About Maureen Lewis

Name: Maureen Lewis

Position sought: Alderman Ward Five St. Charles IL

Campaign contact information: maureenlewisward5@gmail.com

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

The Residents of Ward Five. City government is closest to the people and has the biggest impact in their lives. Commitment, service, and responsiveness to the citizens are cornerstones for elected officials. It is important for me to be a connection between the residents and the city administration, to listen thoughtfully to their concerns, take action, and represent them on the city council. Constituents should be confident their elected official is a trustworthy person, with high integrity and a moral compass pointed in the right direction. My years of service to the city are a testament to these beliefs, as are my proactive efforts in receiving the International City Management Association (ICMA) certification for ""Building an Ethical Culture"" and the State of Illinois Open Meetings Act certification for an Illinois City Official,

Home address: Ward 5, St. Charles, IL 60174

Family members: Husband — Philip Lewis, married 44 years, also raised in St. Charles. Kane County Board member District 13, 2006 to present

Children - Seth Lewis (Bhavna)

Jennifer Crossen

Michael Lewis (Kim)

JJ Lewis (Katelyn)

Grandchildren — eight

Education: George E. Thompson High School, St. Charles, IL 1967

Current occupation and employer: Alderman Ward Five, St. Charles, 2010 to Present

Patient Service Representative, Cadence Physicians Group Cardiology, Geneva, IL 2005-2012

Owner/operator ART's COOL a ceramic painting studio, downtown St. Charles, 1999-2004

Political party affiliation: Republican

Why Are You Seeking Office?

“It is a privilege and an honor to represent the residents of the fifth ward and I thank them for the trust they place in me to serve as their Alderman. I am seeking re election because I have the desire, expierence and time to serve.

“I want to give to the community of St. Charles where I was born and raised. My family and I are long time residents with deep roots. My personal background and historical knowledge is beneficial to the residents, city administration, city council and helps to preserve our past as we look to the future of St. Charles, this city we love.”

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

“There are four differences between myself and the other candidate. First, My experience as Alderman, serving Ward five since December 2010, gives me the knowledge as to what the issues and concerns are to the residents of St. Charles. I currently serve on the planning and development, government operations, and government services committees allowing me to understand the issues facing our city. I have been a member of the 708 Mental Health Board since 2003 and am a member of the Development and Education Committee for The Downtown Partnership. Second, my deep roots and historical knowledge of being raised in St. Charles and having children plus grandchildren residing here, provides me better understanding and appreciation for the issues facing three generations of St. Charles citizens. Third, my knowledge of local small business from owning and operating Art's Cool in downtown St. Charles for five years. Fourth, my positive vision and let's get it done determination for the City illustrated by my support of the Red Gate Bridge which is proving to be a welcomed link for the cities north neighborhoods.”

Issue 1: What is your ecomonic development strategy for the city of St. Charles?

St. Charles prides itself as being an historical community which is balanced in commercial, industrial and residential growth. A community in which we can live, work and shop. Attracting new businesses that will provide quality jobs is a top priority. St. Charles has several competitive advantages such as our quality of life, our financial stability, our commitment to the Arts, our parks, library, schools and the Fox River. We should continue to market these advantages so as to attract and maintain businesses. The new comprehensive plan will be a guide to move forward with this vision. The residents of St. Charles are optimistic, successful, and are looking forward to a bright future. The City Council needs a person with my creative thinking, commitment, and resolve to move our city forward.”

Issue 2: In light of the anger over the Lexington Club controversy, what steps would you take to restore trust in city government? To increase transparency?

I was one of five councilmen who voted against the Lexington Club TIF. Because the Council vote was evenly split, I believe the resolution should have gone back to Committee for furthur discussion because I think a decision should be debated until a consensus is reached by a majority of the Council. The public debate process is the best way to build trust and demonstrate transparency. I would encourage ANYONE who believes their elected official or a city staff member demonstrates unethical behavior should file a complaint with the State's Attorney office.

Issue 3: What steps would you take to help resolve the complaints of alcohol-related problems in the downtown area?

Simply increasing fines and posting no fighting signs in the establishments of the downtown taverns will not do much to change the behavior of the patrons who are causing the problems. I am in favor of rolling the bar hours city wide, back to 1:00 a.m. I would consider limiting the number of licenses in the downtown area. The complaints have gotten the attention of the city council as well as the down town area businesses that sell alcohol and together we can find a solution to change the culture of our downtown that is beneficial to St. Charles residents and profitable for the business owners. Focusing attention on what is good with St.Charles and the completion of First Street with also help with these problems.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

During my service as fifth ward alderman St. Charles has achieved very good results. We have financial stability: a flat tax rate, a very high bond rating from Moody's Investment Services, and a healthy reserve fund. The city has also been recognized as the #1 city in America to raise a Family by Family Circle Magazine. My service as Alderman has been effective because of my deep roots in St. Charles which allow me to understand the historical perspective of our city and convey a comprehensive knowledge to make the best decisions for our future. My commitment is solid. Citizens of Ward Five can continue to count on me to do the job and make them proud!

Additional personal information Member Public Art and Marketing & Promotion Committee Downtow Partnership 1999-2004. Member of St. Patrick Parish, Flower, Prime Timers, Funeral Lunch Ministries.

Related:

• 5th Ward’s Lewis Seeks Re-Election St. Charles City Council