What do the mayoral candidates think about Harley Clarke? In their own words…
Friends of Harley Clarke recently asked the mayoral candidates questions regarding their involvement with Harley Clarke, their thoughts about the current RFP process and about the future. Below are their unedited answers.
Because FoHC is a not-for-profit, we do not endorse political candidates but we can share information. Please read all of the answers and please vote on or before February 23rd in the Evanston Mayoral Primary. We believe it is apparent that two candidates are committed to the results of the referendum (which garnered over 80% of the vote; 27, 427 people in in favor), and the people who came out to vote in support of it, are familiar with the current process, and will be under no influence of moneyed interest.
In the interest of transparency and in alignment with the mission of FoHC, we have compared the candidates’ public supporter and donor lists to the public list of demolition donors. After reviewing public records, the Nalls and Keenan campaigns show no related supporters or donors. Biss’ lists report name at least 25% of the demolition donors. One of Biss’ largest supporters of both his mayoral and gubernatorial campaigns was also the largest financial supporter behind demolition. Both sets of “donations” were over $250,000. Additionally, for full disclosure, Daniel Biss was asked, by Save Harley Clarke, to participate and for his public support of the referendum and he declined. Lori Keenan was a founder of Save Harley Clarke and Friends of Harley Clarke and continues to be active in the conversations regarding the RFP process. For more information on campaign donations please see Sunshine Illinois or the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Over the past 5+ years, there has been a very public discussion in Evanston about what to do with the Harley Clarke House and Jens Jensen gardens. What has your involvement been?
Sebastian Nalls: Because of 2018 being my first year as an eligible voter, saving Harley Clarke was one of the first items that I had ever voted on. Prior to that, I had been a supporter in saving the property. I spent a large part of my childhood going to various programs in Harley Clarke so I recognized its significance to the community. However, my involvement in the movement was limited due to me being outside of the political arena and in high school.
Lori Keenan: Years ago I participated as a citizen in development of the Lakefront Master Plan, then roughly 5-6 years ago I was initially involved with a group that ultimately formed as Evanston Parks and Lakefront Alliance, whose mission was to keep our parks and lakefront free from commercial interests and for public use. I was then involved with the group called Evanston Lakehouse & Gardens that responded to the City’s initial RFP in providing a sustainable funding model to adaptively reuse the Harley Clarke House and Jens Jensen Gardens in a model that has been replicated throughout the US, and around the world. Ultimately, I helped to draft the language, collect petition signatures, and work as a key proponent of the referendum which achieved roughly 80% of the vote to preserve this local landmark and public asset from demolition by a private interest group. I worked closely with Landmarks Illinois, The National Trust, The Cultural Landscape Foundation, and our local, regional and national elected representatives (Robyn Gabel, Laura Fine and Jan Schakowsky) to ultimately preserve the house and prevent it from being demolished. The goal is to include a component of public use, with a sustainable funding model and at no cost to the taxpayer. I was nominated for a Landmarks Illinois Preservation award and was proud to have the preservation of Harley Clarke named as a Top 10 Architectural Win by Blair Kamin, former architectural critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist of The Chicago Tribune I am currently active with Friends of Harley Clarke the not for profit whose mission is to protect and restore the building and the gardens and we have sought successful public/private partnerships with architectural and construction professionals to donate in-kind services for preservation and restoration of the house.
Daniel Biss: I was a signatory on the petition to put the referendum question on the ballot, and I voted for the referendum.
Given that, in a recent referendum, 80% of Evanstonians (27,000+) voted to preserve the buildings and grounds (which are local landmarks). What will you do to ensure that their voices were heard?
Nalls: We have to continue our efforts in evaluating interested parties that want to repair and utilize Harley Clarke while ensuring public access to it. The City Council has dragged its feet on the issue, and it is important that the voices of Evanston residents are heard. This issue has been solved via referendum, and it is up to the Council to put one proposal to vote. As Mayor, I would work with City Council and the City Manager to analyze each proposal and determine which would be best for Evanston. The direction of the city is set by the Mayor. Evanston needs a mayor that is determined to push the council to fulfil the wishes of the people.
Keenan: I understand the immense potential and value as an Evanston-owned lakefront asset for year-round use. In fact, I expect that HC will become a crown jewel for Evanston and an economic engine that draws people to our City. For one of the plans submitted, the principals calculated hundreds and thousands of dollars in benefits to Evanston in the form of taxes from events, (drawing people to hotel, restaurants,) and residual benefits from co-working cafe, yoga studios, preschool being there. Also, that three new businesses from outside of Evanston would relocate to that spot. Even during the time of COVID, when people are looking to explore nearby areas, we have seen an increase in visits of people from Chicago and the area to simply admire the building and grounds. We know that a fully restored Harley Clarke would draw cultural tourism and other public and financial benefits. We need a mayor who prioritizes moving the process forward and opening it for the use of the community, instead of stalling it — a mayor who listens to the 80% of citizens who voted to preserve it for community use. There are so many opportunities for use by everyone, all ages, and abilities, and all wards. I look forward to creating an inviting and inclusive space that the entire community will use and be proud of.
Biss: I will ensure that the whole community is included in decision-making going forward -- both the decision of which if any of the four proposals to accept, and, of course, any other actions that might be taken. In my view, this is the only appropriate way to make a plan around landmarks like these.
Have you ever supported demolishing Harley Clarke? Were you or any of your supporters active in the demolition effort? If so, how can Evanstonians be ensured you’ll uphold the results of the referendum and not those of your personal interests or supporters?
Nalls: No, I never supported the demolition of Harley Clarke. I believed that it was important to find a way to save the property with little to no cost to the taxpayer. After looking through my donor list, I do not believe any of my supporters were active in the demolition effort. Regardless, the will of the people was spoken in the 2018 referendum. They voted to save Harley Clarke, and I have no interest in going against their wishes. Because of my age, I have very little if any political ties, which frees me from interest groups. I only wish to serve the public, and the public voted to save Harley Clarke.
Keenan: Never, and no.
Biss: I have never been supportive of demolishing Harley Clarke. There are many people on my supporter list, with various opinions on many of the most controversial issues in our city, including all imaginable positions on the Harley Clarke question. I am proud of that, as it speaks to my ability to bring people together -- an ability that will be crucial if we are to achieve the bold changes that I believe our community wants and needs. It also speaks to the fact that my supporter list is reflective of our whole community, and, thus, of the constituency that I will be bound to represent as mayor.
Which of the 4 proposals that were given in response to the RFP did you prefer, and why?
Nalls: I most prefer the Evanston Conservancy at the Harley Clarke Mansion proposal. It aligns with our campaigns overarching goal of establishing equity based programs in Evanston as part of our racial justice push. The nature based preschool along with conference and art spaces encompasses the goals of a community and education center. I would have to look into the details of every proposal to see the ability of raising funds for the project and exact details on programming. All of the proposals seem like a great addition to our community, and I believe that we are in a good position to choose an option that best fits the community.
Keenan: While all of the proposals were impressive and seemed to check the boxes to fulfill the specifics of the referendum, the plan by the Evanston Conservancy seemed the most professional and likely for success, while also fulfilling the qualifications of providing public access, and inclusivity, with a non-linear funding model that would not only be sustainable, but also provided financial benefit to the City. The principles also seemed to have the most experience and background in similar, successful projects, with the highest probability of success.
Biss: I am maintaining an open mind and am eager to work with all stakeholders to find the solution that best meets the criteria of maintaining open access to the whole community and minimizing the risk that the City will be saddled with an ongoing financial obligation.
Who do you believe should now make decisions regarding the Harley Clarke property and the RFP responses? Is it appropriate for the incumbent mayor and council to make these decisions at this point or should the incoming mayor and council? Should City staff and / or citizens be involved? Why?
Nalls: I believe that it should be voted on by the newly elected council in 2021. A large scale referendum would take up time that could be better served tackling new issues. However, there should be significant involvement from the community. This involves community meetings across all 9 wards to ensure that voices are heard. Residents need to understand every proposal, and elected officials need to listen to residents at these meetings. I do believe some city staff should be involved because there are many qualified individuals working throughout the city that could help in the process. Many in the Parks and Recreation Department could help facilitate programming, City Manager’s office with ensuring each proposal can generate enough fundraising, etc. This must be a citywide effort that can be tackled together. We can provide a resource for the entire Evanston community that is equitable and invigorating. I look forward to having these conversations with residents and advocating for their positions.
Keenan: I believe that the current City Council should defer its decision on Harley Clarke until the new sitting Council and Mayor are in place. In addition to having seemingly stalled the process of selection for the RFP, which was begun nearly a year ago, there has been a history of contentious interaction and unethical behavior by at least one alderman regarding Harley Clarke. It would probably be best for a new Council to make decisions with regard to Harley Clarke that is in keeping with the spirit of the community who upheld the referendum to preserve and protect the building.
Biss: No future elected official should seek to usurp a current elected official’s authority -- doing so is a dangerous subversion of democracy. That said, if I were in office now, barely two months before the general election, I would be cautious about making decisions with very long-term consequences unless they were not somehow forced by timing or external events. Residents and staff should always be involved in this decision -- residents because of their role as the key stakeholders, and staff because of their expertise.