Letter from Mayoral Candidate LG Koen with Respect to the Parker project, Galena First: Serving the Will of the People, and my name

March 17, 2025

Dear Friends & Residents of Galena,

Earlier this week, on Facebook, I dispensed my thoughts on the Parker project. With this letter, I want to make my position clear as we approach our mayoral election, on April 1st. Before I begin this brief commentary, please note I am including some of the most apparent pros and cons of the Parker project in this letter because ultimately this campaign, our campaign, is about serving the will of Galenians. If elected, I'll handle smaller issues on your behalf with accountability and transparency, but when it comes to key issues, large issues like the Parker, we're going to put Galena First, educate our community and decide democratically.

Recently, I've learned some city advisors, don't believe Galenians at-large understand the economic prosperity the Parker promises enough to vote for it and that's why they've pushed to avoid a referendum. To that I say again, we have to educate our population and in the end, let Galenians vote and democracy prevail instead of the alternative.

The good: At the last Parker meeting, project developer, Dave Hooten and his team, presented a professional and beautiful vision of the Parker for the community. Esteemed community members and professionals talked about the benefit to the community economically the Parker would make. The generosity of Mr. Hooten, the developer, was also mentioned due to the fact he would take on the cost of the storm water drainage system for the land without any city tax dollars. The land desperately needs this improvement to mitigate erosion and water runoff affecting nearby areas of Galena. After improving the land, Mr. Hooten would turn over the storm water drainage system to the city of Galena.

The project, set up to complete in phases over several years, would start by restoring the historic marine hospital, a building restoration project that was all but given up on due to endless logistical complexities. The hospital features an old and beautiful metal spiral staircase that runs from the basement all the way to the small dome or cupola at the top of the building. After its restoration, the building would be open to the public along with 2.5 miles of new hiking trails created by Hooten. In later phases of the project, an indoor venue, vineyard, cafe and gift shop would all take shape with a shuttle running back and forth from Main Street to the Parker. Hooten also promised to beautify the area by adding more Illinois indigenous plants and trees for guests, hikers, and nature lovers to enjoy.

The not so good: There is a concerned group within Galena that doesn't believe Hooten or his team have accurately estimated the demand the Parker project will have on the city's water supply. If they are right, they say it could cause serious problems for Galena in years to come. Another issue being vocalized is whether we, as a community, need any more Air BNBs when the current ones aren't at occupancy. It's been speculated that should the Parker's initial cabins (a small number) not be occupied regularly, more would not be built. There are more concerned individuals with more real concerns like property obstruction and other potentially important issues impacting individuals negatively. People unhappy in our community must be formally heard by the city and not ignored.

There's no reason we couldn't have, on our city YouTube channel, a series of recorded perspectives on the Parker project for residents to watch leading up to a vote occurring over the next year. If elected mayor, I will make sure it happens in our community. Whoever wants to share a perspective on the channel can. Afterward, we'll vote as a city. It won't be difficult. Producing things is what I'm good at. This is a new proactive approach for Galena. In these changing times, I'm glad to fight for the experience of every Galenian to be an amazing one. Yes, economic prosperity is paramount for the viability of our fine city but it doesn't mean we can't involve everyone. I promise to get the Parker project handled quickly and effectively as your mayor. I will make sure we come to a decision as a community.

Moving on and unrelated, I've heard some people asked about my first name, LG, so I want to address that. I love my name. You may have read my father was an eye surgeon in the paper last week, well he also liked to fly planes. He actually built his last plane. We were best friends and he said to me on more than one occasion he wished he had given me a family name for my first name instead of Seth, my birth name. After he passed in a tragic plane crash in 2011, I started using the family name, LG, with family and friends and it stuck. If I'm being honest, it helped me feel close to my father in his absence. He also had an L name, Lyle. My Dad would've been honored to meet all the residents of Galena. We are an amazing community.

The time for Galena to address issues proactively and efficiently is now. No promises for years without action- action now. Something else fun to create buzz I plan to do if elected is try and get Donald Trump to visit Galena for our 200th Anniversary next year in 2026. In Manhattan, I worked with President Trump's hotel company hosting its premier event and also have a friend in New York who knows him. Interestingly, not many Galenians know that Donald Trump's intelligence advisor his first term as President was Ray Washburne, the great-great grandson of Elihu Washburne, the Galenian who mentored Ulysses when Grant first arrived in Galena. Elihu's bust is just inside the flood gates in Washburne Garden on Main Street.

To close, thank you for your time, Galena. I'm asking you to please vote to put Galena First and as your mayor, I'll serve the will of our great city.

Sincerely,

LG Koen