Environmental Leadership

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In 1988 several neighbors and I formed an environmental organization called the Highland Park Conservation Society to promote preservation and awareness of the environment within our community. I joined efforts with folks like Mike Martinez, David Weber, Jim Cunningham, and Larry Hillman in trying to make a difference in not only protecting the environmental landscape of our community, but also in retaining our neighborhood zoning and character.

Many of the environmental initiatives I have promoted or initiated are discussed on the Open Space Preservation page.

In the early 1990s I co-wrote the Tree Preservation Ordinance that I believe significantly turned the page in Highland Park government from pro-development to a more equitable stand on preservation of our open lands, respect for our environment, and progress on sensible development.

Other initiatives I played a major role in were the first volume based residential waste hauling contract where we continue to lead Lake County and the State of Illinois in recyclables collected. Leaf blowers have fallen much quieter because of a tough ordinance and a enforcement staff that has been ticketing landscapers that do not comply.

With my leadership we have also networked strongly with the Park District and County on many projects within our boundaries and adjoining our town. The Greenways project has provided several new trail ways and continues to show additional future projects that will better our town.

I also helped draft the first storm water and wetland ordinance that was in place before the County's Stormwater Management Commission took over as the watchdog. To this day, Highland Park has stronger regulations that are based on stricter data than the County. I also worked with the Lakefront Commission in amending the Steep Slope Ordinance that stopped development in the ravines and on our lake bluffs.

I served on the Park District advisory committees for Highmoor, Sunset, and Mooney Park. Park District advisory committees for Highmoor, Sunset, and Mooney Park.

As hybrid cars began to become available, I asked the staff to look at these and other alternative-fuel vehicles to replace our existing gas-guzzling sedans. Several years ago we purchased a hybrid electric-gas fleet of cars for the city. We are replacing most of our city fleet with these efficient vehicles that save money as well as keep our air clean. I also asked Pace, the suburban bus company, to look at similar alternatives. One suggestion I made was to acquire smaller, more efficient vehicles, as Pace often does not fill its larger buses. Since then, Pace has reduced the size of vehicles and uses the biodiesel technology that reduces emissions and reduces fuel costs.

I am currently sitting with Mayor Belsky on our Green Initiatives task force in hope of working other governmental and citizen bodies to promote and initiate sustainable practices. We are looking to other governments to help share the cost of hiring an individual or consultant to evaluate our current sustainable position and set goals so we can reap the rewards of environmental success as a community.