2008 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Adopted January 22, 2008 / Ratified February 26, 2008
BACOG GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
· Protect local government revenues. Protect local governments from additional risk, liability and unfunded state mandates.
· Support local and regional land use planning and zoning and the implementation of such plans and regulations without disruption.
· Preserve local government decision-making and the right to self-determination.
· Support additional permissive authorities for townships and non-home rule municipalities. Oppose reduction or pre-emption of the powers and authority of local government.
· Preserve, protect and enhance environmental resources and open space.
· Promote good government and the protection of public health and safety.
BACOG PRIORITIES:
- Oppose the Canadian
National Rail Road Purchase of the EJ&E. This transaction would cause a fourfold
increase in freight on the EJ&E, block vehicular traffic at crossings, compromise
residents’ safety, damage the Barrington
downtown, and impact quality of life in the BACOG region. Support complete mitigation of all impacts throughout the area, if and when transaction is approved.
- Fund Groundwater Research and Protection Efforts. Support initiatives and funding for state, regional and local governments that are engaged in research, mapping, modeling, analysis, policy development and public education towards a sustainable and safe water supply, and for groundwater measurement/monitoring programs, especially efforts focused on the shallow aquifers of the northwest suburban area and the BACOG region.
-
Support Modifications to Disconnection Legislation. Support revisions that would reconcile case law with the intent of the existing statutes for disconnection of property from a municipality and strengthen existing standards, in order to: maintain stability of municipal boundaries and certainty in capital investment; protect local government’s ability to implement local comprehensive plans; support regional intergovernmental cooperation and planning; protect local zoning; protect existing residents’ property values; allow for adequate due process for all affected interests; and carry out planned development.
- Support for IML Reform Policies for Public Safety Pension Funds. Support the comprehensive reforms proposed by the Illinois Municipal League to: enact ethics reform; assess fiscal impacts to municipalities; require improved service from and full disclosure by state pension authorities; reform disability award standards and re-evaluations including municipal participation; establish minimum standards for professional services used by pension funds; require reports to the public on pension funds and awards; define catastrophic injury.
- Amend the Affordable Housing Act. Support amendments to the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeals Act that will: clarify the powers of the Appeal Board in relation to local government zoning authority and local control; set standards of review for the Board that would require the developer to demonstrate in an appeal that the municipality’s decision was made specifically to prohibit affordable housing units; and include such limiting local conditions such as infrastructure, water supply, sewer/septic, land use controls, and build-out.
- Support for the Extension of Route 53. Support funding for the Highway 53 Extension to Route 120 in Lake County, with appropriate environmental and aesthetic measures, to relieve traffic congestion in central Lake County, Route 12, and adjacent areas.
- Oppose Moving to a “Point of Destination” Sales Tax. Oppose amendments to the state sales tax codes that would shift the distribution of sales tax revenues from the municipality where the sale occurs to the municipality where the goods are delivered, i.e., the “point of destination.” Support a comprehensive study by an independent university regarding potential gains and losses to Illinois municipalities and the organizational infrastructure that would need to be developed to implement any such change.
- Support Enabling Legislation for Development Impact Fees. Support enabling legislation to establish authorities, parameters, limitations, fee calculation methodology, and uses for municipal impact fee programs to benefit schools, parks, library, and fire/rescue districts.
- Support Streamlining of Administrative Procedures for MFT Small Projects. Support the reduction of state and local administrative costs and paperwork related to the distribution and use of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds by municipalities for small projects.
|