Geneva mayor wants Hastert's spot

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns made it official Friday: He's running for Congress.

He starts a two-day tour of the 14th Congressional District at 9 this morning at Town Square Park in Yorkville.

Then it's on to Oswego, Aurora, West Chicago, Elgin and Sycamore. He'll begin Sunday morning in Dixon then travel to Prophetstown, Geneseo, New Bedford and back home to Geneva, where he'll wrap up at 6 p.m. at the old Kane County Courthouse.

He'll speak and talk to voters at each stop.

Burns hopes to convince people that, despite a lack of state legislative experience, he's qualified to represent them in Washington. He believes his experience running a city will translate well into higher office.

While visiting parades, festivals and fairs with his exploratory committee this summer, Burns said, "I've learned that the strength of our district and nation is founded in our cities, towns and villages. … The national debate should echo the debate being held in their (congressmen's) towns, cities and villages."

Local officials are intimately aware of the issues that affect people, he said.

He believes his moderate stance is in tune with a district that has changed much over the past 20 years, from one that was mostly rural and agriculturally oriented to one balanced between suburban and rural areas. The district runs through eight counties, from Carpentersville southwest to the Mississippi River.

Burns was elected mayor in 2001 and 2005. Before that, he was a 1st Ward alderman, a plan commissioner and a library trustee.

He is a nearly lifelong Geneva resident, moving here from Arlington Heights when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1982 and Augustana College in 1986. He married his high school sweetheart, Terry, and they have three teenage daughters. Terry Burns is student activities director and public relations coordinator for Geneva High School.

He works as a fundraiser for Midwestern University in Downers Grove.

Kevin Burns campaign tour

Today

9 a.m. Yorkville's Town Square Park

10:30 a.m. Veterans Memorial Plaza in Oswego

12:30 a.m. Eckhart Hall at Aurora University

2:30 p.m. West Chicago Community Center on Washington Street

4:30 p.m. Pioneer Family Memorial in downtown Elgin

6:30 p.m. DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore

Sunday

10 a.m. Old Lee County Courthouse in Dixon

11:45 a.m. Square Eclipse Memorial Park in Prophetstown

1:30 p.m. Geneseo Historical Museum

3:30 p.m. Main Street Park in New Bedford

6 p.m. Old Kane County Courthouse in Geneva, followed by party at American Legion in Geneva