The Waukegan City Council’s voted on October 19, 6–3 to approve the $3.6 million purchase of property at 200 N. Green Bay Road for a proposed new police station raises serious concerns about the decision-making process and the potential financial burden on our residents.
I firmly believe that public safety and fiscal responsibility must go hand in hand. Our first responders deserve the facilities, equipment, and resources necessary to effectively serve and protect our community. However, providing those resources should never come at the expense of transparency, accountability, or responsible spending of taxpayer dollars.
With preliminary development estimates ranging from $50 million to $100 million, I believe the people of Waukegan deserve a comprehensive understanding of the project’s total cost, its long-term financial implications, and the alternatives available before the city makes additional major financial commitments.
An attempt to postpone the land purchase until more definitive construction and development costs could be determined was unsuccessful. When questioned about the necessity of the project, 5th Ward Alderperson Newsome stated, “It’s got to be done.”
But simply saying something needs to be done is not enough when millions of taxpayer dollars are at stake.
As your 5th Ward Alderperson, I will advocate for:
Responsible Spending: Ensuring major capital investments are carefully evaluated, financially justified, and balanced against the city’s existing obligations and essential services.
Transparency in Major Developments: Requiring clear cost estimates, financing plans, and long-term financial projections before committing taxpayers to significant expenditures.
Exploring Cost-Effective Alternatives: Thoroughly examining opportunities to renovate or expand existing facilities and evaluating alternative locations before pursuing costly new developments.
Taxpayer Protection: Understanding how major projects could affect property taxes, city debt, and the affordability of living in Waukegan.
Accountability in Decision-Making: Asking difficult questions, demanding thorough analysis, and ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to understand and provide input on decisions affecting their financial future.
My position is not opposition to investing in public safety. It is opposition to making major financial commitments without sufficient information, careful planning, and meaningful public accountability.
I am running for 5th Ward Alderperson because I believe Waukegan needs a fresh perspective at City Hall—one rooted in common-sense reasoning, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a willingness to challenge decisions when necessary.
Supporting our police officers and protecting taxpayers are not competing priorities. Responsible leadership requires us to accomplish both.
Waukegan deserves leadership that doesn’t simply ask, “Does it need to be done?” but also asks, “What is the most responsible, effective, and affordable way to get it done?”
Our residents deserve nothing less.
