Garran DeWain Sparks: 2025 candidate for Batavia City Council Ward 5

Bio

Office Sought: Batavia City Council Ward 5

City: Batavia

Age: 69

Occupation: Retired/self-employed

Previous offices held: Former Batavia City Council Ward 1 for 10 years

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

Traffic, mostly traveling across town. A bridge would help but that issue is voted down in the past due to costs and higher taxes to pay for the construction.

Also living costs (utilities) Higher utility costs due to and aging infrastructure and needs to upgrade it.

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?

The city was in a good state of financial state. As a former council member, I was privileged to more information so it would be hard for me to describe the current state of finances.

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?

A second bridge if the city could obtain grants. also the utilities infrastructure (electric, water, sewer).

Obviously, the bridge can be put on a back burner but the infrastructure is an essential need for the safety and well-being of our residents.

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.

I believe that I have plenty of experience working in a group setting from my tenure on the council previously. I would educate myself on the topics and reach out to constituents to best represent the people in the city of Batavia.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I had spent 10 years on the Batavia Council and have lived in Batavia most all of my life. This gives me history and knowledge of the workings of Batavia.

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

It would be to have a city more connected. It would suggest that all Batavia entities (city, schools, park district, library, etc.) be working closer together to better serve the residents and to ensure fiscal responsibility.