Local

In Their Own Words: David T. Jones, Village Trustee Candidate


David T. Jones
David T. Jones (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Erratum: Due to a formatting error on our part, Mr. Jones’s statement, the bullet points for the capitalized sentences below both showed “#1.” We have removed the ordered list HTML and simply inserted the numbers “1” and “2” at the beginning of each sentence. We regret the error.

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Keeping in mind that the following is in the candidate’s own words, eNews Park Forest reproduces here information provided by the Park Forest Non-Partisan Committee. We are publishing these statements alphabetically, and the order of publication should not be construed as an endorsement.

We publish these statements as-is, without edits to grammar or spelling. We will indicate such errors in common fashion. using the Latin word sic, “thus,” short for sic erat scriptum, “thus was it written.” We hold that small matters are important, like grammar and spelling.

Editorial endorsements will follow.

Again, in his own words, we present David T. Jones, candidate for Village Trustee.

His statement follows:

According to a Chicago Tribune article dated, June 18, 2015 and titled “Property tax rates still highest in Southland, although property values decline” Park Forest has a property tax rate between 26 and 34 percent. While this is no secret to the majority of you reading this candidate statement, a proposed solution is what continues to be quite elusive for us residents. Accordingly, I would like to assure you that if you elect me, David T. Jones, (punch #1) this upcoming April, I will continue my work to address this major topic by executing on the following.

1. DEDICATE MAXIMUM EFFORT TO COURTING NEW COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES:

Presently, Park Forest ranks among the worst villages in the State of Illinois in terms of commercial and business growth. The more businesses our community has, the more the property tax burden can be shared. Other neighboring communities have relied heavily on Tax Incremental Financing to lure businesses, while others have went as far as to offer complete tax breaks. My focus will be on contacting businesses directly in an effort to persuade them to be a part of the movement to Park Forest, and get in on the ground floor of something truly special. However, should that approach not work, I will constantly reevaluate [sic] and do whatever it takes to bring more business to our village.

2. ADVOCATE FOR REDUCED SPENDING BY SEEKING OUT ALTERNA- TIVE REVENUE STREAMS:

If our community is able to find alternative funding sources for necessary governmental expenses, such replacement funding will help reduce the burden on taxpayers. While such an endeavor is never easy, improving Park Forest to the level and place it once was is worth whatever amount of work it takes to accomplish such a goal—so you have my commitment to accomplish just that.


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