Geneva Elections April 4

Dear Citizens of Geneva;

I have been a fortunate citizen of our beautiful city since 2010 when we bought a beautiful Georgian on the east side. I have gotten to know politics a little, going to political meetings, city council meetings, information meetings, and most recently the League of Women Voters candidate forum. I know many of you can't get to these events because of work or other obligations. If you don't know your candidates, you are voting blindly, and that can be dangerous. Sometimes incumbents are a safe bet, but sometimes they are not. The important thing is: what is important to our community? Let's keep it moving forward, yet not losing what attracted us to it in the first place. If you need help with who to vote for, find someone whose ethic and knowledge base is one that you would trust your children with.

This election is very different. We have a movement going on behind the scenes to change some very important things in Geneva. We have someone who wants to change the way we govern; who has packed the council with friends by changing the lifelong rules of the board; and has his own business dealings questioned by the Chicago Tribune. Be careful....for me, I will vote for Kevin Burns for Mayor again.

I was at the forum, I saw the actions of Warlick, Simonian, and Singer. They were scary and embarrassing and talked mostly about themselves rather than what the community needs. If I lived in the 4th or the 5th, I would vote for Bob Swanson 5th ( I have known him for years and trust him) and Jeanne McGowan for the 4th.

The first ward candidate that I prefer is Mike Bruno who my husband and I interviewed for the Sierra club when he first ran. Mike is balanced and ethical, cares about the environment and the character of the 1st ward. Mike didn't have to get special rules passed in order to run for the city (his opponent has a possible future conflict of interest).

I live in the 3rd. Bill and I asked for meetings with Mary Seno a few years ago and never got back to us about an important issue. I have know Beck Hruby for 5 years, and have enjoyed her candid approach to life and trust her competency!

I do not know the candidates in ward 2, however, many of my friends who live there are in favor of Mike Clements. I trust the people who expressed that opinion.

So, if you don't know much about the election, contact people who know, people you trust...the very essence of our city depends on it. Hope I was able to help you here.

Jeannie Scown