Beware of hidden agendas in Geneva

My wife and family have been proud to call Geneva our home for the last 23 years. We remember moving to the Fox Valley almost 38 years ago and Geneva had a reputation for being a quaint and charming town.

In the latest edition of West Suburban Living "Best of the West" ranking in 90 categories, Geneva was mentioned more than any other western suburb and listed as "The town you would want to live in (other than your own)." So, we must complement the city staff, City Council, Historic Preservation Committee, and Mayor for their outstanding work to keep Geneva the "quaint and charming" town that it is.

We have been receiving some slick glossy mailers from Thomas Simonian running for Mayor with the slogan "Bringing Fairness and Common Sense to Government." Is he saying that our City Council, city staff, and Mayor are unfair and lack common sense? His campaign is running on an economic "cost cutting" agenda.

"Cost cutting" is not the most important metric. The fact is that during the 2008 economic down turn Geneva instituted significant budget cuts AND the city has had flat tax rate since then. Looking at our property tax bill, Geneva city taxes make up only 7.8 percentof the total tax bill. The amount of taxes we pay to the City of Geneva over the last six years has increased by only $21. Of the 16 townships in Kane County, Geneva ranks 14th in property tax burden. Geneva delivers better services for less spending.

It is public knowledge that Thomas Simonian has personally invested $75,000 in his bid for Mayor and said he would not take a salary. Why? Be aware of smoke and mirrors and of hidden agendas. Re-elect Mike Bruno as 1st Ward Alderman and Kevin Burns as Mayor.

David and Michelle Johnson

Geneva