Fencing Easements

I think fences should stay within the properties they are fencing. One party admitted they wanted the license agreement to make their back yard bigger. I just don't think that's right. I think it also results in an unwieldy pile of license agreements. For one admittedly isolated example, there's a license agreement that says this fence will be kept clear.

Crime-Free Multi-Housing

The absence of home rule authority continues to excuse inaction with respect to the very successful Crime-Free Multi-Housing program.  Some of our landlords already follow CFMH principles, but the slumlords do not, and chronic crime in their properties is the result.  Intergovernmental agreements and other strategies have been suggested but remain incomplete.  Niemann's departure certainly slowed down what little progress we were making.  It is critical for the new manager and new board to give CFMH top priority.

Photo Enforcement

George Washington said, "Government is not reason. It is not eloquence. It is a force, like fire: a dangerous servant and a terrible master."  A surveillance network is not the tool of a servant.  Surveillance for revenue is a terrible trade.  Villa Park should follow the example of Lombard and put a stop to it.

Vehicle Stickers

I am in favor of vehicle stickers.  Pretty much everyone has disagreed with me, but I hold fast to the belief that they have an enforcement benefit.  Specifically, junk cars could be ticketed, and we could make life a little bit less convenient in our town for those who tend to be out of compliance, like gangs, drug dealers, illegal immigrants, and overcrowders.  I am bewildered by the people who say that's wrong.