Rafael Avila

Economy I am working closely with the mayor’s office to open up communications with the owners of Cermak Plaza. We need to know what their plans are for the empty retail space. We will offer assistance in order to renovate and attract viable businesses as long as it is beneficial to our community. Taxes / Budget It’s important to continue with plans to promote new business growth that will generate new and additional tax revenue to take some of the burden of increased municipal cost off the homeowner and hopefully freeze property taxes. Infrastructure / Transportation I will continue to promote Berwyn and all the good the city has to offer to new potential business owners such as good schools, safe parks, convenient corridors to the city from both interstates 290 and 55, TIF assistance, commercial loan program and the diversity of our community. Social Services Collaborate with the school boards, park boards and police department to create more activities for our youth. Social Services Work closely with my colleagues on the council to restore senior services. Our seniors are a very important part of our community. We should be enhancing services, not eliminating them, so that they can enjoy their golden years. Government Reform The city needs to expand the availability of bilingual resources to all residents of every nationality that makes up our diverse community including our Spanish speaking community. We are working with community groups to potentially translate regular communications such as newsletters, and a “New Resident” booklet with information on city departments and city codes. Housing Hold absentee landlords responsible for maintenance of their properties with the end result of eliminating blight and graffiti in the 7th Ward. I plan on reviewing the blight ordinances to see how we can accomplish this.