Meet Lincolnwood Mayoral Candidate Jerry Turry

Editor's note: Each candidate was sent the same questions. And all three profiles are running today, April 5, 2013 on Patch. To read Peter Moy's answers, click here.

Also, be sure to check out our coverage on the Lincolnwood mayoral debate that was held on March 28.

Questions -

1) How long have you called Lincolnwood home?

We moved into Lincolnwood in 1985.  It was in early August and we were greeted by a hundred year storm sometime near the end of the month.  We had 18 inches of sewage in our basement, and my wife, Nancy, a lifelong resident of Lincolnwood, said, “Welcome to Lincolnwood honey!”  Had I killed her then, I’d be out of jail by now.

2) Briefly tell the readers about your background.

I  grew up in Skokie, attended Niles Twp HS, West Division as a freshman and sophomore, and then went to the East Division as a junior.  The board of education split the school into two divisions, and I went back to Niles West to start my senior year. 

I graduated with the first class in 1962.  I just returned for my 50th high school reunion last summer.  By the way, my wife, was in the class of 1963.  We met when I was a sophomore and Nancy was a freshman.  We have been together ever since! That’s 50 years (married 46 this past winter) for those not doing the math.

3) What is your favorite place to shop/eat/hang out in Lincolnwood?

I love Greek food and we can be seen in Psisteria 2 to 3 times a month.  I always start my dinning with their lima beans as an appetizer.  (Try em', you won’t be disappointed!)  I also frequent NY Bagel and Bialy in order to stock up on health food, right?  But I do also support Myron & Phils, LWoods, Malnati’s, & Wholly Frijoles. 

Lately, I have been eating lunch a lot at Maxwell Street Style Grill.  I have been trying to curb my 5 Guy’s patronage, because I get out of control eating the peanuts waiting in line for my burgers.  I recommend all without reservation.

Well on second thought, you’ll need reservations on some, so call ahead!

Shopping is easy in Lincolnwood.  I frequent Loeber Mercedes Benz and Grossinger Toyota.  I go in there to drool over new cars and then every once in a while, I actually purchase something.  My wife is a better customer than me.  I am going to reach 100,000 miles soon on my Toyota 2006 matrix.  Then I’m going to trade it in for a new Prius.  I shop at Lincolnwood Produce, Dominicks, Walgreens, Lowes  (‘m pushover for new gizzmos!), Redwood Cleaners, Razor’s Edge, a great barbershop 2 blocks from my house.  I try wherever possible to shop locally.

I hang out at Village Hall and can be seen there every day.  I encourage people to call ahead to make sure I am not in a meeting somewhere, as I hate when I get a note which reads, “sorry that you weren’t here when I stopped by”.

4) Can you briefly explain your short term goals?

I want to work hard to make the redevelopment of the Purple Hotel a reality.  I’d like to be invited to their grand opening.  It would be vindication from the criticism I received and still hear that it is a mistake.  I would support any business owner who had a dream and wanted to see it reach fruition in Lincolnwood.  In addition there is the Lincoln Ave Corridor which calls for attention to see new business. 

We just approved Z Bakery last night which will move into the old Highland Bakery site and open its doors in June this year.  They forecast 160 employees.  That means good paying jobs!  If I am not elected mayor, I might apply to be a baker.  I have skills from my time at Misericordia Homes at Christmas, helping in their bakery.  I’d prefer the night shift!

I want to do more to encourage our Asian community, especially the large Korean population to get involved in the many committees and commissions we have available.  They are so bright and eager, but need some help in crossing the bridge to involvement.  I plan to light the way, so that they don’t feel so fearful of volunteering.

I must make our ‘business friendly’ claims a reality.  One does it by removing the stumbling blocks to permitting and clearing the way to over reaching rules and procedures. I want to make residents feel comfortable and wanted when they come to Village Hall to get answers.  They should not be turned away or made to feel defensive.  After being on the inside for the last 18 years of service to our Village, I can say our staff is bright, extremely talented, and they work hard.  There is always room for improvement however.

With resources diminishing, it behooves municipalities to look into sharing services of expert technical people who might be able to get full time employment, if they are flexible enough to work at 2 or even, 3 different municipalities.  That would at least allow us to hire a part time person, where we might ordinarily not hire anyone. 

Cooperation of municipalities can be utilized more frequently in providing services for good people in Police, Fire & Public Works more and more often, but it must occur with the blessing of their unions.  As mayors, we are not yet trying to achieve any agreement yet.

5) Can you briefly explain your long term goals?

Last night the board talked about the Storm Water Management Plan.  This discussion has   involved countless meetings for staff and the volunteers who make up our Ad Hoc Sewer committee.  Both our staff and the members of the committee are tired of talking.  So last night at the Village Board meeting I tried to lead the board to identify what specifically they wanted to spend on Storm Water Management 

One of the trustees asked to get clarification on the cost/benefit of different plans.  Staff was directed to do that. My view is that whatever the decision, we need to let staff and the public know soon.  We have been chasing a moving target for too many years.  It’s time to stop the rhetoric and vote up or down whether to proceed.  If in the interim we get another 25, 50 or 100 year storm, we’ll get going, won’t we?

6) What is your position on adding a fourth TIF district in Lincolnwood?

I am in favor of a 4th Tax Increment Financing district in our Village.  As I said during the debates, “Do you like the way Devon Ave looks?”  If we leave these now vacant properties to remain vacant, they will deteriorate.  Remember deterioration leads to stagnation  We will not experience new growth in our land locked Village by sitting on our hands and waiting for the land ferry to spread dust on the property bringing it into the 21st century. 

We must use the tools of government, TIF’s, to do the heavy lifting.  I am certain that a regressive sales tax increase, no matter how small as recommended will harm business  I will do whatever I can with staff and the Board to keep our schools within our boundaries whole wherever possible.  Good schools are the backbone to great communities.

7) Anything else you'd like to add?

Please remember to Vote on Tuesday, April 9th, if not sooner. 

All politics is local, that means that your voice in politics will be heard at the local level far more often than at the state or national levels.  It is important to be a part of your government.  If you want to truly be a stakeholder, step up, vote, and get involved in committees and commissions in our Village. so that you can learn the issues. 

Go online at www.lincolnwood.il org.  Look at the various committees and commissions.  Find one and send me your resume at jturry@lwd.org.

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