A lean State government focused on the basics.

When I was Mayor of Downers Grove we balanced every annual budget and worked to reduce the size and scope of government to focus it on truly necessary services. After the economic collapse in late 2008, I helped re-focus Village government on its core mission: the basic services municipalities are required to provide, namely emergency response services from the police and fire departments and necessary public works services like roads, water, and garbage pick-up. This “back to basics” re-alignment of Village services meant cutting things many people liked but the Village could no longer afford to provide. This process was difficult and was not without some acrimony, but ultimately it was entirely necessary to ensure Downers Grove’s long term financial sustainability.

When I started my term we had 374 full-time employees and an operating budget of $43 million. When I completed my service we had 329 full-time employees and an operating budget of $39 million. This type of resolve and focus is exactly what’s needed in Springfield. Balancing government budgets can be done—as can focusing government’s scope of services. It requires leadership and diligence.