Longtime alderman, doctor seek St. Charles Ward 1 seat
Residents of St. Charles’ first ward have a choice between an incumbent and a challenger who largely agree on the issues facing the city.
Longtime Ward 1 Alderman Ronald Silkaitis, 68, faces Dr. Robert Kasper, 36.
Silkaitis has spent 24 years on the council, serving from 1997 to 2009 and 2013 to the present.
The issues the council is dealing with include redeveloping the former police station site, what to do about a dam in the Fox River and downtown parking.
As for the redevelopment of the site of the former police station, “I’m glad that we’re not going to put a big hotel there,” Silkaitis said. He believes the site might be suitable as a small park, perhaps with a bandshell and small incubator business spaces, such as the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, to draw people to the area.
Kasper said he believes the downtown is “on the right track.”
He agreed with Silkaitis that there is a challenge with parking during busy times, such as weekend nights, that the city should address. He also said parking accessibility for disabled people needs to be addressed.
“It is very limited for (disabled) people and may not be close enough (to businesses),” Kasper said.
As to ward-specific issues, Kasper said the ward has gaps in its sidewalk network, particularly in the northern area, that he would like to have addressed. Silkaitis said he is pleased the council approved a citywide bicycle and pedestrian plan.
Silkaitis talked about getting development started at the former Pheasant Run Resort site. “I would like to see something started,” he said.
Kasper cites his experience helping to lead a Chicagoland mountain bicycling club and on committees at hospitals where he has worked, as demonstrating leadership skills.
As for removing the dam, “I’ve got more questions than answers about it. How would it change the water level at Pottawatomie Park? For now, I am inclined to keep the dam,” Silkaitis said.
Kasper said the city may end up paying at least part of removing or keeping the dam. “I am personally of the mind to remove it," he said. "But I don’t have the expertise."