Geneva mayor to seek third term

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns announced Thursday he is seeking a third term.

Burns might face opposition from 2nd Ward Ald. William Barclay.

Barclay, who is not running for re-election, said he is seriously considering running for mayor.

"It's something I've always wanted to do," said Barclay, who owns an insurance agency. He said he expects to announce a decision after Christmas.

"It's a big commitment. I want to be sure I'm ready to make it," he said.

"Geneva's story is being told each and every day by our residents, business owners and guests. As the next chapter in Geneva's history is written, it's imperative that the occupant of the mayor's office understands the value of creativity, collaboration and consensus in moving our community forward," Burns said in a prepared statement. His campaign theme is "Creativity ... Collaboration ... Consensus."

Burns was alderman from 1997 to 2001, then unseated Mayor Tom Coughlin. He was unopposed in 2005.

Barclay was elected twice to the city council. Before that, he served two terms on the Geneva library board. His wife, Esther, is the current library board president.

Barclay's departure means there will be at least two new aldermen on the city council come May 1. Fifth Ward Ald. Paul DesCoteaux announced earlier this year that he would not run again, having served since 1989.

Aldermen Sam Hill (1st Ward), Ron Singer (4th Ward) and Dawn Vogelsberg (3rd Ward) confirmed Monday they are running for re-election.

Resident Richard Marks, 47, of LeBaron Court, is running to replace Barclay. Marks, a certified public accountant, unsuccessfully sought a Geneva council seat in 2007.

Burns is development director for the U.S. Figure Skating Association. He campaigned in 2006 for the Republican nomination for the 14th Congressional District, but dropped out before the primary.

The first day to file petitions for the election is Jan. 19.