Clik here to view.
Alderman Jeff Key is hoping to bring new energy to Palos Heights as he mounts a campaign for mayor, telling residents at a town hall meeting Wednesday night that the city’s most pressing issues stem from poor communication, inconsistent management, and a lack of forward-looking leadership.
Speaking to a crowd at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, Key, who has served on the city council for 14 years, said his campaign is about restoring accountability and transparency.
“Hopefully, by the end of this meeting tonight, you’re going to find out that maybe Palos Heights could use a little passion,” Key said.
Throughout the meeting, Key stressed that unresolved problems in the city — some dating back years — were motivating his decision to run for mayor. “The main problem that you’re going to hear over and over from me is three words: leadership, communication, and management,” he said.
He cited several issues that he believes illustrate how the city has fallen short. The first was the 123rd and 71st Court parking lot project. Key said the property was purchased about two years ago with the intent of adding more parking to the business district, a goal outlined in the city’s comprehensive plan. However, the project remains unfinished. “We spent about $250,000 of taxpayer money on this property, and here we are two years later, and nothing’s happened,” Key said. “That’s not acceptable to me.”
Clik here to view.
Key also raised concerns about the Harlem Avenue business district tax revenue, saying the 1 percent business district tax has already raised more than $425,000 to improve signage, lighting, and parking, but city leaders haven’t communicated any plans to use the funds. “No one’s telling us what’s happening with that money. What are we doing with it? Either nothing’s happening, or someone’s making decisions in an office without sharing them with the council,” he said.
A third issue was building permit delays. Key described a significant backup in the city’s building department that resulted in weeks-long delays for residents and businesses waiting for permits, including for roof repairs after a storm. “This was a crisis, and it was not handled,” Key said, adding that the council’s suggestion to hire temporary staff to clear the backlog was not acted upon in a timely manner.
Key also mentioned City Hall renovations. He noted that the city has already invested in renovating parts of City Hall, including the council chambers, but critical issues such as outdated HVAC, electrical wiring, and deteriorating bathrooms remain unresolved. “Are we supposed to let the building fall apart? That’s part of the charge of being an elected official — taking care of this,” he said.
Key argued that many of these problems could have been avoided or solved more quickly with better communication and proactive management. “We have to set goals together, manage those goals, and communicate with the residents and business owners about what’s happening,” he said.
Key was joined by several other speakers who echoed concerns about city governance and community engagement. Todd Probasco, president of the Palos Heights Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the need for a stronger partnership between the city and local businesses. “Local elections affect you more directly than the big elections,” Probasco said, adding that parking issues and business district development must be addressed collaboratively. “It’s important to vote and make your voice heard.”
Jennifer Case, who is running against Alderman Jack Clifford for the second ward seat, said she wants to see more diversity and community representation on the city council. “The city council should be more like the community,” Case said. “I think we add a different value to the discussion, and that’s one of the reasons I want to serve — to help bring people together and make sure we preserve what makes Palos Heights a great place to live.”
Lukas Verzbicas, a school board candidate for District 230, also addressed the crowd, focusing on accountability and forward-thinking education. “We need to ensure our children are prepared for the future, with skills like coding and vocational training, to stay ahead in a changing world,” Verzbicas said.
During a Q&A session, residents raised questions about economic development, infrastructure, and communication practices. “What’s going on with the property at 123rd and 71st Court?” one resident asked, referencing the long-stalled parking lot project.
Clik here to view.
Key reiterated his frustration with the delays, saying, “That property was purchased with the intent of creating more parking, something that’s actually in our comprehensive plan. But because of a lack of communication and management, here we are two years later and nothing’s happened. That’s not acceptable to me.”
Another attendee questioned the status of business development along Harlem Avenue. “We have problems — parking, signage, lighting, and connectivity — and we have over $425,000 from the 1-percent business district tax that could address them,” Key said. “But what are we doing with that money? No one’s telling us. We need partnerships between the city, the business owners, and the residents, and we need experts to come in and help create a plan.”
As the April 1 election approaches, Key asked supporters to help spread the word, volunteer for his campaign, and vote. “My main thing today is to get this message out to the community,” Key said. “I didn’t call you here to ask you for money, but there is a cost to do this. And so, if you wanted to do that, I would appreciate it.”
With early voting beginning March 17, Key’s campaign is entering its final stretch, as he seeks to convince Palos Heights voters that change in leadership would benefit the community
The post Key focuses on stalled projects in bid for Palos Heights mayor appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.