Robert Kasper: 2025 candidate for St. Charles City Council Ward 1

Bio

Office Sought: St. Charles City Council Ward 1

City: St. Charles

Age: 36

Occupation: Physician

Previous offices held: N/A

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

The city faces a significant decision as we have to evaluate the sourcing of our electricity. When presented with the decision of whether to renew the current contract early or potentially look to different options, the council has an obligation to consider the long term consequences of the decision at hand.

Any decision made has to be based on multiple bids and not merely a single option. This process needs to be open to the public when assessing the various proposals made.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Overall, the finances of St. Charles are in good shape. In terms of current spending priorities, I believe the council and mayor on the right track. The prioritization of paying down outstanding debts while still allowing for the sustained growth of the city.

St. Charles should continue investing in its infrastructure as it currently is, with small adjustments as necessary based on the projected revenue growth moving forward.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

The most critical infrastructure project facing St. Charles currently is the need to replace aging water infrastructure including mains and existing lead service lines. The replacement of these lines is a critical piece of infrastructure development that will ensure all citizens in St. Charles have access to drinking water that does not put our children and families at risk. The city has been working with the Illinois EPA and has taken loans to cover some of the cost for these projects.

Simultaneously, the water mains within the city are aging, which has been evidenced by increasing numbers of repairs needed. The more time and money spent on repairs is less money spent on proactive replacement that allows for more predictable use of limited resources.

The city will have to weigh all options of funding, and has started to implement increases in the water rates to offset the costs associated with these projects, as well as to pay down the debts already accumulated to accomplish previous projects.

Should there be the need to curtail spending on other infrastructure projects, the city could move less-critical road improvements down the priority list.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

In my career, I frequently have to work as part of a team to provide the best results possible for patients. Oftentimes, there are disagreements regarding plans of action from team members and I will have to work to find compromise. When managing potentially life-threatening situations, it is critical to evaluate all perspectives. I will bring this style of thinking into my role on city council.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am approachable and able to assess complicated situations in a levelheaded manner. I am able to form connections with people and communicate effectively, even in higher-pressure situations.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

I would like to consider the expansion of the economic development department to help serve as a small business incubator to help support the entrepreneurial process and help further improve the business environment here in St. Charles.