2017 Election Questionnaire: Kevin Burns, Geneva Mayoral Candidate

Candidate's Name: Kevin Burns

Age: 52

Town of residence: Geneva

Position Sought: Re-election as Mayor of Geneva

Family:

• Girlfriend: Aimee Bychowski
• Daughters: Emma (27), Grace (25), Florence (23)
• Son-in-law: Aaron White
• Granddaughter: Micah Emma White (18 months)
• Parents: John & Ann Burns
• Brothers: John and Brian Burns
• Sister: Colleen Cuscaden
• Sister's-in-law: Autumn Burns and Trish Burns
• Brother-in-law: Doug Cuscaden
• Nephews: Liam, Aidan, Pat, Ted, Ben
• Nieces: Molly, Renner, Anna

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

• Geneva Community High School - Class of 1982
• Augustana College - Class of 1986 (Bachelor of Arts)
• Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School - Coursework in non-profit management

Occupation

Non-profit executive leadership positions at:

• Muscular Dystrophy Association (Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon)
• United States Olympic Committee
• United States Equestrian Team
• Midwestern University
• United States Figure Skating Team
• Vice President of Development - Autism Organization

Geneva Library Board of Trustees
Geneva City Council - Alderman 1st Ward
Mayor of Geneva

The single most pressing issue facing Geneva, and this is what I intend to do about it. ...

Facilitating the development and redevelopment of key properties in Geneva in a transparent and transformational way that achieves agreed upon goals and objectives and preserving Geneva's strong financial position.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience, effectiveness and engagement in the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

The Geneva Brand is about collaborating with all stakeholders in a way that ensures all voices are heard and respected. Participating in community events - schools, parks, library, township, civic and non-profit - helps me achieve a true understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our community.

• Respect for the independence of volunteer board and commission members
• Appreciation of the contributions made by our professional staff
• Mutually respectful relationship with the Chamber of Commerce
• Mutually respectful relationships with the schools, library, parks, township, county, state and federal officials
• A broad understanding of the laws governing municipal operations and respect for governing in a transparent and above-board manner

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?-

• Redevelopment of Settler's Hill; transforming the old landfill into a destination for active and passive recreation for the benefit of Geneva and Kane County.
• Redevelopment of the East State Street Corridor (from Rt. 25 to Kirk Road) by designing the roadway and parkways that spur commercial and residential development.
• Appropriate redevelopment of the old Mill Race Inn site along Route 25 and Route 38 that achieves the dual goals of improving one of Geneva's most important gateways while also achieving enhanced opportunities for our central business district.
• Enhancing safer pedestrian access across streets in our downtown business district and elsewhere in Geneva.
• Continuing the engagement of our community - young and old alike - via programs that celebrate accomplishments and creativity.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

As a professional development (fundraising) professional, the first and most lasting lesson I learned was to "never say no for the donor." Instead, be proud of the investment you're seeking and allow the donor to make his or her own decision on whether to give.

As Mayor, the most important lesson learned was - and is - that every decision you make will result in some people being pleased and some people being disappointed. As long as you make the decision that's in the best interest of the entire community you've sworn and pledged to serve, you'll rest easy.

Why should voters trust you?

My accessibility, availability and accountability has been and remains my commitment to the citizens, business owners and guests visiting Geneva.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

• How can we as policy makers work with you to better serve the community - citizens, business owners and guests - in a way that provides value and minimizes unnecessary costs?
• Are we, as policy makers, providing you and your colleagues with clear answers to why we've advanced certain policies and are those polices effective when they are being "implemented" in the field?

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My experience and my record proves that I have the best interests of the entire community at heart.

• Development of 3,500,000 square feet of industrial space has broadened our tax bas and lessoned the burden on homeowners.
• Development of more than 1,000,000 of commercial and retail space has provided unique opportunities to enjoy all that Geneva has to offer
• Geneva's restaurant community has grown nearly 400% since I first became Mayor.
• Geneva's debt has been reduced by more than 45% since 2008
• Geneva's tax rate is stable (less than .08% of a property owner's tax bill supports the city)
• My engagement in the community demonstrates my love of Geneva and respect for our citizens, businesses, non-profit and civic groups who contribute to The Geneva Brand.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The Geneva Brand is strong and vibrant and worth protecting. My commitment to the community in its entirety is genuine and my service to the community has been tested and trusted.

More information on Kevin Burns can be found on his campaign website: www.burns4mayor.com.

Photo provided by Kevin Burns