most of his working life designing and building recycling facilities and bio-fuel plants. I learned a lot about how waste products from the agriculture industry and many other industries had energy value. He also introduced to me the concept of geo-thermal energy and the hydrogen cell. If I were not so rooted into my business I would likely be in the geo-thermal systems business.
Naperville ’s renewable energy policy has just recently been amended to accept certain solar and wind energy devices, but I think our policy is too conservative. I understand the desire to error on the side of caution, but it seems to me we can safely take a more aggressive role in private clean energy production. I believe that in 20 years solar panels and wind turbines will be integrated directly into the building components in residential construction. There are already solar panel roof shingles and wind turbines that can be built into the structures. This will become a conventional construction practice.
As a councilman I will continue to support clean energy and conservation and I would appreciate the support of the NCEC in my election campaign.
Bob Fieseler
My commitment to clean energy is deep and long-standing. Since I began representing Ballard Power Systems, a pioneer hydrogen fuel cell developer, in 1990, I’ve recognized that clean energy technologies are an engine for job creation and business development because:
- The technology leads to making America less dependent upon foreign fuel
- The technology reduces airborne emissions, thereby improving the health and well-being of our citizens
- The technology motivates and engages young people who want to use their power to make the world a better place for themselves, their kids and grandkids.
Floegel
no response
Dick Furstenau
It seems like it was just yesterday that the members of NCEC were in my office, but the fact of the matter is, that was over four years ago; since that meeting much has changed in our community. The combined efforts of NCEC and the city have resulted in our community becoming more educated and aware of the importance of renewable energy and non-traditional fuel/electrical sources.
The emissions inventory that was initiated in 2005, and was updated in 2007, has lead to the City’s creating an Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan Goal are all ‘yes’ votes that I was pleased to cast as your city councilman.
To date there are seventy-two (72) practices to support environmental sustainability in place within the city; these can be found throughout the Draft Environmental Sustainability Plan. Soon I will have the opportunity to participate in another Naperville first; the creation of a Small Wind & Solar Renewable Energy Ordinance. I have been following this issue through the plan commission process and look forward to hearing the public comments and commission discussion on the night of October 20, 2010 .
Resources and energy are just two components of a successful plan; education and commitment must exist in the plan in order to achieve the goal. It is my goal to continue to learn about the new and constantly developing opportunities before us to harness our natural resources without increasing the burden on them.
As with any plan there is always a financial impact, I must be fair and state that it is my hope that the current city’s financial state does not negatively impact the direction, action and implementation of any program that will assist Naperville in reducing the size of each and every “footprint” left in our community. As the city moves through the creation of this next fiscal year’s budget we all will have a clearer vision of the future for Naperville .
You are welcome to contact me at 630-235-3377 for more on my views and goals as we move forward on the Small Wind & Solar Renewable Energy Ordinance and the budget process.
Thank you for this opportunity to share with you my thoughts on our community’s renewable energy future.
Gustin
I look forward to meeting you again on Wednesday night. As you know this is my second run for Naperville City Council, recycling my signs and badges in a effort to remain green. Appearing before your committee two years ago, your group was handling/discussing how to provide guidelines for the Home Energy Savings Program. The program was limited to 350 qualifying homeowners, wish there could have been more. Participants must be age 55 or older and own a home, funded by the federal government. Seems like yesterday, however time does go by fast.
As the Secretary of the Naperville Plan & Zoning Commission, I handled the hearings on various solar and wind turbine alternatives for Naperville residents and business. The ordinance was recommended for approval to the City council. As a Plan Commissioner, I only have recommending power and strive to obtain final approval power on major issues that effect the city. With my balance of resident and business needs and current and past city board experiences, I am the qualified candidate to run the city, particularly in these uncertain economic times. Below are additional qualifications that further make me the best candidate for city council. To access more information and my blogs go to http://www.electpattygustin.com for more event by event information. Navigate through the site by clicking the top tabs, if you like the site click the “Like” thumbs up button to be added to the total tally. Any questions you or your committee have please feel free to contact me, below and on my website are numerous contact options.
Education and Professional Licenses
- DePaul University , Chicago , Illinois . BA
- Roosevelt University , Chicago , Illinois . Certified Paralegal
- State of Illinois Department of Banks & Real Estate. Real Estate Broker
Civic Involvement
- Plan Commission, City of Naperville (nka: Plan and Zoning Commission), Secretary (2010-Current); Member (2007-Current).
- Zoning Board of Appeals, City of Naperville , Acting Chair (2006-2007); Member (2001-2007).
- Professional Standards/Arbitration Board, Real Estate Association of Western and South Suburban Board (nka Mainstreet Realtors), Arbitrator; Member (1994 - 2006).
- Zoning Board of Appeal, Village of Lisle , Member (1994-1998).
- Planning Commission, Village of Lisle , Member (1998-2000)
- Naperville Exchange Club, Member
- Healing Fields, Ribfest, Last Fling, Volunteer
- Subdivision Boards, Member and Officer
- Youth Organizations Director and Supporter/Volunteer, Naperville North HS, Steperette Cadets Guard and Parent Organization.
Employment
Real Estate Broker
Affiliated with: Prudential Starck Realtors of Naperville
Naperville , IL 60563
Family
I have been married for 21 years to a wonderful man. He is enforcement chief for the US HUD Region 5. We have two daughters and a son. Courtney attends Marquette University , Lindsey is a senior at Naperville North HS, and Randy is a marketing executive for an aeronautical engineering firm. As members of both Grace United Methodist Church and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church our family is blended in faith. Our family is animal friendly and home to an aspiring DVM. So we also have two cats, a Yellow Lab, at least one snake and several tanks of fish.
Thank you for sharing this information with your group.
Gross
withdrew
Krause
no response
John Krummen
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss green energy and in total, green projects. I attended one of your groups meetings earlier this year. I wished to attend on a regular basis, but had scheduling conflicts due to being assigned course at night. Attached is a statement about not only my personal thoughts, but of my 20 years of implementation of green projects. I would enjoy further discussions, and can easily be reached by e-mail or phone.
Press Statement for Support of Green Initiatives
My name is John Krummen, and I am a candidate for Naperville City Council in 2011. I am a proponent of green energy, as well as conservation and all green projects. I have a strong record of over 20 years of implementing financially responsible green initiatives.
As an automotive engineer, I completely redesigned a suspension component that required zinc plating with a production run of 20,000,000 parts/ year. The redesign removed the zinc plating, eliminating millions of pounds/ year of highly toxic industrial by-products. The redesign also saved $0.05 per part, representing a cost savings of $ 1,000,000/ year.
Also, I have attended numerous green industry seminars and conventions including:
- The Small and Community Wind Conference in Detroit in Nov 2009.
- LEED® community and professional conferences.
- Member of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association.
Currently, I teach economics at Benedictine University , where we discuss fixed costs, variable costs, and costs of externalities. A prime example of an external cost is pollution. We discuss how everyone is affected, and responsible ways of minimizing it.
I believe based on my practical engineering experience, my community involvement, and my studies of economic costs, I have a strong record of implementing financially responsible green initiatives. I will bring this background to city council.
Joe McElroy
Since I’ve been active in NCEC for almost two years, I plan on attending the meetings as usual. My views on issues of concern to NCEC are well-known to the other members, but I’d be glad to spend some time discussing how city government can help foster NCEC’s goals.
Naperville can help save the planet while also improving the local economy. As the country seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign oil, there is increased emphasis on emerging technologies. With its high-tech image and excellent work force, Naperville is a logical place for research in this area. Two of our city council members, Grant Wehrli and Bob Fieseler, are already working on this with the Naperville Development Partnership (NDP), which I helped start in the mid-1990s. All City Council members should encourage this effort.
Our major high-tech players of the past, such as Lucent and Amoco, have been merged into companies that have reduced their presence in Naperville . What companies and technologies will fill the void? I don’t know, and neither does anybody else. But I do know the City Council can work with the NDP and the Chamber of Commerce to develop policies that will position Naperville as an ideal place to nurture the emerging technologies that will help improve the environment.
Naperville For Clean Energy and Conservation (NCEC) is emerging as an important advocacy group both locally and regionally. I’m proud to be an active member of NCEC; my participation has helped me understand that Naperville has many residents active in various “green” activities. In addition to helping people learn about energy conservation, NCEC has also helped the City establish priorities on environmental policies, such as the proposed zoning changes regarding solar energy and wind turbines.
You probably won’t agree with everything I do on the City Council, but NCEC members and others interested in energy conservation will know they have an advocate, a council member who is always willing to listen and help NCEC achieve its goals.
Kenn Miller
Clean Energy
I believe Naperville ’s Environmental Sustainability Plan is a work in progress Strategic Initiative.
As the City makes progress on the current plans, programs need to continue to conserve energy, such as, allocating grants like EECGB.
I am very interested in the Clean Energy Initiative that needs focus to develop alternative fuels, and become an agent to create new jobs. In the long-term we could use the green fuels depot to consume the City’s yard waste to generate electricity, reducing the cost to provide the power.
Preparation for electric vehicle acceptance that will require charging stations around the City needs to be investigated and a plan created.
In 2011, the Council needs to decide on the direction of Green House Gases and if any program can have a local impact.
The promotion and marketing of the benefits of recycling needs to be increased to have participation increase by 15-20% per year.
As technology improves the City needs to make decision on acceptable solar and wind devices for business and residential use.
Pradel
I am proud that Naperville has been leader in the environmental sustainability movement. I am also proud of the programs and support that we give our residents to encourage them embrace energy conservation and clean energy initiatives.
The big project at 75th and Washington , while inconvenient for several months, is a good example of that commitment. The new traffic patterns reduce wait times at the lights and allow smoother traffic flow. The bicycle and pedestrian accesses are both safer. I think we will see more bike use now that the paths are protected from traffic.
Naperville is also striving to run with cleaner energy. I support our partnership with Argonne National Laboratory that allows us to test and deploy clean vehicles that use new energy efficient technologies. I hope Naperville is one of the first to use electric cars. Our partnership with Packer Engineering, one of our local businesses, will help us make use of landscape waste and brush to generate electricity.
I supported the construction of two LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings, the Public Works Service Center and our newest Fire Station, #10. Both built with green techniques and design features.
I continue to support the Smart Grid Initiative; it has great potential to impact both the city’s and resident’s ability to conserve energy. It, like Small Wind and Solar Energy ordinance, are instances where we balance the different interests in the community and together we can keep Naperville in the lead on environmental sustainability.
Charlie Schneider
Thank you for allowing me to provide NCEC a written statement about my personal thoughts about environmental issues within Naperville .
I prefer to keep things simple by applying common sense, which seems only logical to me, whether I am sitting on a Board of Directors, on the City Council, or as a husband and father:
- Consider the facts.
- Does it make sense?
- What is/will be the cost or burden.
- Who/what will be affected by my action.
- Determine the risks/rewards of my action or non-action.
Stephens
no response
Wehrli
no response
