2017 Election Questionnaire: Geneva 5th Ward candidate Douglas B. Warlick

Kane County Chronicle - February 24, 2017

Name: Douglas B. Warlick

Age: 60

Current occupation: Family Law Attorney: The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates.

Education

1981: Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D.)

1978: Lake Forest College (B.A.)

Immediate family

Married to the love of my life, Colleen Thomas (she is the beloved President of the Fox Run Homeowners Assoc.); my daughters, Shari and Jaci, are both married and reside in Florida, and my son, Bryan, recently graduated from Marmion Academy and now attends the University of Nebraska in a 3 plus 3 program where he hopes to graduate from college and law school within 6 years.

Civic involvement

Geneva Lions Club, President 2012-13

In addition to being a very active member for well over 10 years, I have received several prestigious awards and I continue to serve as the Chairman of the Membership Committee and the current President of the “We Serve” Foundation, which is the arm of the Lions Club that is responsible for awarding grant requests.

The Rev. Mark of St. Marks Church in Geneva appointed me the Chancellor of the church, a position that I humbly share with my wife.

Also, I support through giving, donating services, and participating in fundraising programs (including theater for 17 years), legal aid to the indigent.

Previous elected offices held

Elected precinct committeeman

Also, elected to the Assembly of the Illinois State Bar Assoc., and a Director to the Kane County Bar Assoc.

Why have you decided to run for election/reelection in the Geneva aldermanic race?

I have been a resident and business owner in Geneva since 1999, and I love Geneva. I love the community, I love the festivals, including working for them with the Chamber or the Geneva Lions Club, and I have loved raising my family here. I want to reside here indefinitely. I also have a passion for this type of service and now that we are empty nesters, I can devote the requisite time that is needed to do the job properly.

What project most needs to be completed in Geneva? And how would you work to ensure the project is actually finished and done well?

Cetron factory site is an eyesore and now awaits a new development proposal. The city needs to work with the developer next time to encourage a plan that integrates well with the community. However, near and dear to the city and my 5th Ward as well, is the Mill Race Inn site, Settler’s Hill, and the Route 25 road diet study.

Three current alderman who are running for re-election have endorsed Tom Simonian for mayor. Have you endorsed a candidate for mayor? If so, who and why?

No; it would be foolish for a candidate to endorse a mayoral candidate, and in a perfect world, sitting aldermen would not do that either.

How would you support expanding the city’s commercial and industrial tax base?

We’re land locked so annexation is our best shot to gain commercial/industrial development where it ought to be located. And we need to cultivate a more friendly economic development climate.

What experience and/or strengths would you bring to the City Council if elected/re-elected?

I’ve been a successful business owner/operator of my law practice since 1981. I’ve been negotiating contracts and other transactions throughout my career. I understand law and how government works, and I can take my experience from the private sector into government to be fiscally responsible.

What differentiates you from the other candidate(s) running for this seat?

Since neither one of us has served on the City Council before and since I don’t know my opponent, I will not compare myself to him or criticize him; however, I have the confidence to state that I possess the discernment and skills as a trial attorney since 1981 that will enable me to be an outstanding alderman and an asset to the city and my 5th Ward.

Outside of politics, what are some of your other interests?

Chicago Bears, theater, Lyric Opera, St. Marks Church, and community service through the Geneva Lions Club, my wife’s Rotary Club, and several professional bar associations.

Why should people vote for you in this race?

Both my office (former Hanson Baking Co. building) and my home are on the east side of Geneva. I will be a powerful voice for the east side of Geneva, including the Fox Run community that has been ignored. Please visit my website at GenevaAlderman.com.