Ronald Silkaitis

On the Record

What experiences do you have that make you a good candidate for office?

Having lived in St. Charles my whole life, I have seen this small town evolve into a thriving city. I was alderman for the city for twelve years, from 1997 to 2009. I served on the St. Patricks School Board for six years, my last year as president and I also was a youth and high school football referee for 8 years. My experiences have taught me how to deal with a variety of situations, including finance, problem solving and dealing with people under difficult conditions, and finding solutions to those problems. Using the skills I have developed, I believe I can help guide this city to a bright and heathy future.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

1 Represent all the residents of St. Charles. Ensuring that the residents have a opportunity to voice their opinion at public meetings. 2 Enact a strong ethics ordinance for all elected officials. 3 Re-evaluate the final phase of the First Street project and the city’s role in it.

Would you support freezing your taxing district’s levy until housing prices rebound? Why or why not?

Since the housing market is slowly improving, I would like to see the market forces determine the best path for improvement without the government having to get involved.

What one decision by the city council do you most disagree with and why?

The Lexington Club residential project approval and the process of how this was approved. The residents opinions on this project were not considered in the approval process. The process was not transparent and it seems a lot of backroom discussion was taking place. I do not understand how in a period of two weeks, some alderman can change their vote, but not even explain their reasons at the at the time of the vote. Sometimes it is necessary to change your vote, but I believe that the public deserves a reason for the change, not some explanation several days later. I believe the residents deserve better.

What was the biggest accomplishment of the city council in the past year?

The opening of the Red Gate Bridge. After many years of planning and land acquistion, of which I was a part of when I was on the council, it is nice to finally have the projected completed. The bridge has helped ease the traffic congestion in the city. It also shows a beautiful expanse of the Fox River Valley.

Why should voters elect you to office?

By electing me to the city council, I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the table. Having served as alderman for 12 years, then being a outsider looking in for 4 years, I can see what needs to be improved. Communication being the top concern I see as a problem. By electing me, I can bring honestly and a strong work ethic to the city. My goal as alderman would be to represent the residents as I would like to be represented.