Kane County Reporter

As the race for Geneva’s mayor is set to be decided on April 1, candidate Karsten Pawlik is expressing disapproval over the current administration of Mayor Kevin Burns – who was first elected 24 years ago – for its handling of key city projects, including the controversial development at the former Duke and Lee’s site.

Amid the development controversy, community members have reported exceptionally strong early voter turnout, particularly among first-time voters in this consolidated election, which could be a promising sign for Pawlik's chances at the polls.

"We’ve been seeing a lot of support from voters, both Republicans and Democrats,” Pawlik told the Kane County Reporter. “A lot of people are looking for a change, and I think we’re in a strong position to win. But it all comes down to getting out there and voting. People need to show up."

Pawlik is calling for greater transparency in city affairs.

"The position of mayor is not to vote on every issue,” Pawlik said. “It's about facilitating the council, providing the aldermen with clear and concise information so they can make informed decisions. But right now, that's not happening. The aldermen are not being given the tools they need to make these decisions. That’s something I want to change."

Pawlik emphasized that Geneva’s government operates under a "strong alderman, weak mayor" system, meaning the mayor's role should primarily be to support the council rather than take the lead on decisions. He believes the current leadership has disrupted this balance, making it harder for the council to effectively govern.

A prime example of this, according to Pawlik, is the ongoing mixed-income housing project by the Burton Foundation planned for the former Duke and Lee’s site located at 3rd Street and South Batavia Avenue. The project, which has been mired in controversy due to allegations of corruption, lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest, was the subject of a heated City Council meeting earlier this month. 

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office is investigating potential violations of the Open Meetings Act in relation to these claims. 

Local resident Mark Porter has raised concerns that Burns facilitated the project’s advancement despite issues with compliance and financial conflicts involving the developer.

Porter created a website to expose these practices, alleging Burns had personal ties to Burton Foundation President Tracey Manning, and was pushing through a controversial mixed-income housing project without following proper procedures. 

Through public records requests, he revealed financial conflicts of interest, including that Manning’s husband profited from the project, and argued it would result in a significant loss in property tax revenue, burdening local taxpayers. 

Pawlik expressed confusion over why such a significant project was being pushed forward without full transparency. 

"Why wasn’t the Burton Foundation at the October meeting where the zoning extension was discussed?" Pawlik said. "The mayor said it was confidential, but why? If it’s such a good project for the city, why keep it a secret? If it’s good, why not put it on the website? Why all the secrecy? I don’t understand it."

Recent revelations, stemming from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, uncovered a letter from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) indicating that the Burton Foundation's application for Low Income Housing Tax Credits was denied due to noncompliance. 

Despite this, Mayor Burns and city officials are said to have continued advancing the project without adequate transparency.

He also pointed to another example of the mayor’s lack of transparency—an affordable housing development on Roosevelt Road. 

"I spoke with the mayor about this project, and he mentioned it would be affordable housing, but nowhere on the city’s website does it say that,” Pawlik said. “Why not just be honest with people? If it's a good idea, why hide it?"

The confusion surrounding these projects, Pawlik said, only exacerbates the public’s frustration with city governance. 

"The residents of Geneva are left in the dark. People don’t have the information they need, and that’s a problem,” he said. “How can the City Council make informed decisions when they’re not being given all the facts?" 

Pawlik’s frustrations extend beyond the housing projects. He cited the State Street and Route 38 developments, which he says have been handled without adequate citizen engagement. 

"The Route 38 project, the State Street project—why aren’t we hearing more about these things?” he said. “Why are they moving forward without more public discussion? I want to make sure these projects get the attention they deserve, and the community is fully informed.” 

As a candidate, Pawlik is keen on creating a government that operates with openness and clear communication. 

"The mayor's job is to make sure everyone is on the same page,” he said. “The aldermen should have all the necessary information, and it’s the mayor’s job to make that happen. We need a government that communicates well with the people, so that when decisions are made, they’re based on accurate, transparent information."

Pawlik’s background as a civil engineer with experience in government relations and lobbying further informs his approach to governance. 

"I’ve worked in government and on boards,” he said. “I understand how things work, how decisions get made, and the importance of clear communication. That’s something I’ll bring to the mayor’s office.” Pawlik added that his focus is on making sure that decisions are based on the facts, not hidden agendas.

He also touched on his broader vision for Geneva’s future. 

"There are a lot of important decisions coming up, like the new police station and other infrastructure issues that have been neglected for years," Pawlik said. "I want to make sure those decisions are made carefully, with all the facts in front of us."

Pawlik criticized the current administration for what he sees as a lack of accountability. 

"For the past ten years, people have told me that mayor (Burns) has been 'asleep at the wheel.' We need a change,” he said. “We need leadership that listens, that communicates, and that makes decisions in the best interest of the people.” 

He also expressed concern over the culture within the City Council, claiming that Burns has reprimanded aldermen for speaking out and that a number of good council members have chosen not to run for re-election because of this stifling atmosphere. 

"The culture of the City Council is not good right now," he said. "We need to create an environment where people can speak up without fear of being reprimanded. That’s essential for a healthy government."

As for his mayoral campaign, Pawlik stressed that he is committed to the community. 

"I’m running because I care about this community, and I want to make sure Geneva stays a great place to live,” he said. “But we need to address these issues and make sure everyone is informed and involved in the decision-making process."

With just days left until the election, Pawlik is hopeful for a shift in how Geneva’s government operates. 

"We need more transparency, more communication, and a stronger partnership between the mayor, the City Council, and the residents,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to work for if I’m elected.”