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We must assume the economy will continue on its current path. There are too many inherent risks to think otherwise. Responsible government stems from an honest and diligent effort to determine the truth of the situation. In my experience, government officials hide from the truth and “sugar coat” the results. I believe that the residents need to know the truth of our situation. I would begin with a complete financial audit of our expenditures. We need to eliminate the presumption of “use it or loose it” and replace it with the responsible sense of “use what we need to”.
Proven Techniques
In the private sector, financial audits are used to categorize expenditures into two categories: essential and non-essential expenditures. This is similar to managing and maintaining a household budget. I will conduct a financial audit of the spending of the City. The essential expenditures are those that have to be made to maintain the core function of government.
The non-essential expenditures need to be reviewed. Non-essential expenditures that I would consider removing from the budget are the Franklin Covey WIG program, promotional items with the City of Aurora logo, and dues and fees that do not produce value for the City. The key to efficiency is to understand what the City is truly the best at, and conversely identifying what the City is unable to do. In a time of recession, government cannot be all things to all people, nor should it try.
The financial audit will also focus on personnel expenditures as well. There is duplication of responsibilities in upper and middle management. I will restructure these positions, and whether it results in job loss remains to be seen. To be more efficient the City of Aurora must be more streamlined and reduced in shape and size while increasing productivity. The financial audit will start at the Mayors office and work its way down to the other departments.
Technological advantages
I would look to expand the use of new technologies, institute work from home programs, and restructure the work week for eligible employees to four 10-hour days instead of the traditional five day work week. By working with employees, and not consultants, we can have a more efficient and productive City of Aurora.
Fiscal Stability
The City of Aurora cannot afford to rely on the president’s economic recovery plan or funding from the State of Illinois. The economic recovery plan is a one-time opportunity, not a permanent funding stream and if awarded, should be a compliment to a sound fiscal plan; not a savior for a weak budget. The State of Illinois simply is not financially sound and cannot be relied on for additional funding sources. The City of Aurora needs to have a long-term resolve to maintain fiscal stability. True fiscal stability is not measure by a bond rating alone, but is measured by how effectively the City of Aurora can achieve affordable and stable funding for maintenance and repairs to our roads, bridges and ailing infrastructure. This can be done without burdening the taxpayers further or increasing our debt load.
After collecting over $4 million dollars in campaign contributions, on November 7, 2006, then Governor Blagojevich stated “The legislation I proposed would have also limited individual contributions to $2,000 per election”. What we have in the City of Aurora is exactly the same, after collecting over $195,000 in campaign contributions; we now have a Mayor who claims to be collecting only $1,500 from city contractors and developers less than a year before re-election. Someone who has been part of the system for so many years cannot change it. I will bring true ethics reform to the Mayors office, which the current administration has not done. We have learned from Springfield that comprehensive ethics reform is needed.
Government is created to protect the governed, not the governing. I will ensure that all individuals and companies are treated fairly and equally. At the Government Operations Committee last year, I called for a complete ban on contributions from contractors, businesses and developers who have a vested interest with the City of Aurora as a start towards ethics reform.
My first action as Mayor will be to present a comprehensive Ethics Ordinance which includes:
(1) Elected officials shall disclose the receipt of any campaign contribution as defined in Section 9-1.4 of the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/9-1.4) which is in excess of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) and which was received within one year prior to any vote involving directly or indirectly the party that made the contribution. The elected official shall disclose such contributions by announcing his/her receipt of such in an open meeting prior to such vote.
(2) Elected officials shall not knowingly solicit or accept a campaign contribution from a City employee or an immediate family member of a City employee.
(3) Elected officials or their agents may not knowingly approach any City employee to seek their signature on a nominating petition.
(4) Elected officials are prohibited from knowingly seeking and/or accepting campaign contributions, as defined in Section 9-1.4 of the State Election Code, from: (a) vendors currently doing business with the City; or (b) individuals or entities with petitions, requests, bid proposals and/or RFP/RFQ submissions pending before the Village and requiring City Council approval or similar action.
(5) All vendor contracts to which the City is a party shall contain a provision wherein the vendor agrees to refrain from making campaign contributions, as defined in Section 9-1.4 of the State Election Code, directly or indirectly to elected officials and any challengers seeking to serve as elected officials. As part of the Village RFP/RFQ process, potential vendors shall be required to disclose any campaign contributions made by them to elected officials within the three (3) year period preceding the date of the current RFP/RFQ.
(6) Violation of the ordinance will result in a fine up to $1,500 to the contributor and the immediate return of the contribution. Repeat violations could result in the removal of the elected official for misconduct.
(7) The creation of an independent ethics review board is needed to ensure fair and equal enforcement of this ordinance.
Economic development in the City of Aurora has struggled for many years. The introduction of the Riverboat Casino into the downtown of Aurora was promised to be the answer to revitalizing downtown Aurora and providing economic development opportunities. While other Cities used their riverboat money wisely, the City of Aurora has allowed the Riverboat money to be used for recurring city expenditures and has little to show for the over $100 million it has received. I view economic development in terms of jobs created, providing a diversified job base, and new avenues for entrepreneurial endeavors.
The City has lost sight of the fact that more jobs are created by promoting small businesses and entrepreneurial enterprises than in large corporations. I will support the small business community. The economic development department will be instructed to conduct a survey on which stores or shopping opportunities the citizens of Aurora would like to envision in their downtown, (this is similar to the initiative taken by the Village of Montgomery) and I will work diligently to bring then into our downtown. Providing a district where small businesses can flourish automatically increases the job availability.
Downtown Revitalization:
The City of Aurora, under my administration, will start thinking strategically and act comprehensively. The process of focusing on single projects and not a comprehensive downtown redevelopment plan with adequate funding has continued to stifle economic downtown development plans. Large projects, like the East Bank i.e. Shodeen project has cost millions with a high risk of failure, when those funds could have been more beneficial to generate small business retention and job creation in the downtown.
Downtown redevelopment is feasible. I will work to change the overall perception of downtown, identify which stores are desirable for shoppers, create a mixture of franchise owners and small business specialty shops, create a two way entry system which would include changing the one way direction of New York Street, provide additional parking and remove the parking meters.
Creating Jobs:
The City of Aurora needs to live within its means and break away from the status quo. I will focus on what everyone in Aurora needs and cares most about: jobs. The City of Aurora needs to refocus the view of economic development and diversify our job base.
I will create the Small Employer Quality Jobs Five-Year Incentive. This program would promote job creation and expansion by providing an annual incentive for the first five years of a new or expanded qualifying small business (90 employees or less). The annual incentive would be based on the number of new eligible employees making at least minimum wage and would be up to five percent (5%) of the taxable wages generated.
I will also create a Standardized Incentive Program for Large Employers. This program would also focus on new job creation and expansion, awarding up to 2.5% of taxable wages for the first five years of new or expanded qualifying businesses. The creation of sustainable energy financing districts would provide a demand for job creation in the green infrastructure employment field and thus attracting renewable energy companies.
Small business development zones will be created to assist small businesses that are not located in downtown, but are located in economically depressed areas. These zones would make available façade and assistance programs similar to the incentive programs offered in the downtown business district.
Franchise Assistance Program will support individuals who want to be self-employed, and a franchise gives them that opportunity. The City of Aurora will identify franchises that residents frequent, and provide assistance to individuals looking to purchase an identified franchise. Assistance will be available for individuals who locate in the downtown or within a small business development zone.
I would use financial incentives, such as tax rebates, to attract businesses. Financial incentives, such as property tax and sales tax rebates, are good tools for commercial development when used for qualifying businesses that generate jobs and revenue for the city. I believe that the City of Aurora should strive to eliminate the use of Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIF) due to the negative impact to the school districts. It is this reason why I voted against the extension of the downtown TIF district
Alternative Job Opportunities:
We cannot ignore the demand for wind and solar power in this country is about to explode. President Obama has announced ambitious plans to double our nation’s use of these renewable energy sources in just three years. As the nation’s demand for renewable energy goes up, so, too, does the demand for the technologies and products that are critical to the new energy industry. The City of Aurora can seize upon this surge in demand for renewable energy by creating sustainable energy financing districts. These districts will promote weatherizing homes, businesses and other public buildings. Installing energy efficiency and renewable energy technology will provide a new avenue for job creation.
Will fight to eliminate the practice or perception of patronage employment practices
AURORA, IL- Alderman Stephanie Kifowit (Candidate for Mayor) will close the termination loophole in the City of Aurora. “The City Council has little authority over terminations in the City of Aurora,” stated Kifowit. “The fact that the termination process is at the decision of the Mayor solely is not good government.”
Kifowit also noted that the current Mayor has nine city employees assisting in his reelection campaign. “I can only wonder if they are truly helping or are they afraid to be fired in such dire economic circumstances. We should not have employees feel obligated to assist an elected official just to ensure they have a job.”
Shortly after the 2005 Mayoral election, nine high ranking city employees lost their positions. Section 2-44 of the Aurora Code states: “As chief executive officer of the city, the powers and duties of the mayor shall be: (5) to remove any department head appointed by him, on any formal charge, whenever he is of the opinion that the interests of the city demand removal.” The Code of Ordinance merely requires notification to the City Council after the removal is completed.
“It is ineffective to have reactive powers for the City Council. To merely be advised of a removal after the fact is worthless,” continued Kifowit.
The removal of departmental heads is the only area within the Aurora City Code that requires notification of a termination. The hiring and termination of middle management positions are at the sole discretion of the Mayor. Recently, the current administration removed the whole law department without prior notification given to City Council and appointed a Chicago firm without needing City Council approval.
Alderman Stephanie Kifowit has served on the City Council for the past six years and knows the frustrations of having limited authority, “when a former employee calls me and asks me to do something about an unfair firing, it is sad that there is nothing an duly elected Alderman can do.”
Under Alderman Kifowit’s plan, the City Council will have a more direct role in the termination of department heads and the appointment of the Mayor’s staff.
“The City Council should adjourn into Executive Session to discuss matters regarding personnel. I will propose to the City Council a change of our ordinance to mandate that prior to any department head termination, the City Council must be informed and give consent in executive session. There has to be valid reasons for a termination, not just because it is the whim of the Mayor.”
Alderman Kifowit is also proposing the restructuring of the Mayors office to change the current Chief of Staff position into a professional City Administrator. “We have seen patronage of the Chief of Staff position, most recently with a former campaign manager being given a Chief of Staff position. This abuse of power needs to be addressed,” stated Kifowit. Under Kifowit’s plan, the City Administrator will be a professional position with a job description, minimum qualifications and educational levels. This position will report to not only the Mayor but also to the City Council and require approval of the City Council prior to any appointment.
“When Mayor Al McCoy first composed this section of the City Code, the position of Chief of Staff had to be confirmed by the City Council. He stated he did not want the Mayor to appoint friends to the position. Over the years, this power was removed and we have seen the abuse by not having this in place. Not only do I want to restore this check and balance system, but I want to expand it so that the taxpayers know that there are qualified individuals working for them in the City” declared Kifowit.
Alderman Stephanie Kifowit is also proposing sweeping ethics changes to eliminate campaign contributions from city employees as well as from city contractors and developers. “A city employee should not feel obligated to donate to an elected official. We cannot have a system where fear of termination can be indirectly used as a fundraising tool,” observed Kifowit. Most recent election filings show as many as nine employees or relatives of employees had given to the current administration’s campaign account.
AURORA, IL: Alderman Stephanie Kifowit, Candidate for Mayor, calls for a complete and independent fiscal review of the Riverboat funds that it has received from the Hollywood Casino. “The City of Aurora has squandered the $194 million it has received from the Hollywood Casino,” stated Kifowit. “The current Mayor has shown complete disregard for fiscal responsibility and management of these funds, there needs to be a complete independent fiscal review and constraints set forth on future expenditures from this revenue source.”
The City of Aurora opened Hollywood Casino in 1993. The State of Illinois granted casino licenses to old river towns with failing downtowns in an effort to provide needed funds for redevelopment. Past reports confirm these funds would also be used to support education. Mayor Pierce gave additional funding to the school districts from the riverboat; however, no other mayor has since. Neighboring cities of Joliet and Elgin both were also awarded casino licenses. The State of Illinois imposes two taxes on riverboat gaming, a wagering tax and a tax on admissions. The City of Aurora receives $1 for each person embarking on the riverboat in addition to a portion of the wagering tax the State of Illinois collects. Since 1993 the City of Aurora has received over $194 million as of 12/31/2008.
“The residents of the City of Aurora deserve to know where this money was spent,” added Kifowit. “It certainly has not been spent to revitalize the downtown. Currently by visual count we have 22 empty store fronts in addition to at least three empty buildings.”
Under the proposed independent review, the auditor will show exactly where the money from the riverboat has gone and how dependant on it Aurora has become. Following the independent review, Kifowit proposes strict constraints on spending, to include a ban on paying for salaries and benefits.
“The recent decision by this administration to pay the salary for an economic development consultant through the use of riverboat money is the peak of fiscal irresponsibility. This is not what that money was to be used for,” explained Kifowit.
Prior to the 2005 Mayoral election, the general philosophy of the city administration was to use the Riverboat money for one-time expenditures. Under the current administration, the City has embarked on extensive leveraging of these funds. Most recently was the sale of approximately $14 million dollars in bonds where the repayment source is ‘payable by the City solely from the Riverboat Casino Admissions and Wagering Tax.’
Additionally, Kifowit is proposing a debt reduction program which is aimed at reducing the extensive debt the City has amassed over the past three years. “We have seen a 92% increase in debt obligations for the City under this administration. For the health of our communities, this needs to be reduced” stated Alderman Kifowit.
“The City of Aurora needs to have long-term resolve to maintain fiscal stability,” Kifowit added. “I will begin with the proper management of the riverboat funds and I will continue with the reduction of unnecessary expenses throughout the City, starting with the Mayor’s office.”
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/1512813,CST-NWS-aurora06.article
Stephanie Kifowit, 37, an alderman since 2003, favors adding a city administrator to oversee the operation of the city and diversify the power she contends is now concentrated too heavily in the mayor's office.
“Too much power in one position can lead to things that aren't beneficial to the community, she said.
She has repeatedly blasted Weisner for exerting his authority during his first term without consulting the city council – including firing most of the city's legal department, then hiring a Chicago law firm to do much of Aurora's legal work.
“There's no checks and balances, she said.
As for public safety, Kifowit criticized Weisner for politicizing a lower crime rate that she says largely mirrors a national reduction in crime rates.
“Aurora is following a national trend,'' she said. “Crime is down now, but it's an ongoing fight. Crime is always cyclical.”
http://familiesagainstplannedparenthood.org/blog/2009/0319/debate/
Moderator: “In what ways does your faith form your opinion of Planned Parenthood?”
Stephanie Kifowit: “Thank you. This is by far the number one question that I've been asked on the campaign trail. And it is a very … issue.
I am a mother of two children, and I realize how amazing life at birth is. To create a child from something so small is truly a miracle .. as a family we are anti-abortion.
I sat down with my daughter, she is now eleven, and I told her that we would support her in any situation that she finds herself in, and if she finds herself in a situation where she feels that she cannot afford a child or have a child that we would be there for her, and raise it for her.
I believe in … and that is my faith, I'm Lutheran, I was brought up that way. I also believe though that by the grace of God I have not been in situations that other individuals have been: rape, abuse, issues that are just inconceivable to me, so I cannot take a stand that I'm going to say I'm against something that is, of course, right now legal in the state and legal in the federal government because there are instances where an individual to heal, an individual to improve their life might have to go down that road.
The only thing that I can do for that person is pray for them and hope that they find what they need under that procedure. I, I cannot imagine, imagine not being able, not having a child because it is truly , truly an act of God. I agree the City Council was not given any opportunity to act.””
FROM: http://www.oneaurora.com/inthenews.htm
Kifowit and Irvin declared their support for the Second Amendment and opposed gun control.