THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008

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'Give Us More To Do'

Des Plaines Economic Development Commission Seeking More Involvement

By TODD WESSELL

Journal & Topics Editor

Is the skill and experience among members of the Des Plaines Economic Development Commission (EDC) being used to its fullest extent by the city?

That's one of the topics of discussion planned for today's meeting of the volunteer panel that meets in City Hall at 7:30 a.m.

According to EDC chairman Jim Ulett, it's been his feeling for some time that not as much information about planned developments and other locally related issues has passed through the commission as in past years.

Instead, new information has been received by the city staff and not forwarded to the EDC commission.

While Ulett said it appears city officials support involving the EDC more, members of the commission want to know "to what extent".

He added there are many issues which the city could use the input of the EDC.

Former Mayor John Seitz was the driving force behind the creation of the EDC in the early 1980s.

Membership of the commission consists of local businessmen and residents interested in using their expertise to help the city with redevelopment and other economic improvement issues.

For years, the commission was semi-autonomous in which a director would manage the city's economic development program and work with EDC members. Several years ago, that arrangement was changed when the EDC director came under the total control of city government.

"Like anything else, things fall through the cracks," said Ulett in explaining why the EDC's involvement has waned in recent years.

He is hoping that the City Council, mayor and city manager will refocus and allow a more active role for the commission.

"If they feel that's not necessary, then they should dissolve the commission," said Ulett, a member of the EDC for the last 17 years. "Either give us more to do or not. I think we're an asset to the city."