Endorsement: Schielke for Batavia mayor

Before deciding to seek another term, Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke did what he usually does. He talked to about 300 residents.

Enough of them gave him a thumbs-up that he decided he should continue for a 10th term.

"There's a lot of positive energy and synergy around town, and I'm happy to be part of it," he said in December.

So, Schielke, who has led the city since 1981, will seek to keep intact his string of elections to become one of the longest-serving mayors in the state. Before this year, his last opposition was in 2009. Before that it was 1997.

Jason Stoops, a school board member, says that while he likes and appreciates all Schielke has done for the city, "a fresh perspective, a younger vibe" is what Batavia now needs.

Schielke says that given the state of the state in Illinois, now would not be a good time for him to step aside; the times are too challenging.

Stoops, who works in real estate, says a serious discussion is needed about the city's traffic issues. He sees another bridge over the Fox River as a necessity and says it should be built "in a way that least impacts nearby residents."

He says the city budget can be trimmed by re-examining electricity purchases from Prairie State and by evaluating staff health benefits on a yearly basis. He would like to put more money into sidewalk repair and erosion prevention on the Fox River.

He has reasonable ideas and a sincere interest in the job. But in Schielke's long tenure, Batavia has developed a variety of housing options for residents at all income levels. There is significant revitalization of older homes surrounding the improved downtown and the city is on sound financial footing. As chairman of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Council of Mayors, Schielke has reach beyond Batavia, too. His steady influence on the community is unmatched. He hasn't been at this job this long because he seeks notoriety. His family tree was planted in Batavia - the oldest town in Kane County - in 1835. It's clear, he does this work because the loves the city and he's good at his job.

Schielke is endorsed.