Burns announces bid for 7th term as Geneva mayor

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns formally announced his intention to seek a seventh term in the April 1 consolidated election.

Burns was first elected mayor in 2001. He is running again “to ensure that Geneva’s progress is continued, our promise is attained and our potential is realized.”

“My passion and energy to serve is as strong as ever,” Burns said in a press release. “I welcome the responsibility and privilege of helping articulate, advance and achieve the success Geneva expects and deserves.”

As mayor, Burns has presided over 24 consecutive balanced budgets, increased the city’s cash reserves, increased the city’s bond rating to Aa1, and reduced the city’s tax rate to .477% of residents’ property bills, which is the lowest percentage in 44 years, according to the release.

Geneva also diversified its housing stock, secured funding for the reconstruction of the East State Street Corridor and increased the city’s renewable energy portfolio to more than 25%, according to the release.

“My involvement in all things Geneva is authentic, unmatched and reflects the importance of participating, celebrating, preserving and promoting what makes Geneva special and strengthens our exceptional brand,” Burns said in the release.

The city’s core principles are in its 2030 Strategic Plan, which a committee created over 12 months with input from more than 1,700 citizens and business leaders, according to the release.

The plan “clearly identifies the direction for Geneva to follow over the next five years — strong governance, informing and engaging with citizenry and business leaders, purposeful growth and economic vitality, safe, active and welcoming community, environmental stewardship and quality infrastructure and city services,” Burns said in the release.

A 50-year resident of Geneva and a 1982 graduate of Geneva High School, Burns previously served on the library board, the historic preservation commission, the planning and zoning commission and on the city council as an alderperson before being elected mayor.

A nonprofit professional throughout his professional career, Burns has held executive leadership positions in national health organizations, Olympic and Paralympic sports, Special Olympics, higher education, social services and the energy efficiency and sustainability fields, according to the release.

Karsten Pawlik, vice president of operations at Alpine Demolition Services LLC, is challenging Burns for mayor.