Once RCA was in office, it only took a few weeks of research into other options this summer to determine that there were much less expensive options that would provide more parking for Riverside’s businesses. RCA was able to work with BNSF and Metra to find a solution that provides our businesses with 43 parking spots – more than twice as many parking spots as the original plan. The new business parking lot makes use of underutilized commuter spots and cost the village nothing to create it.  Instead of a 19 spot parking lot at $885,000, the RCA was able to come up with a plan that now provides 43 spots for free, with a possible second agreement to be worked out with Riverside Masonic Temple for another 25 parking spots.

Additionally, by not paying to build the proposed lot, the village retains a valuable real estate asset on Burlington that can be used at later date for other purposes.

RCA campaigned on stopping needless, runaway spending. We believe that taking the time to look carefully at an issue and examining options rather than plunging headlong into spending hundreds of thousands of dollars is a good way to start.

– Mark D. Shevitz

As a result of RCA’s hard work, the village successfully hired both an interim and permanent Village Manager while saving the village more than $40,000 – what it would have cost to use a search firm to help fill both positions. The consensus of both the Village Board and residents was that both were excellent hires.

RCA will continue to look for opportunities to save the village money when it comes to consultants. Our commitment to fiscal responsibility does not start and end with the annual budget process – there are often opportunities to spend more wisely as issues arise in the village.

– Mark D. Shevitz