My twelve years of service as Mayor of Geneva and my four years as Alderman of the First Ward makes me uniquely qualified. I have a broad understanding of economic development, government finance, and pride myself on developing strong inter-agency relationships and inter-governmental collaboration and cooperation to solve problems and achieve success. During my tenure as Mayor, the City’s budget is balanced, tax rate has declined and economic development has expanded. I have also served on the City’s Plan Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and the Geneva Library Board of Trustees. I am a forty-year resident of Geneva.
My top three priorities are 1. To continue to operate the city in a balanced, responsible and rational manner. 2. Continue to expand economic development opportunities for independent, regional and national retail establishments as well as grow the city’s industrial base – during my tenure as Mayor Geneva’s retail/commercial base has expanded by 700,000 square feet and our industrial base by 500,00 square feet. 3. To work with elected and appointed officials at the local, state and national level to ensure that Geneva remains the premier place to live, learn, work, play and raise a family with emphasis on the redevelopment of the old Kane County Jail Site (Fabyan Road) and Settler’s Hill.
No. Failure to capture, at the very least, the value of new growth in the community (as we did this year by passing a .44 levy increase) would forever put the city behind the proverbial 8-ball in terms of revenue.
The city’s levy represents a modest 8% of a Geneva resident’s annual tax bill.
In addition, freezing the city’s levy would prevent the City Council from addressing opportunities that could benefit our citizens and business owners (i.e. public safety, improvements to infrastructure, development/redevelopment, matching grant opportunities from the state or federal government) and risk costing the city even more by deferring important projects.
The better question is how best to manage the resources we have to carry out the expectations our citizens and business owners demand and expect.
I’ve done exactly that for 12 consecutive years by developing balanced budgets and investing limited resources in immediate and long-term programs that serve our community. And, I look forward to continuing such stewardship.
None. My job as Mayor is to facilitate discussion between the members of the City Council, community and staff. Once a decision is reached, I work with the Council, staff and community to carry out the decisions.
While it is true that during the debate and discussion phase over policy matters differences of opinions are voiced (passionately) my responsibility is to advance the majority will of the Council.
There have been many.
Two accomplishments in particular, which will yield significant economic benefits as well as enhanced efficiencies is the beginning of the Kautz Road at Rout 38 bridge construction and the newly approved boundary agreement with our friends in West Chicago.
Both accomplishments have been the subject of considerable debate and negotiations for years and the fact that the Kautz Road/Rt. 38 bridge project is underway and we have a clearer path for increased industrial development in Geneva’s Southeast Corridor is credit to the Council’s, staff’s and communities’ patience and perseverance.
Because voters have benefited from my service as Mayor since 2001 – lower tax rates, stabilized levy, enhanced economic growth, improved city services, greater transparency and second-to-none customer service are but of few of the achievements I’m most proud of. Moreover, the comfort and confidence in knowing that I have the best interest of the entire city at heart.
I have delivered on virtually every pledge made and, by working with the Council, staff and community will continue to deliver results for our Geneva.
A lifetime of experiences! Growing up and over the course of marriage, I have faced the normal life decisions that form one’s character and values. I come from a working class family where my parents instilled the values of hard work and knowing right from wrong. My wife and I are extremely proud of our three children and their sound work ethic. I have worked for Fortune 100 companies and family-owned businesses. As a Geneva Realtor for more than 6 years, I understand the financial strain homeowners have faced due to the market downturn. My professional experience includes sales, sales planning, people & broker management, product development and promotional execution.
In terms of public service, I’m co-founder of a grass-roots organization whose goal is educating homeowners about how their property taxes are calculated. The group, GenevaTaxFACTS, has worked to inform the residents of the financial issues the Geneva School District will face over the next ten years.
I’m not a career politician and not looking to advance my career by being mayor of Geneva. I’m an average guy who realizes many residents have lost trust in elected officials. My goal is to give residents the voice they deserve.
Fiscal Responsibility, Accessibility & Economic Development.
Residents now understand that property taxes are based on the requested budget and the equalized assessed value (EAV) of the city. Since assessed values lag behind the current market by three years, we aren’t out of the recent market downturn. In order to at least maintain property taxes at the current dollar level, I believe expenses need to be reduced 5% over the next two years.
For any government to operate effectively, the mayor must be available to meet with staff and residents. I will hold regular office hours and will treat all in a professional manner. I will also be available via e-mail and cell phone.
Economic development is a team effort of all city staff and is not limited to a healthy downtown-shopping district. Much of the future growth of Geneva will be in the eastern part of the city. The industrial area from Kirk Road east to Kautz Road is prime for development. We need to focus on securing tenants in anticipation of a turn-around in the market. There also needs to be an integrated marketing plan to bring visitors to the city. Visitors are potential future Geneva residents.
As one alderman accurately stated at the Geneva tax levy hearing in November 2012, we are dancing around the issue of property taxes and whether the maximum levy, or some increment, should be enacted. While property taxes account for only about 29% of the city’s revenue, current total property taxes are having a negative affect on Geneva. Homebuyers may be able to afford a house in Geneva but the property taxes are unaffordable to many. At the present time, I don’t think freezing the levy is enough. I think residents need real relief and even if the levy is frozen, taxes still increase because of the debt service payments owed by the city. The city needs to complete a full analysis of the budget with the intent to reduce expenses. Do we have the right number of staff and are they in the right positions? No one can answer that until a comparison is done against comparable cities. I would propose that expenses be reduced a minimum of 5% in the general fund. Efficiencies of scale need to be explored in all other funds. The current city budget is $72 million with the general fund being $15 million.
I disagree with the decision that a liquor license owner can’t be a member of city council. I disagree for two reasons.
· When you start limiting the number of people that can run for office, you are going against the principles of democracy. Effectively, you are taking away the rights of someone that has invested in the city and could be a voice of reason on the council.
· The real underlying issue is that the mayor serves as the sole Liquor Commissioner. I don’t believe that any individual should have that much influence. There should be at least three people serving on the liquor commission. This accomplishes two things; it takes any personal issues off the table and calls for a majority decision.
I agree with most decisions that the city council has made throughout the year but the one that stands out is the Pure Oil building. This issue had the potential to create a major divide among residents. It could have also led to a precedent for decisions in the historic district. The city took the time to listen to all views and made a decision based on what they believe was best for the entire city.
First is my passion to do the best job possible to allow Geneva to have a bright future. I’m running for office to serve the community. I want to ensure the wants and needs of the residents are listened to and acted upon. I’m a normal resident who has educated myself on how local taxing boards operate. I firmly believe the voice of the taxpayers is not always heard. For that reason, we are facing many financial challenges. My only goal is to be open and honest with the taxpayers and explain the city’s options in a way everyone can understand. I’m tired of officials stating the tax rate has declined when in reality the dollars you pay in taxes has increased. The residents deserve the correct answer, not one that makes an elected official look good.
Second is that I understand what needs to be done. I have worked with budgets for over 30 years and understand how to resolve issues. Running for mayor is about being determined to do the right thing.
I believe change is a good thing. After twelve years of the current leadership, it is time for a change.
