Haji-Sheikh Announces Candidacy for 5th Ward Alderman

I am announcing my candidacy for Alderman for DeKalb’s 5th Ward. As a citizen concerned with the direction of city governance and the lack of economic growth in DeKalb, I believe a serious change of direction must happen. Mis-steps in the areas of commercial ordinances and lack of respect for local neighborhoods must stop. Secrecy and lack of transparency long has been a hallmark DeKalb city government. While the Mayor has declared that his term will be transparent, I believe this lack of transparency is even worse than before.

For too long, DeKalb has focused on development of retail and unfortunately I believe we are retail saturated. Until we can attract businesses,other than retail, that have good paying jobs, our economic growth will be stagnant. Confusing rules, and lack of clarity from the city administration are major obstructions to growth. It took a concerted effort by local businesses and individuals to force the City Administration to modify a set of proposed ordinances over commercial and business inspections. Although I believe that this is going to be a long process, I support the efforts of these citizens and would like to help this process along.

I have issues with the level of taxation for which we have hit and I believe it is deterring growth. I feel that my background and experience as a Senior Principal Development Engineer for a major corporation as well as in private business along with my thirteen year employment at Northern Illinois University makes me uniquely qualified to represent the 5th Ward. I have helped residents of the North Fifth Ward to protect their residences and their businesses from a poorly thought out development plan, believing that openness is the best policy. I see the job of Alderman as the voice of the ward and to stand up for the people of the 5’th Ward and to represent all the residents of the 5th Ward. DeKalb is a unique town, with a unique history, and has many positive aspects and I believe that the 5th Ward is an integral part. I thank you in advance for your vote on April 7th 2015.

Michael Haji-Sheikh