On April 9, residents of Evanston's 1st ward, which includes all dorms south of Milburn Street and west of Sheridan Road, will choose between incumbent alderman Judy Fiske and opponent Edward Tivador. But where do the two candidates stand on some of the city's most prominent issues? NBN slogged through the candidates websites and election coverage to bring you what you need to know about Fiske and Tivador.
The Lakefront:
Fiske emphasizes limiting lakefront development in order to preserve residential neighborhoods and the lake’s natural environment. She acknowledges commercialization could increase city revenues, but worries it would result in increased noise and traffic. Recently Fiske voted to uphold the city zoning board’s rejection of an application to build a bed and breakfast on a property close to the lakefront. In addition, Fiske opposed Northwestern’s plan for the construction of a new visitor center and parking garage near the lake because she felt it would have negative effects on lakefront wildlife.
Tivador also recognizes the importance of protecting residential neighborhoods along the lakefront and of preserving Lake Michigan’s natural resources. However, he has been more open than Fiske to considering commercial development in this area. Tivador expressed support for the planned bed and breakfast which was rejected by the zoning board. His statements downplayed neighbor’s concerns about the development’s possible negative effects and instead emphasized its positive economic benefits. Tivador also asserted he would not have opposed Northwestern’s plans for its new visitor center.
Relationship with Northwestern:
Fiske’s website touts her efforts as alderman to mediate the often contentious relationship between Evanston city government and the Northwestern community. She focused on promoting increased student involvement in the political process through including student representatives in local government forums. In doing so Fiske strove to address student needs while at the same time protecting the rights of Evanston’s residential neighborhoods. Fiske also believes that Northwestern should be restricted to only “moderate” development west of Sheridan road so as not to encroach on residential communities.
Like Fiske, Tivador advocates the formation of a partnership with Northwestern students and administrators. In his appearances at public forums, Tivador emphasizes the economic importance of Northwestern students to the Evanston business community and makes a point of referring to Northwestern students as Evanston residents in their own right. Additionally, he argues that the Evanston city government should take advantage of the business expertise and cultural vitality that the Northwestern community can provide. With regard to Northwestern’s construction projects, Tivador has taken a more lenient view on new buildings on the limits between campus and residential areas.
Downtown Development:
Fiske’s campaign website showcases her commitment to the growth of new businesses in downtown Evanston. She emphasizes attracting new retail startups and is currently in the process of promoting two new proposals for office buildings downtown. However, Fiske has voted against several new development projects downtown in response to resident’s concerns that large retail stores could bring increased traffic to the area. Instead, Fiske wants to focus on smaller stores that would work within the limited space available in downtown Evanston.
Tivador’s platform also recognizes the importance of bringing new businesses to Evanston though he is careful to emphasize the importance of protecting the interests of existing businesses. Tivador criticized Fiske’s decision to vote against new development projects including the proposed development of a single family housing project at the former cite of Kendall College on Orrington Avenue. He cited the loss of revenue caused by resulting delays in construction and also concerns on the part of downtown residents with increased vacancies in the area.
Safety and Security:
Fiske is particularly concerned with the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. She favors widening sidewalks, increasing street lighting and the enforcement of laws prohibiting cyclists from riding on sidewalks in order to increase pedestrian safety. Fiske is also involved in the creation of bicycle lanes on city streets and advocates the establishment safe routes for students to bike to and from campus. Regarding lighting in student residential areas, Fiske stated that street lights in neighborhoods west of campus were to first to be refitted with brighter bulbs and that the city cannot afford the installation of more fixtures.
Tivador’s websites lists “safety and security” as one of the most important issues facing Evanston’s first ward. He he plans to focus on identifying “at risk individuals” and working with volunteers and local businesses to assist them. Tivador also advocates providing local police and firefighters with increased resources and opportunities for job training in order to improve city security, which won him the endorsement of the local firefighters union. Tivador asserts that maintaining and improving security in the city is necessary to ensuring Evanston’s continued economic success.
Transparency:
Fiske’s website emphasizes the importance of “good government” and states that as alderman she provides voters with a voice independent from special interests. She criticized Tivador for taking a $1000 contribution from an individual with a pending application for zoning relief, the owner of the contentious bread and breakfast along the lakefront. Fiske called Tivador’s acceptance of these funds “improper” and argued the money could lead to a possible conflict of interest should it not be returned. To ensure the transparency of her campaign, Fiske has promised to publish the names of all of her donors on her campaign’s website.
Tivador responded by dismissing Fiske’s accusations as an attempt to distract voters. In an article in the Evanston Patch, Tivador compared Fiske’s attack to “throwing up smoke screen to obfuscate the real issues.” Tivador decided not to return the contribution in question and in turn questioned Fiske’s decisions to not appear in public forums. Both candidates participated in events hosted by Northwestern University earlier this week. However, Fiske did not appear at a forum organized by ECTV due to a conflict with a campaign event and has also declined to appear at another forum with the League of Women’s Voters.