Navreet Kang

Here is the response I received to several questions I sent to councilman, and candidate for re-election  Navreet Kang. His responses are unedited:

1.  Why are you running for another term on the council?

I have served on the planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for the City for last 13 years (until 2015), when I got elected to the City Council. I have made contributions to the City Fire Department by bringing in our 4th Arson Dog, bringing funding for an Infra-Red Camera, and provided 110 Canary Home Protection devices to each and every Fire/Policeman. I have lived now in Carbondale for almost 30 years (April 25 will be 30), and this is my home. I find it as my civic duty to contribute in some fashion to this community. 

2. What do you feel you have accomplished during your past council term?

Downtown Redevelopment, Demolition of old Horizon Inn, Development of Downtown Hotel, City has earned the Bike-Friendly City award. Sidewalk/Bike Path  extending from Murdale Shopping Center to Old Hwy 13, Now Bikepaths are almost throughout the city. Every new street will be paved with Bike paths in mind.

We have new more streamlined software for Finance Department, and for the Police. Hired a new (and effective City Manager, Economic Development Director, and New Police Chief). We now have Natural Burials permitted in Carbondale. We have acquired and authorized a bike trail from Oakland Avenue to New Era Road, extending further west toward Murphysboro. New Warming Center was introduced this winter, and I'd like to see a permanent Warming/Cooling Center. We now have See, Click, Fix App available to anyone who wants to report a problem or an issue in Carbondale, pertaining to Code Violations, or just a street light being out. 

We now have online agenda program, thereby saving valuable police time that it took to deliver our Council packages each week, copying paper copies for at least 10 individuals each meeting, etc. saving a lot of money as well as personnel hours. 

We have a new Diversity Officer, as well as an HR Manager. 

We have revised and eased up restrictions on Housing Grants for First-time homebuyers. 20 homeowners were able to take advantage of such programs. 

Security Upgrades within the City Hall and we have a more revamped Website.

We have hired a Public Relations Officer. 

Passed a Block Party Ordinance. Celebrated Halloween with open liquor and brought in a Festival like atmosphere back to Carbondale. Allowed all bars to remain open during Halloween weekend.

Allowed Sidewalk Café's to serve open liquor.

Revamped our Garbage Collection with new Containers issued to each residence, as well as reduce Worker's Comp Claims from those workers, who collect refuse, by  reducing back and other injuries caused by heavy lifting.

We now have self-funded insurance.

We licensed Uber/Lyft into Carbondale

Managed the Solar Eclipse successfully

Expanded trails and recreation areas at Cedar Lake

We are in the process of developing Sustainability Plan.

Mandatory Diversity Training for all employees.

3. What would you like to accomplish if re-elected?

Business and Economic Development by bringing in new industry/businesses.

Maintain a balanced budget, while contributing amounts required to fund Police/Firemen's Pension Fund.

Help SIU bring up Student enrollment

Improve Housing Stock

Improve Community Relations

Improve City Parks and Recreation (Hopefully to merge Park Operations into City Adminstration

4. Is there anything else you would like the voters of Carbondale to know

I am an MBA and M.S. (Agri.). Degree holder, with over 36 years of business and management experience, plus 8 years as a Park District Commissioner, 13 years on the Planning Commission, 13 years on Zoning Board of Appeals, of which I was the Vice-Chair for 3 years, and Chair for 3 years, now almost 4 years as City Councilman. I believe I have what it takes to be an effective motivator and a leader to serve this city.

Navreet Kang

City Councilman

City of Carbondale.Illinois