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Name: James J. Less
Age: 42
Years of residency in district: 42, minus college
Occupation: Professional landscape architect
Previously elected positions: Commissioner (Incumbent)
Contact information for voters: j2designassociates@gmail.com, 815-830-4556
Why have you decided to run for commissioner and what major goals do you plan to work towards?
I have chosen to seek re-election for a number of reasons with the community’s best interest as my first and highest priority. Major goals to pursue over the next term include new employment opportunities with higher paying wages, an aggressive marketing campaign to attract development within our turnkey industrial park, an incentive program for redevelopment opportunities along our existing infrastructure to maintain or increase our equalized assessed values (EAV) while reducing costly infrastructure expansion, and the hopes of beginning the implementation of the waterfront development. These goals are supportive for improving our local economy, moving toward a more sustainable economic environment and improving the quality of life in Ottawa.
What sets you apart from your opponents?
My college studies in urban planning and landscape architecture supplemented and developed with more than 13 years of professional work experience related to these studies have provided me with the tools, knowledge and insight to assist with the future development of Ottawa. Working first-hand in suburban communities has allowed me to develop a diverse set of skills and a unique opportunity to see how other communities have responded to similar challenges as well as effective solutions offered for resolution and community benefit. When I was in high school I worked as a city employee. This gave me some valuable insights on the inner workings of city government, from the trenches – literally. Those practical lessons and the fact that I have been actively engaged as a commissioner for the past five years, interacting with city employees, staff, the public, the other commissioners and Mayor Eschbach have helped me to further learn, improve, and be more effective in my role of commissioner. There are some complexities within the process of budgeting, oversight, and the overall role of being a council member that take time and experience to develop.
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?
There has been a commendable effort to attract visitors through the cooperative efforts of the city, the Ottawa Visitors Center, state agencies and local business operators. This has been reflected in numerous awards acknowledging these efforts and talent necessary to achieve the desired results. At this time, there is a balance within reason; however, I must stress that we have an obligation to our community members first and foremost in maintaining a desirable quality of life. We cannot neglect the quality of life of our citizens to cater to outside influences. Ottawa first! Handled well, these efforts are a win-win, benefiting residents, visitors, and attracting future neighbors and businesses.
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?
In the handling of the budget, I would rate the current council a solid B+. Each year, the Mayor and four commissioners develop and approve a fiscal year budget. Not everyone has agreed on each expenditure, however, the City Council has collectively worked together, debated, analyzed and discussed to reach consensus on approving the budget responsibly within our means. Each of us has proceeded as we felt to be in the overall best interest of the community. With limited financial resources, we have done an exceptional job in locating additional funding (grant opportunities, state and federal funds, and using those resources to leverage the impact of our own) to supplement our limited revenue without increasing taxes. This year was somewhat of an exception when a pension actuarial calculation required us to slightly raise taxes to meet this obligation. However, surprises occur and we have endeavored to deal with them effectively and ultimately fulfill our required obligations while being ever mindful of the impact to our taxpayers.
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?
The proposed waterfront development plan is a unique opportunity for the city to provide a combination of recreational benefits, location for civic festivals, a new destination for visitors to experience and enjoy our community and residential opportunities. It is important to understand that this vision of the waterfront is a long-term vision and will require some time to fully develop. It is wonderful that the Ottawa YMCA has taken the initiative to develop a first-class recreational and health facility, and has further partnered with private developers and the city to make this vision a reality. A variety of financial counterparts will be necessary to see this vision through including but not limited to critical public/private partnerships. Ultimately this development will create a new destination within the city and expand upon our existing marketable resources making them even more attractive. We fully intend to further develop these public/private partnerships to provide cost-effective benefit to the community.
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?
The concept of turning Jackson Street into a plaza for outdoor entertainment/public gathering is an exciting proposal and merits serious consideration. It is critical that any development proposals preserve the aesthetics of Washington Square, further enhance the downtown experience and remain accessible to the public. A reduction in parking to accommodate this proposal is a valid concern, however, I am confident of a few options not previously discussed may provide resolution and actually increase available parking and convenience in the downtown business district. Ultimately, with practical and fiscal concerns, I am in favor of any development that further benefits our community and working with public/private partnerships leverages public resources to achieve outcomes beyond public resources alone.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing Illinois & Michigan Canal rewatering?
I am and continue to be disappointed in the project. It is my feeling that the rewatering plan has not been thoroughly researched, evaluated or developed. It is evident today that it struggles to come to fruition with reengineering, rebidding and most importantly insufficient funds for implementation. Additionally, long-term maintenance plans were developed by the supporting members and submitted to Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for compliance, however, no funds were associated annually for the maintenance and nothing has been discussed for the operation and funding of the water delivery system. Understand, though, that these are practical concerns of mine and in some cases others. Ultimately, if it is the will of the City Council, I will use my effort to help to ensure that this project reaches the most successful conclusion possible and be considered an asset, not a liability for the community. This is an example of how thoughtful debate and respectful consideration of diverse viewpoints can hopefully reach a conclusion that the community as a whole finds to be more than acceptable.
Would you support a 1 percent downtown sales tax to support future development and maintenance downtown? Why or why not?
Currently, I do not support a one percent downtown sales tax. I believe that a majority of business owners have voiced their concerns on potential adverse effects. I also have concerns on how this money would be deployed and how it would be regulated to assure it is utilized appropriately and effectively. I think further that as the waterfront is developed within a tax increment financing district, additional resources will become available to further promote our downtown environment and businesses.
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?
A new recreation facility is a much-needed amenity in the community that will benefit residents of all demographics. Several years ago, serving on the committee that administered a feasibility study, it was determined that it was highly feasible for Ottawa to have and sustain a new facility. I commend the YMCA board for their initiative in pursuing this vision. As an advocate for parks and recreation, I strongly encourage and support the development of new and diverse programs inclusive to all residents with a range of abilities. The development of the waterfront will provide immeasurable economic and community benefits while complementing our existing resources. I will continue to be supportive and committed to its development coming to fruition and look forward to overcoming the challenges such a project will entail. Progress often takes time and patience, surely a development of this magnitude will entail both.
How many city council meetings or town meetings (i.e. Jackson Street Plaza discussion, top 10 Ottawa goals meeting, etc.) have you attended recently?
As an elected official you often are invited to a variety of meetings above and beyond the regularly scheduled council meetings. In addition to these meetings, I have attended numerous committee and planning commission meetings, recreation board meetings, the Ottawa Town Hall meeting and several meetings pertaining to the potential Jackson Street Plaza development. As a resident, it is important to be informed of potential changes and opportunities that may exist and how they will have a positive or adverse effect on the community. I believe that my attendance has been very good at these important forums, and certainly, as a City Council member, any absence at a council meeting has been rare and basically unavoidable.
What are your thoughts on the city's current lineup of events? Should more be added, if so what kind? Should others be canceled?
The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year that attract local residents as well as visitors from other communities. It is my sense that each event should be evaluated on an annual basis to see if it is successful in economic and community terms. They should also be revamped or modified as necessary to achieve these goals. I feel there is a deficiency of family-oriented events and would like to see new and diverse offerings in the future.
How do you expect the discussion regarding pensions to affect Ottawa in the near future?
As the city recently received notification of the need for further funding for police and fire pension funds due to changes in actuarial assumptions, we were required to make additional contributions to be on track in providing adequate and appropriate funding for our pension obligations. We are cognizant of these realities and obligations as we negotiate with our collective bargaining units. We have a fine group of employees that we endeavor to compensate fairly, provide for retirement benefits appropriately while being mindful of our responsibility to prudently manage our resources and not unduly burden our taxpayers. Moving forward, we need to have an accurate representation of our pension fund obligations and what it will take financially to meet those goals.
Other than for family or health reasons, why would you leave your position mid-term?
If re-elected I have no intention of not completing a full term.