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Fequently Asked Questions 

Did You Know?

This FAQ section addresses the most common questions regarding our city government, helping you find the necessary information.

More About Me

Opening Statement for the LWV Mayoral Forum:

Good Morning. Thank you to the League of Women Voters for hosting this forum. Thank you to everyone who is attending and watching the live stream. You’re here because you want to know how my name is pronounced, right? I am Lilija Stevens. The j (ja) is pronounced like a y (Lili yah). Lilija is a Latvian name. Both of my parents were born in Latvia. They were refugees due to the Soviet occupation of Latvia during WW2…emigrating to Australia, where I was born.

My uncle sponsored my parents, and we moved to Chicago. We arrived in the United States (legally) the summer I turned 9 years old. Since I wasn’t born in the United States, I cannot be president, but I am qualified to be your mayor of Washington. One word that describes me is determined. Another word that describes me is consistent, and I am resilient. I have been determined and consistent since I was first elected to the Council in 2019. My goals were to be responsive to constituents, to increase open discussion during Council meetings, to be fiscally responsible with your tax dollars - excuse me, OUR tax dollars - and to keep you informed.

Words are meaningless if they aren’t followed up by actions. My actions have demonstrated community-focused leadership. A leadership change that includes and prioritizes the needs of our residents. Let’s begin our city’s next 200 years, our next chapter together.

Thank you. 

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What I Want to Accomplish

Original written Closing Statement for the League of Women Voters Forum:

 

During my opening remarks, I stated that words are meaningless if they aren’t followed up with actions. As your future mayor, I would like to initiate the following actions:

  1. We need a policy to address resident concerns that result in some resolution. We can’t keep putting people off long enough, often enough that they will stop asking. Other communities have objective policies that we could adapt to meet our needs. Under my leadership, there will be a resolution to the concerns brought forth. It is unrealistic to think we can always please everyone, but there will be a resolution to the concern(s) brought forth. I haven’t forgotten about residential speeding, lack of safe sidewalks, pesky solar salespeople, and, yes, fireworks two weeks before the 4th of July.

  2. We need to keep our community regularly informed. We should utilize E-Notify (news alerts for the City of Washington) and CodeRED (notifications in emergency situations or critical community alerts). Examples include evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices, and missing child reports. I propose we revive the City Newsletter we used to receive in the mail (we could offer a mail or online version). How about replacing the existing message board in front of the WFD on Wilmor with an electronic message board?

  3. I want the residents to have the opportunity to meet monthly with elected officials, rotating officials' attendance depending on their schedules. Since October, I have been hosting Q&As in the Library study rooms. Q. What is the #1 topic? A. The proposed amphitheater.

  4. We need to attract new businesses, especially along our main corridor B24. Let’s revive our Economic Development Commission.

  5. We must work with other taxing bodies to find ways to lower our overall property taxes, or we will tax people out of Washington.

  6. I’d like to initiate a Citizen Advisory Committee (including the youth of Washington) and advertise on our City FB page and website the opportunities community members can participate in local government.

  7. I want alderpersons to be able to advocate for their Wards. Alderpersons are elected by their Ward, but there is nothing in place where an Alderperson can share their Ward’s needs.

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I close by simply stating, "Actions speak louder than words." I have demonstrated that my words translate into Actions. I respectfully ask for your vote to be your next mayor, and together, we can begin a new chapter with community-focused leadership.

 

Thank you. 

What is a TIF District?

A TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district is a tool used by cities to boost economic development by "freezing" property tax revenue at its current level. When property values rise due to new developments, the additional revenue, or "increment," is directed into a special fund for local improvements like sidewalks and roads. Essentially, it's like setting any spare change above a certain amount to enhance your garden while the initial amount continues to support your regular budget.

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For more information, click here.

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What does an Alderperson do?

In Washington's type of city government, each neighborhood (called a ward) has two representatives, known as alderpersons, who speak up for their area's needs. These representatives serve for 4 years, but they're not all elected simultaneously - half are chosen every 2 years. The bigger the city, the more representatives it gets. The city also elects a mayor, a clerk, and a treasurer. These three positions also serve 4-year terms.

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For more information, click here.

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