Durl Kruse for Mayor of Urbana, Illinois

(Economic activity should serve the common good, be self-renewing, and build local assets and self-reliance.)

Urbana faces few challenges more daunting than stimulating economic development. We are all well aware of the slowing economy, growing unemployment and financial uncertainty of our markets. Yet in spite of these dismal factors, I believe there is much the city can do to stimulate economic development, especially in the downtown corridor which serves as the core of our community. First and foremost, city government must take a more proactive leadership role in addressing downtown economic development. It cannot wait for someone else to do the job. Using its many resources, the city must immediately reach out to all who have an interest in the economic well being of Urbana and invite them to join the team. With aggressive leadership, creative ideas, and a joint commitment on the part of the community, Urbana can achieve sound, sustainable economic growth.

As mayor, I will:

• Team with the Urbana Business Association, labor, and other stake-holders to energize new downtown development (see www.mainstreet.org)
• Employ an economic development coordinator instead of a city chief administrative officer to oversee and manage all aspects of economic development occurring in the city
• Consider creating a local currency to support our local economy and strengthen community (see www.berkshares.org)
• Critically evaluate existing economic development programs and incentive plans, terminate or modify ineffective plans, develop new incentive plans that reflect current economic conditions
• Seek more community input as to how tax dollars should be spent for economic development
• Ready city housing and infrastructure plans for potential federal grant dollars
• Utilize university and local entrepreneurial talent to advance concept an “enterprise” city
• Support a community owned internet broadband service for citizens and businesses (see www.fiberforthefuture.com)
• Continue with street beautification and neighborhood safety efforts to encourage economic development and community pride
• Work and plan in concert with other local political entities

(The opportunity for full citizen participation in all activities, benefits, and decision-making of a society.)

It is the city's responsibility to serve all its citizens. Unfortunately, many times the less fortunate among us receive the least help and attention from the city. In these difficult economic times, the city must make sure that there are resources and programs in place to assist those in need of a temporary helping hand. With a modest financial and staff commitment, the city can make sure no one is left to struggle alone.
The quality of life in a community can also be judged by the health of its democracy. Sadly, during the last four city elections voter participation has steadily declined each year from 34% to 12%. The majority of both primary and consolidated municipal races go unchallenged. This trend cannot continue and Urbana expect to remain a vibrant and engaging democracy. City government must recognize this problem and seek ways to encourage more active citizen participation in city affairs and local elections. I wholeheartedly support giving people opportunities to vote on local election reform and redrawing of ward boundaries by a nonpartisan body. I believe in an open, accessible, transparent, and accountable local government.

As mayor, I will:

• Support municipal matching grants for "Grassroots Projects to Improve Neighborhood/Community Life"; examples might include joint neighborhood/police projects, summer recreational programs, community daycare programs, and community gardens
• Employ a social services specialist to seek state and federal grant dollars and to improve coordination
  of existing community services for the city’s most needy
• Work with the Regional Planning Office to seek funding and support for a local Offender Reentry program
• Give citizens the opportunity to vote on local election reform, Instant Runoff Voting ( see www.fairvote.org)
• Support the creation of a public access Community Media Center to promote the sharing of ideas, values and interests of the community
• Utilize binding and advisory referenda to gather public opinion
• host a regular Mayor's call-in show on UPTV
• Have a nonpartisan group redraw ward boundaries so they are compact, contiguous and competitive
• Actively seek ways to improve citizen participation and involvement in local government; for example, initiate participatory budgeting at the neighborhood level

(Humans are part of nature, nature has limits, and communities are responsible for protecting and building natural assets.)

City government has a responsibility to safeguard our community's many natural resources, its air, trees, water and open spaces. The city must lead by example, demonstrating its commitment to conservation and sustainable development. By carefully coordinating city ordinances, zoning regulations and financial incentives, the city can protect our natural resources for generations to come while enhancing the quality of life today.

As mayor, I will:

• Protect the city's open spaces and water resources, including municipal water ownership if necessary
• Reduce the city's environmental footprint through improved conservation and purchasing practices
• Promote "green" commercial and residential construction and rehabilitation
• Network with other cities and environmental/municipal organizations to learn about best practices
• Focus on stimulating city infill redevelopment while containing urban sprawl
• Preserve neighborhood integrity while insuring compatible new construction or rehabilitation
• Expand recycling to include electronic waste
• Support car-sharing plans and the continued development of bike and walking paths
• Continue to seek new ideas and ways to make Urbana a more sustainable city