Ryan S. Bongard: 2025 candidate for St. Charles City Council Ward 2

Bio

Office Sought: St. Charles City Council Ward 2

City: St. Charles

Age: 43

Occupation: Chief executive officer

Previous offices held: St. Charles City Council Ward 2 since 2021

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

Possible dam removal, reducing debt obligation, or addressing our aging infrastructure are important issues, however I believe the most pressing concern facing our community is the early power contract renewal request on behalf of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA).

As the chair of the Government Services committee, I have spent the past fourteen months working closely on this issue and I believe the city is still in the information gathering stage. Its crucial council, staff and residents take as much time as necessary before arriving at a decision.

Understanding where our power is being generated from matters, projected expense to residents is our responsibility and ensuring absolute transparency are the three questions I want each council member to confidently answer before deciding on St. Charles long-term energy supply.

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’s financial health was more tenuous in 2021 than many realize. With significant debt obligation, underfunded pension liability, aging infrastructure and rising inflation it was obvious that council and staff would need to turn these negative trends.

I’m proud of the work this administration has done in four short years. We have significantly reduced the city’s debt obligation, we are correctly funding our police & fire pensions, and we are investing in our aging infrastructure. These are important wins because it will save residents money in the future.

The city’s operating budget does not include much discretionary spending. Nearly all our expenses go to public works, public safety, pensions and paying down our debt.

Most importantly the next council must be honest about how they are going to fund projects, general operating costs and future infrastructure requirements. If council approves spending, they must approve funding — you can’t do one without the other. If council doesn’t approve funding, they owe residents & staff an explanation where expenses should be frozen or reduced.

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?

We have an old city, with several water mains, roads and structures in need of attention. However, the Lead Pipe Replacement project (program) is the most important infrastructure project facing St. Charles.

Originally expected to be a 30-year replacement program, we learned the new requirement will expect municipalities to complete all lead pipe replacement within 10 years. This change will require St. Charles to identify and appropriate a projected $8-$10 million each year from our general fund, reserves and potential new loans.

The current forecasted projection puts the cost to St. Charles at $100 million over the next 10 years. We are committed to meeting the replacement schedule and working with residents, but the timeline will undoubtedly impact funding and resource availability for future projects.

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.

As an elected official and executive officer in the private sector, my ability to work effectively within groups is nonnegotiable. On city council, each member has a single vote, but we are one body, we are one team.

People will disagree, pull in different directions however the ability for the group to come to consensus is what matters. I believe in speaking to everyone in the room, hearing from as many people as possible, to play-out all scenarios so we choose the best path forward no matter the topic.

I have worked extremely hard developing a reputation as someone who is independent, who will work with anyone, anywhere in pursuit of the of best outcomes for St. Charles.

My respect for the individuals who have previously and currently serve on council, in the mayor’s office and in our city departments as well as those who are offering to serve ensures me the ability to produce results for Ward 2 residents and the city of St. Charles.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

St. Charles is in a great spot. We have our challenges but without question the arrow is pointing up for our city. I am the best candidate to represent Ward 2 because experience, results, and leadership matter.

I have never asked how much time this will require or what’s in it for me because serving on council is about representing your neighbors, building relationships, articulating a vision and working toward consensus. These are the characteristics we should expect from those who ask to represent us, and I have demonstrated each throughout my term.

Are we better than we were four years ago — yes — and we will continue on this path because of the approach, values and dedication I have demonstrated since 2021. That is why I am the best candidate for Ward 2 Alderperson.

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

Years ago, someone told me the reason people don’t vote or participate in local government is because “they are happy with the way things are.” I objected to this concept and replied people don’t engage because they don’t know how, don’t feel welcome or struggle to find the time.

We have made improvements to the city’s website; I personally host quarterly connect with council sessions for residents and we have a monthly newsletter but we can still do better.

I think a new idea to improving awareness and participation should be reviewing our committee and commission structure. We must ensure we are focused on topics that matter to people, that we are delivering new ways for people to participate like polling, opinion polls, podcasts, text and email distribution as well as video recaps.