Geneva Finally Does Have A Choice

Both mayoral candidates have said quite a bit over the past two months. But in order to determine if you’re getting a straight answer, you have to pay close attention to the question. We all know how politicians can delight in taking latitude with in their responses.

So it’s in that spirit and a slightly Letterman-esque vein that I offer you the following list of my opponent’s Top Ten not-so-straight-answers:

• My opponent says … “I’ve presided over 11 consecutive balanced budgets.” But anyone can balance a budget if they dip into their reserves! For three out of the last five years, the City of Geneva has spent more money than they received: 2008 ($526,818), 2009 ($1,364,128) & 2012 ($273,334). When it comes to budgets, it’s spending vs. revenue that counts. Using reserves to cover overspending does make a balanced budget.

• My opponent says … “General fund spending has been reduced 30% over the last few years.” The reason general fund spending is down is because revenue is down. While property taxes have increased by $1 million, intergovernmental tax revenues (contributions from the state) have plummeted by 31 percent. So that’s not a reduction! That’s simply not spending money you never had in the first place!

• My opponent says … “Water and sewer rates are increasing because we need to pay off the debt from the new water treatment plant.” The problem is a full rate study wasn’t done when the plant was built. Instead, the City “updated” a 25 year-old study, which didn’t work. Bonds are just like mortgages — the repayment schedule comes as no surprise.

• My opponent said… “I’ve stabilized the city’s tax levy.” But in 2011, he cast the deciding vote that kept a possible 2.44% tax increase alive. On numerous occasions he’s been quoted as saying “We have to ask for the maximum tax levy or we will lose it forever.”

• My opponent says … “I have the respect of over 200 professional staff.” In a recent survey – commissioned by the city itself – only 14 percent of employees strongly agreed that city elected officials clearly communicate goals and priorities. That’s even worse than my opponent did in his county chair race.

• My opponent says … “I created 700,000 sq. ft. of new commercial business.”  But 500,000 square feet of that is The Geneva Commons, which fell in our lap when St. Charles wouldn’t make those stiff concessions. The success of the Randall Road corridor had very little to do with my opponent.

• My opponent says… “We’re completely transparent when it comes to our accounts payable history.” And if you have a short attention span it might be true. The report he’s citing is part of the city council meeting packet that’s posted for just two short weeks. That actually sounds a little opaque to me.

• My opponent says … “Red light cameras were installed for public safety reasons, not as a revenue source.” While overall accidents were reduced, those directly related to red light issues were not. Forty percent of those citations were issued for insignificant right-on-red violations. In the end, the City reaped $476,060 in red light revenue while RedFlex, with their fine upstanding reputation, made off with $684,221.

• My opponent said… “The city tax rate decreased from .73 to .53.” Not quite! It did actually drop to .646 but it’s back on the rise because property values are declining. It’s the budget expenditures that are the key ingredient in the level property taxes you pay.

• When referring to his tax rate misstatement, my opponent said … “An error is not a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” Is it just me, or has my opponent had to issue an awful lot of “corrections” lately? Perhaps someone should tell him that getting it right the first time saves quite a bit of time.

And speaking of time, it’s time for Geneva to get straight answers about addressing our ongoing financial issues. I hope I’ve earned your vote for Mayor of Geneva on April 9, or better yet, vote early! Early voting has already started and will be available until Saturday, April 6, at these locations.

What type of Mayor is right for Geneva …

              One who’s fond of half-truths or one who gives you the whole answer?

• Geneva's mayoral candidates welcome comments and questions from the public. Commenters are asked to provide their full name, either via the username or by including his or her full name in the comment field. Anonymous comments will be omitted or deleted. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Geneva Patch Editor Rick Nagel at rickn@patch.com.