District 86 Politician - Ryan M. Alm - Fights To Help Local Business Get Established In Joliet Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joliet, Illinois, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) December 7, 2011 -- 12/7/11

JOLIET, ILLINOIS

On Monday, 12/5/11, The Joliet Herald News reported ( http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/business/9269537-420/entrepreneur-joliet-doesnt-want-us-at-all.html ) that Gary Talmadge of Plainfield an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to open a small resale business in Joliet, is getting some opposition from other businesses in the area and from the City's Zoning Board. JHN Reports (in-part): "Two nonprofit groups are trying to keep out a private enterprise that they say would compete with their retail business. The Joliet City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday night on whether to approve the special-use permit a private entrepreneur would need to open a home furnishings resale store at 2625 W. Jefferson St. Representatives from Habitat for Humanity went to the council during their workshop session Monday to urge them to keep the store from opening. 'We really feel that this is in direct competition,' David Hill, president of Habitat for Humanity told the council."

On Tuesday, 12/6/11, Candidate Ryan M. Alm was present at the Joliet City Council/Board Meeting to witness the Council's action on this matter. As reported ( http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/9291813-417/joliet-urged-to-give-shop-fair-shake.html ) by JHN's Bob Okon: "A plan for a furniture resale shop is still alive after critics called a pending vote to stop the store from opening un-American and a blow to free enterprise. The Joliet City Council on Tuesday tabled a decision on the store until its Dec. 19 and 20 meetings. The entrepreneurs who proposed the store weren’t at the meeting, but three Joliet business people, including their prospective landlord, spoke on their behalf after Habitat for Humanity representatives on Monday had urged the council to reject the plan." Joliet Realtor Rosalie D'Andrea was present for the meeting and stated "While I have a lot of respect for charitable organizations, I see free enterprise being violated here. Here’s a company that has a right to locate and is a tax-paying company, and I see a denial coming. I don’t understand why." The Herald News also reported "Joliet businessman Willie Westmoreland followed D’Andrea and said it would be 'un-American for the council to vote against the free enterprise system that built America.' " And lastly Mark Burcar, who owns Stadium Plaza where the business would locate, was at Tuesday’s meeting. Burcar said he had not planned to speak to the council but was encouraged after hearing D’Andrea and Westmoreland. “All I’m asking from you guys,” he told the council, “is to give this a fair shake.”

Candidate Alm , present at Tuesday's meeting, spoke with Willie Westmorland and mirrored his sentiments. "This is still a free-market society," Candidate Alm said, "and there's nothing more healthy than competition in the market place. No one can predict the success of this new venture, but, a few jobs might be created and hope can be instilled in the local community that the American Dream of business ownership is still alive, even in this economy. I hope that Mr. Talmadge doesn't give up on this dream." Candidate Alm also spoke briefly with Mr. Mark Burcar and offered to help in any way possible.

"I'm glad that Councilwoman Quillman urged the Council to postpone a final vote on the matter for another two weeks." Said Candidate Alm. "If the City Council won't approve this business at the proposed location, maybe they'll approve it at a different location, so as to not 'saturate' the market. Businesses that offer goods and services fuel the economy. We can not come out of this current economy without growing our way out."

"Resale items," Alm continued, "are not 'junk.' Some of these items, especially furniture, are quality made products that sometimes are made better than brand new products sitting on big-box store shelves. You know the City has an opportunity to market our local shops, such as Talmadge's proposed shop, and lump them together as the place to do all your shopping. For those on tight budgets, one can shop at the Unique Thrift Shop, The Morning Star Shop, The Good Will Store, Habitat for Humanity and Talmadge's Shop, amongst others. If the popularity of the booming 'dollar stores' is any indication, the people are in need of alternative places to buy cheaper quality clothing and home accents."

Candidate Alm lastly stated "lets look at this from a pure economic prospective. Someone from 'outside' of Joliet wants to pour his money 'into' the Joliet economy , helping a local business landlord earn money, increasing the business-tax revenues to the City and offering products to the market place for its citizens and we're discouraging it? It doesn't make sense. I could see the concern if the individual lived in Joliet and poured his life savings on this venture, and if it were to fail, it would create a possible further drain on the economy. However, this is 'fresh' money from outside the City. We should be encouraging all kinds of businesses to set-up shop in Joliet, and our other District 86 communities, since its not another bar or a pawn shop, I feel it can be a wholesome addition to the Joliet business community. I hope Talmadge and the City can come into an agreement."

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