Endorsement: Radecki for Geneva, Ward 4
One-time Alderman Jim Radecki is facing Eleanor Hamilton in a race to fill retiring Alderman Dorothy Flanagan's seat serving the Fourth Ward. Radecki is a real estate broker who's served two terms on the city council. Hamilton is a retired psychologist running seeking her first elected office.
Development in the city and preserving Geneva's historical character are ongoing issues for the candidates. Radecki also lists the mental health tax, determining whether the city should pursue a home rule referendum (as long as it's not “home rule light”) and creation of a downtown business district among his top issues. Hamilton wants to explore public-private partnerships that could bring electricity cost savings (in light of disappointing results of the Prairie State Energy Campus), perhaps giving tax credits to businesses that replace older equipment.
Both candidates have lived in Geneva 25 to 30 years and know the city thoroughly. Radecki has more experience in government, even on the Geneva City Council, and it makes sense to take advantage of that. Radecki is endorsed.