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Politics & Government

Election 2011 Candidate Profile: Art Lemke for 2nd Ward Alderman

Art Lemke feels that his government experience is what the 2nd Ward needs to continue economic development.

Name: Arthur (Art) Lemke

Position sought: Alderman, 2nd Ward, St. Charles.

Campaign contact information

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Age: 63

Family: Wife, Jean D. Lemke, age 62; son, Andrew Lemke, age 30.

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Education: Bachelor of science degree from University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign; and ILMBA from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb.

Occupation: Auditor for the State of Illinois

Political party affiliation, If any: This election, as in past elections, all candidates for city positions run as independents.

Previous elected offices: Alderman Ward 2 (initially the northeast corner of the city was Ward 6)

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

I am a certified internal auditor and certified information system auditor with government audit experience. I am also a licensed CPA in the state of Illinois. I was a board member of Norris Cultural Arts Center and a member of the committee that developed St. Charles’ first (voluntary) Historic Preservation Ordinance.

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

I was asked by neighbors and others in the city to help re-energize the Charlestowne retail market. Since my previous terms in City Council, I have been able to develop experience in government auditing and to serve in a position that does not require out-of-town travel.

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

I want to assure that as a city, we can continue to see new development in our retail opportunities and the completion of the downtown redevelopment project.

  • What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Other than the candidates who are continuing to serve, I have the most experience in the St. Charles City Council.  As others have said, I will be able to “hit the ground running.” In addition, I am the only candidate from the northeast quadrant of the city who has been monitoring development alternatives on the west side; including the former St Charles Mall site at  Randall Road and Route 38.

  • How long have you lived in St. Charles?

20 years.

  • What's your favorite thing about St. Charles?

The green spaces, including the bike paths along the Fox River.

  • What is the biggest problem in St. Charles?

Capitalizing on the current redevelopment project plans for downtown St. Charles. 

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