St. Charles mayoral candidates face challenge of finding new city administrator

One of the first major challenges facing the next mayor of St. Charles will be replacing perhaps the most familiar face at city hall: retiring City Administrator Mark Koenen.

Voters in the April 6 consolidated election will choose between 5th Ward Alderman Maureen Lewis and 4th Ward Alderman Lora Vitek for mayor, and whoever is elected will be tasked with filling a critical city position where the list of job duties reads like a book. It's a responsibility neither candidate takes lightly.

"That position is key," Vitek said. "Definitely based on what is happening in the city of St. Charles, I think economic development and growth is a key experience or skill set that person should have. I would say experience in either the city staff structure or experience as a city administrator is also important.

"I know there might be internal candidates and there's opportunities to look for external candidates," she said. "So I think you have to take that both into account and make your decision with the city council."

Shortly after Mayor Ray Rogina announced in September he was retiring and not seeking a third term, Koenen announced he'd also be retiring when his contract expires on May 15. After nearly 40 years working for the city, including about 30 in the public works department and the last eight as city administrator, he's made an impact on the development and growth of St. Charles that will endure for decades.

Rogina appointed Koenen as an internal candidate in 2013 and was backed by unanimous approval from the city council. Finding someone to replace him won't be easy for the next mayor and a city council that will welcome at least three new aldermen in the coming election.

"Whoever the mayor is and whoever that city administrator is, they do form a bond because they have to work really close together," Lewis said. "As a mayor you really do need to depend upon that city administrator. So it is important to find not only the right balance of the person who has the qualifications but also understands the culture and the nature of the city of St. Charles and whoever that mayor might be and the rest of the staff."