Burns has eye on fourth term

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns announced Tuesday he will seek a fourth consecutive term as mayor.

“The opportunities and challenges to lead Geneva toward a more robust and resilient future for 22,000 residents and more than 1,000 businesses, inspires me to devote four more years in service to the community I’ve called home for almost 40 years,” Burns said in a prepared statement.

Burns, who turned 48 Sunday, has lived in Geneva since he was 10 years old. Before being mayor, he was an alderman and a Geneva Library trustee.

Burns unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination in March 2012 for Kane County Board chairman, and in 2007 ran, then withdrew, from seeking the Republican nomination to replace Rep. Dennis Hastert in the old 14th Congressional District.

In his statement, Burns said he has “presided over balanced budgets, responsible resource allocation, mutually respectful relationships with other governing bodies and has earned the trust and respect of more than 200 professional staff.”

Burns, who is divorced, is the father of three daughters, ages 22, 20 and 18. He has worked in development for nonprofit organizations, including Midwestern University and the U.S. Figure Skating Association.

The election is in April.

Other local mayors running for re-election include Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels, who is being opposed by Trustee Kevin Geary; and Elburn President Dave Anderson.

The terms of Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte and North Aurora Village President Dale Berman expire in April, but they have not announced their intentions.