St. Charles Ward 2 candidates debate Charlestowne Mall, city finances

Lack of progress at the largely vacant Charlestowne Mall site is among the biggest issues facing St. Charles' Ward 2, where two candidates are vying for a seat on the city council.

A concept plan presented nearly two years ago called for the complete revitalization of the property, including residential development, a smaller mall building and the construction of free-standing commercial structures. But mall owners have yet to make a deal with developers who could push that vision forward.

The inactivity is disconcerting to Ryan Bongard, a small-business owner seeking his first 4-year term on the city council. But two-term incumbent Rita Payleitner says it's not for lack of trying. She and other city officials for years have been meeting with mall representatives, pushing for a solution and advocating on behalf of Ward 2 residents, she said.

"The roadblocks are real, but the city isn't one of those roadblocks," Payleitner said, noting aldermen and city staff are ready to consider any proposal as soon as mall owners secure a partner. "Nobody's sitting collecting cobwebs."

Bongard said the city's investments in market studies and other research pertaining to the mall site is a waste if the plans don't come to fruition soon.

"When you look at a project that has been for 10 years slowly eroding with no end in sight, how can you honesty say, 'Let's stay the course?'" he said. "I think it's time for a change."

Offering a fresh perspective to some of the city's long-standing challenges is at the core of Bongard's campaign. The 37-year-old, who has lived in the city for 10 years, is a St. Charles Unit District 303 parent, is involved with youth sports and serves as president and treasurer of his homeowners association.

"I am a leader who values the opinion of those around me," he said, "someone who values input from every vantage point and explores all potential outcomes before coming to a final decision."

Payleitner, 60, says she wants to continue with the success she has experienced the past eight years. As a 45-year St. Charles resident, she has held roles on various city committees and community organizations. She also frequently meets with city officials, residents, business owners and other stakeholders regarding pressing issues.

"I'm doing the job, and I'm doing it well," Payleitner said. "I proudly stand by my understanding of the issues, my attention to detail, my integrity, my responsiveness and my love for St. Charles."

Though the city has "a lot to be proud of," Bongard said, he worries how major capital projects such as the First Street redevelopment are affecting its bottom line. The city's long-term financial stability appears "fragile," he said, pointing to a new gasoline tax and recent increases to the alcohol and hotel/motel tax rate as a way to pad the budget.

"Our community has so much to offer, but we should not ask our residents or local business owners to pay more so the city can make ends meet," Bongard said.

Payleitner denounced Bongard's characterization of the city's financial state, saying it has a healthy level of reserves, a balanced budget, a solid bond rating and a strong business climate. The additional tax revenues were approved to offset cuts in state funding - the city's biggest and most uncertain hurdle moving forward, she said.

"We're trying to minimize the effect it'll have on St. Charles" by diversifying revenue sources, Payleitner said. "I think we're in really good shape, and I'm proud of our financial situation as a city."