Here's a guide to the April 2013 mayoral race, which pits thee-term incumbent Kevin Burns against first-time challenger Bob McQuillan.
Kevin Burns took office in 2001 after defeating incumbent Tom Coughlin for the city of Geneva's top elected position. At the time, Coughlin told the Chicago Tribune that running against Burns, with his longtime residency and extensive local connections, was like "running against a Kennedy in Massachusetts."
Now, after three terms in office, Burns is seeking a fourth, and his opponent, Bob McQuillan, is saying it's time for a change. McQuillan, the co-founder of the Geneva TaxFACTS citizens group, is challenging the incument with a three-pronged platform based on fiscal responsibility, accessibility and economic development.
Early voting begins March 25. Election Day is April 9. When we get closer to the days when you can cast a ballot, we'll post links to additional biographical and issue-based information about both candidates.
Interesting stories relevant to the April 2013 mayoral election:
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Tom Fortune
7:07 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Mayor Burns is a swell guy. I will not be voting for Bob MQ.
How's that Rick???
Rick Nagel
8:14 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Well done, Tom!
Ray Schneider
7:19 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Kevin Burns has been a great leader and HE has my vote.
marsha engle
8:07 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Mayor Burns has been a great mayor through the greatest recession on record. He has my vote.
Dale Seidel
1:03 pm on Sunday, April 7, 2013
Ahh Marsha, you might want to check October, 1929.
dao
8:52 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
We need Change
time for moreTerm limits in all public offices
DJP
8:41 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
I agree 100%. No more career politicians. These jobs are part-time at best.
Two terms TOPS! We need to get this to a general vote.
Dale Seidel
1:03 pm on Sunday, April 7, 2013
Oh my God! What will Batavia's Mayor for Life Jeff Shielke do? The Fox will reverse its flow.
Terry Flanagan
10:53 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Rick,
Does the Mayor have a campaign website for this race? It would be nice to have a fresh reference as to what his current views are and what he considers the important issues facing Geneva. I haven't seen any posts from the Mayor or his campiagn yet on this site. Maybe I missed it. I have seen a post from Mr. McQuilan. Hopefully, we'll see something in the coming days before early voting begins.
Rick Nagel
2:14 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
I deleted a comment by Sue J. that was aimed at another commenter.
Sue J
10:02 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
Rick be fair if you are going to call out someone that their comment was deleted you need to call out everyone.
Rory M
3:54 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
We have very high property taxes. Top 1% nationally. The State will probably apply more pressure on us whenever it gets around to pension reform. I'm for whoever is actively working to reduce the local property tax burden right now. I'll keep an open mind but so far that person appears to be Bob McQuillan.
LL
5:25 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
I agree with Rory M
Robert Blazick
8:44 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Does Mayor burns really want to be Mayor or just used the office to better himself in any future elections. By the way have looked at your home value and tax bill lately.
Bob B
DJP
8:41 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
According to Diane Sawyer, the housing market has completely rebounded!
Sue J
8:41 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
Yes, and what I found out is that my house is valued less than it was 5 years ago and I pay 15% more in property taxes. We really do need somone that is working for the residents. I don't think this has happened yet. I am ready to give Bob a try.
John R
3:30 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
The interactions I've had with Mayor Burns have always been positive. He's listened to my concerns, responded to them, followed up with me and made himself available for further action or discussion. My impression is that he cares deeply about our community. You might not always agree with his positions but that doesn't mean that he will discount your views or opinions. He's upbeat and positive an optimist. He's kept the budget in check and the city has held it's own during the "great recession".
Bob McQuillan is going to have to build a pretty darn good case for change. But saying that I think having a bit of a mayoral race is a good thing. I think it will ultimately make Mayor Burns a better mayor. Through the process of campaigning he will have to articulate his vision for Geneva.
Although I'm clearly a Burns supporter I'm tempted to host coffee's for both the Mayor and Bob McQ. We should all spend less time posting and put our energy into hosting coffee's with the canidates. I respect that Bob has thrown his hat into the rink. I think he has inspired people to pay attention and to get involved. I'd love to see my neighbors more engaged in local politics because it really does matter. It's all good for the community.
John Rice