Batavia mayor to seek 8th term

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, the longest-serving town leader in Kane County, announced Thursday that he is going to run again.

But this time he'll likely face at least one foe and, possibly, two.

Despite the likely competition, 28 years is not enough, Schielke said, when there are such interesting times ahead for Batavia.

"I think Batavia is at a really exciting crossroad. There are unique opportunities for us," Schielke said, adding he believes his leadership experience will be a valuable asset.

Those opportunities include the redevelopment of the former Shumway Foundry and Siemens industrial sites, as well as development on the eastern edge of the downtown. He also believes Batavia should come up with a plan to make the most of its riverfront, from the dam on the north to the forest preserves on the south. Then there's the issue of whether to build another bridge near the downtown, and an initiative to get owners of Batavia's five apartment complexes to improve their properties.

"There's a long list of unfinished items," he said.

At least three times, including 2001 and 2005, he ran unopposed. This time, Batavia MainStreet director Britta McKenna and Alderman Alan Wolff has said they will also run. McKenna said Thursday she still intends to run. A message was left for Wolff.

"That's great. I had a feeling he might run, because he has a love for this town," she said of Schielke. "But I'm not running against him. I'm running for the position of mayor ,,, It will open up a discussion."

Nothing is official until the candidates file their ballot petitions, and they can't do that until Monday, Jan. 19.

The mayor, a real estate agent, is well-known for his command of Batavia history. He has written several books on it, and can speak about people and places of the past at the drop of a hat.

He's a lifelong Batavian, a graduate of Aurora University. He's been a volunteer firefighter, and a journalist.

Beyond Batavia's borders, he serves as chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus of Chicago. He was considered in 2004 for appointment as chairman of the Regional Transportation Agency, having served on the board of directors of the Pace Suburban bus agency, but that was waylaid as part of a budget struggle between the Chicago Transit Agency, state and suburban politicians and Mayor Richard Daley.

Schielke said he consulted residents and other people about whether to run again.

"Is Batavia tired of me? Am I tired of it?" he wondered. "Nor do I have any intention to be carried out of here in a casket."

But people encouraged him to run, he said.

"Right at this moment is not the time for me to retire."