Susan Stark Candidate Profile

Name:  Susan Stark

Position sought: Alderman, Ward 4

Campaign contact information—

Website:  none

E-mail address: sustark@aol.com

Phone: 630-482-9866

Address: 203 N Washington Avenue, Batavia

Home address (only the town will be published): Batavia

Age: 53

Family (name, relationship and age):  Vincent, husband, 57 and Jonathan, son, 18

Education (degree and school): Bachelor of Fine Arts, Columbia College

Occupation: Account Manager, Educational Products, Inc.

Political party affiliation, If any: Independent

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

Please limit answers to 75 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, grammar, spelling and length.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have the commitment, time and energy to give back to my community.  I am passionate about Batavia and its citizens - especially the 4th ward. I would like to be the 4th ward’s voice and express their opinions about the revitalization of Batavia.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? 

Connecting with the residents of the 4th ward. As I have wandered around the neighborhoods and spoken to residents, I have found that people are unaware that their aldermen are their voice in city government. I have encouraged people to email or call Aldermen Volk and Schmitz about their concerns in the 4th ward and the entire city. I don’t have a personal agenda in this election other than to fairly represent the 4th ward residents.

What sets you apart from the other candidates, if contested?

My wide range of volunteer experience in Batavia sets me apart.  I am currently a Commissioner, Batavia Historic Preservation Commission, Volunteer for Batavia ACCESS, sit on the Batavia Fireworks Committee (Co-chair of annual Books vs. Badges Basketball game), a Batavia Bulldog Booster Volunteer, Former Fundraising Chair, Rotolo Middle School, Former PTO President, Louise White School , and Former Cub Scout Den Mother.

How long have you lived in town?

11 years

What's your favorite thing about town?

The warmth, generosity and genuine compassion of Batavia’s citizens are my favorite things.  Prior to moving to Batavia I lived in Elgin and St. Charles. Batavia beats both cities hands down when it comes to the people. The spirit of volunteerism as evidenced in the building of the Riverwalk, their contributions to the annual Toy Drive and Fireworks presentation are remarkable.

What is the biggest problem in town?

The negative comparisons by outsiders to Geneva and St. Charles. We need to carve out our own niche. We have the Riverwalk, the Quarry and the arts. We need to capitalize on those strengths to bring business downtown.  I can envision Batavia as the jewel in the Fox Valley crown and we are on the right track.  The commitment by the city to Streetscaping, Façade Grants, low-cost loans and tax incentives will revitalize our downtown.

• What is your long-term vision for Batavia’s downtown? In other words, what does your ideal downtown Batavia look like?

I envision a “spruced up” version of today’s town with the river as its focus. Small retail establishments co-existing with service business. Multi-use buildings with people living upstairs and businesses below. Less hardscaping and more green space. A city that is pedestrian friendly and a gem in the Fox Valley.  We have the most beautiful riverfront of the tri-cities – we just have to capitalize on it.

• What initiatives and partnerships will help contribute to your vision of downtown?

The Streetscaping committee has brought forth beautiful ideas for each section of the downtown. I am especially excited about the River Street area and the Houston and Island Streets proposals. Both projects focus on opening up the riverfront and making the town more cohesive. The TIF grants, Batavia Mainstreet and the Chamber are all integral parts in making it happen.

• Where do you stand on backyard chickens? Explain your case.

I am back to standing on the fence. I have been talking to the residents of the 4th ward and there are many pros and cons stated. I can see both points of view. Backyard chickens would not affect me as the house next door to me is rental property, there is a vacant lot behind our house and we do not have a large enough lot for chickens. Therefore, I must listen to the residents of the 4th ward. Currently, the chicken advocates are stating their case more loudly. I would vote in the way that represented the majority.

Where do you stand on the Mooseheart annexation and the potential development of that land?    Explain your case.

I am 100% behind the annexation of the Mooseheart property. I am in favor of Batavia being able to control the development of those parcels.  There could be the potential of a few bumps in the process (i.e. getting electricity to the southernmost part of the land) but I am sure they City Council and representatives of Mooseheart can come to a mutually beneficial agreement. I would hate to see North Aurora be as close as Main Street in Batavia.