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Name: Brent Barron
Age: 57
Years of residency in district: Almost my whole life except for a brief time in North Carolina prior to my marriage. Ottawa has always been my hometown. Since 1998, I have lived on Kimberly Lane, prior to that, I lived on the Eastside on Congress Street, and prior to 1976, I lived on Illinois Avenue.
Occupation: Chief examiner, U.S. Department of Labor
Previously elected positions: Public office, none. Current president, American Federation of Government Employees Local 648 two term; president board of directors Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau Counties
Contact information for voters: brent@brentbarron.com, 815-343-8634, or on Facebook at Brent F Barron.
Why have you decided to run for commissioner and what major goals do you plan to work towards?
I am a lifelong resident of Ottawa and have volunteered my time to make Ottawa the best community to live, work and raise a family over the last 20 years. As a commissioner on the new City Council, I want to keep Ottawa moving in the right direction and continue to make our town the best hometown in Illinois.
What sets you apart from your opponents?
My longtime commitment as a volunteer on the Plan Commission and current chair, Ottawa Tree Board and current chair, member of the Form of Government Committee, member of the Northside Entryway Improvement Committee, Sign Ordinance Review Committee, member of the Ottawa is Blooming and current Co-Chair, former member of the Board of Directors of Easter Seals of LaSalle and Bureau Counties and past Board President and serving my fourth term as American Federation of Government Employees Local 648 President have provided me with unique experiences to take on the dynamic issues that the City of Ottawa is currently facing. I believe my experience as chair of two different boards for the city has given me a unique perspective in the needs for long term planning while taking on the issues of the present. The city is currently reaping the benefits of the plans that were laid out over the last 20 years and now more than ever do we need to make a commitment to planning for what Ottawa will look like in 2040 and beyond. As someone who has participated in the drafting of three comprehensive plans along with a Riverfront Development Master Plan; I bring that experience to the table.
Do you feel there is a fair balance of focus between attracting visitors to Ottawa and maintaining a solid, quality life for residents? If not, which way should the scale tip?
Yes. If the scale needs to be tipped, it will always tip towards the needs of the current quality of life for our residents. In making those improvements, a side benefit is achieved of making the area more attractive to visitors, then that’s a bonus.
On a scale of A to F, how would you rate the current city council’s handling of the budget? If low, where do you feel the city could do a better job of cutting expenditures or finding new revenue?
I would give them a high B, low A. Are there individual areas where more resources could and should be dedicated? Yes. However, we are limited by the fact that approximately two-thirds of the budget is dedicated to salaries, benefits and pension costs. That leaves only one-third for everything else. I truly believe one area where we could save money, is reducing the city’s costly litigation with our bargaining units. The city needs to reach out to the three bargaining unit representatives and inquire as to their willingness to use the free services of the US Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). I think if we sit down at the table and negotiate and mediate our issues, we will save dramatically on costly arbitrations and the remedies from them, and their services are free. Building better working relationships with all of our bargaining units will hopefully lead to better and more efficient services. I also propose that we form a “Good Ideas” committee to tap into the proposals of our citizens, businesses and employees to make our community better. This is an effective way to deal with the dynamic issues we face and find solutions that will hopefully save us money down the road.
What are your current thoughts on the city’s proposed waterfront development plan? How important will forward momentum on that project be during your term?
I have been calling for the development for that site, once the city acquired the property. As Chair of the Plan Commission, I was involved in the development of the current Riverfront Concept Plan and actively participated in recommending it to the City Council. What people are concerned about is that this development will be done all at once. That is not the case. It was always envisioned that it would be done in pieces and that it would take several years to get those pieces developed. There are environmental concerns that must be addressed first, and the city is moving forward with those efforts. The Y’s concept for a new facility is just that. The city has initiated the process of soliciting bids for that portion of the site that calls for a civic/recreation use facility. Once the bidder is finalized, the plans for that facility will progress to the next step will including permitting approval and a capital campaign to secure the private funds to construct that facility.
Are you supportive of Jackson Street being turned into a plaza? If not, what are your reservations? If so, what do you hope to see at the site?
I think we need to concentrate our efforts in upgrading the streetscape on Jackson Street such as what we have done on Main, Madison, and Jefferson streets but am not in favor of a permanent closing of Jackson street. I am in favor of temporary closures for events like Chris Kringle market, Riverfest and the Farmers Market but once the riverfront development is completed, those events may be relocated to that venue. I am very interested in attending the upcoming meeting where the proposed plan will be further discussed.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing Illinois & Michigan Canal rewatering?
Right now, the project is half finished. I ask, what do you do with a half-built house? The pessimist says tear it down and fill in the hole. The optimist says finish building it. I am going to opt to be optimistic and say finish it. The increased costs that were added to the project need to addressed, and I believe a workable solution can be found. When finished, this project will enhance our ability to attract new visitors; promote new recreational opportunities throughout the year; and restore the historic look and ambiance of Ottawa as an Illinois & Michigan Canal town.
Would you support a 1 percent downtown sales tax to support future development and maintenance downtown? Why or why not?
No. If we need to come up with a new source of revenue to support downtown development, a fairer source of revenue that will be paid by all the entities in that central business district would be a special assessment on the properties in that area. The issues with the sales tax are that it is paid by those entities selling goods, food or beverages, and not by any of the other entities such as the banks and offices that are located in that district. If this new development program is initiated, it benefits all the entities in that district. I would like to discuss this issue more with the Downtown Merchants Association, the financial institutions and major landlords downtown to get their thoughts on the proper funding mechanism for any future development and marketing efforts the city might engage in.
Of the topics discussed at the city’s “Top 10” town meeting in October, which one or two are you strongly in support of and what do you plan to do to help achieve their success?
I believe the issue of retaining our youth should be a priority. For far too long, we raise our children, provide them with a solid upbringing, good education and create well-rounded individuals who are well prepared to join society and contribute. The problem is, the vast majority leave and establish families and roots in other communities. We need to reverse that trend and create opportunities both economically and leisure activities that will encourage more of our children to come back here after they have gone to college or served in the armed forces, and search out opportunities to bring what they have learned and experienced and make their hometown better. I think we need to search out new business that relies on that talent pool, to set up shop here. We need to increase our marketing efforts regarding our prime location to Chicago, Quad Cities, Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and Rockford. In addition, I believe attracting a four-year university to locate a satellite facility/classroom here, will enhance our ability for our keep our youth here while they finish their studies towards a four-year degree or advanced certificate. Besides the Recreation Center development; which you asked in a separate question; I believe we need to deal with the train crossings in town. Primarily the crossings on Route 23 and Champlain Street for public safety. The issues with the Illinois Railnet tracks would seem at first glance easier to solve by moving their switch yard further to the east and away from Champlain street. The issue with Route 23 and the CSX tracks is a harder one because of the distance between the US Route 6/Illinois Route 23 intersection. A workable alternative to get over the CSX tracks number came up a number of years ago when former City Engineer Gary Pike drew up designs for a viaduct over the CSX tracks which would alleviate emergency access across the tracks but does nothing regarding the impacts that increased rail traffic has on the primary means of car and truck traffic through town on RT 23. I think we need to step up our efforts with both railroads to find solutions to this longstanding issue that seems to be kicked down the road with each succeeding council. I say enough is enough. It is time to fix this issue. Delaying finding a solution, only makes the solutions that much more expensive.
How many city council meetings or town meetings (i.e. Jackson Street Plaza discussion, top 10 Ottawa goals meeting, etc.) have you attended recently?
I have lost count as to the number of meetings I have attended over the last 20 years. As Chair of the Plan Commission, I have only missed approximately a dozen meetings in my 20 years serving on that Commission. The same goes for my attendance at the Tree Board meetings. I attended the Jackson Street Plaza development meetings as well as the Dayton Bluffs development meetings. I have attended all of the Riverfest meetings that Mayor Eschbach has called for all vendors involved in that event in the last couple of years. I challenge any one of the current challengers to have attended more meetings in the last 20 years and have dedicated thousands of hours serving this community in my various capacities on all of the different committees, commissions and boards I have and or currently serve on. I am dedicated to making Ottawa a better hometown.
What are your thoughts on the city’s current lineup of events? Should more be added, if so what kind? Should others be canceled?
I think the current mix is good. I believe that we need to add more family-centered events, but the issue is getting people to volunteer to organize and operate the event. As a person who has organized, planned and operated events, that is the hardest part. Finding volunteers to help. I would be in favor of creating a facilitator position, that coordinate groups that want to host current and new events and outside groups and individuals who want to get involved.
How do you expect the discussion regarding pensions to affect Ottawa in the near future?
The pension is not limited to Ottawa, Illinois. The State of Illinois has to come up with the proposed solution. That being the case, the city has to be involved in the discussions with our legislators in Springfield when these solutions are being drafted by both parties. Representative Lance Yednock and Senator Sue Rezin need to keep the city updated regarding what that solution will be ultimately. That being the case, we need to sit down at the bargaining table with our Union representatives for the three bargaining units and work on finding a solution to this looming problem.
Other than for family or health reasons, why would you leave your position mid-term?
I would have no reasons to leave mid-term other than health issues. Right now, I have no plans to change jobs. My schedule in my current position is flexible and I do not foresee any conflicts with my work/union obligations or those as an elected official. I currently work a four-day work week and have an off day on Monday. I have had that schedule for years and do not see it changing unless I request a change.