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Revenue, planning among top issues in Norridge
Norridge Village President Ron Oppedisano talks with a Pioneer Press reporter about his administration and issues in the community at his office in Norridge Village Hall November 9, 2012. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media
Updated: December 16, 2012 6:40AM
NORRIDGE — Had he been asked three or so years ago about top issues facing Norridge, Village President Ron Oppedisano would have a list.
Now, he could come up with only a couple. “We’ve accomplished a lot,” he said.
Q: Can you briefly describe the top three issues Norridge faces?
A: Generating new revenue without putting village hands into taxpayers’ pockets. Continuing to look for alternative revenue sources, implementing the new comprehensive plan.
Q: Given the economy, how would you describe Norridge’s fiscal situation?
A: The village is in good fiscal shape. Because of sales tax revenue, the village is able to offer, at no charge, 911 emergency telephone, garbage removal and sewer services.
Q: How is the state’s pension crisis affecting Norridge?
A: The village collects property taxes that go directly into the police pension fund. We don’t have a lot of control over pensions.
Q: What is Norridge doing to promote economic development?
A: The village is in the process of implementing its first comprehensive plan in recent memory. Harlem Irving Plaza’s plans to expand will bring in more sale tax revenue as well as offer new sports and dining options.
Q: Do you think Norridge is doing a good job conducting its business transparently?
A: The village has undergone myriad processes to make information available. Just about everything is available on the website. The village brought in an outside company to audit transparency. We did everything suggested. We have no ulterior motives. The village also now has in place a competitive bidding process for municipal projects.
