Alice Lohman For Batavia 3rd Ward Alderperson: Candidate Survey

BATAVIA, IL — Two candidates are running in the April 1 Consolidated Election to represent Batavia's 3rd Ward as alderperson.

Both seats in the ward will be up for election. Kevin Malone, who currently serves as a 3rd Ward alderperson, is running unopposed for the two-year unexpired term, and Alice Lohman is the candidate for the four-year term.

The mayoral role as well as one alderperson seat in Wards 1, 2, 5 and 6 and two seats in Wards 3, 4 and 7 are up for grabs next month. All positions are four-year terms except one seat in Ward 3, 4 and 7, which are unexpired two-year terms.

RELATED: Batavia 2025 Consolidated Election: Who Filed For Mayor, Alderperson

Patch sent surveys to Batavia candidates ahead of the election. Responses will be published as they're received. Take a look at Lohman's answers below:

Your name: Alice Lohman

Office sought: City Council

Campaign website: N/A

Town of residence: Batavia

Party affiliation (if partisan race): No answer.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No.

Occupation: Substitute Teacher, 4 years (Previously 10+ years nonprofit management)/Maestra Sustituta, 4 años (Anteriormente 10+ años gestión sin fines de lucro)

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

The most pressing issues facing Batavia are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. The key issues facing Batavia are improving accessibility in transportation, housing, and sustainable development. This includes enhancing regional connectivity (pedestrian, cyclists, car, and public transit), making housing more affordable and diverse for first-time buyers, middle-income residents, and seniors, and ensuring responsible development that supports small businesses and existing neighborhoods. Additionally, the city should maximize natural resources like the Fox River, expand green spaces, and attract viable new businesses while considering long-term sustainability.

I will collaborate with residents, business owners, community members, city staff, and council to make sure concerns are heard and understood. By consulting experts, analyzing data and learning from other successful communities, I will carefully consider a variety of perspectives and take the time to process the information before having thoughtful discussions with the council to make well-informed decisions.

Los principales retos que Batavia enfrenta son mejorar la accesibilidad al transporte, la vivienda y el desarrollo sostenible. Esto incluye mejorar la conectividad regional (peatones, ciclistas, automóviles y transporte público), hacer que la vivienda sea más asequible y diversa para quienes compran por primera vez, residentes de ingresos medios y personas mayores y garantizar un desarrollo responsable que apoye a las pequeñas empresas y las comunidades existentes. Además, la ciudad debe maximizar los recursos naturales como el Río Fox, ampliar las áreas verdes y atraer nuevos negocios viables, considerando la sostenibilidad a largo plazo.

Colaboraré con residentes, dueños de negocios, miembros de la comunidad, personal municipal y el consejo municipal para asegurar que sus inquietudes sean escuchadas y comprendidas. Al consultar con expertos, analizar datos y aprender de otras comunidades que han logrado éxito, consideraré cuidadosamente diversas perspectivas y me tomaré el tiempo necesario para analizar la información antes de llevar a cabo conversaciones profundas con el consejo y así tomar decisiones bien informadas

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am running unopposed. Me presento sin oposición.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. My process is to research the main issues in Batavia by engaging the community and meeting with local community leaders, residents, and business owners throughout town to ask questions and be informed on our community’s needs. As your alderwoman, I will listen and work with the rest of the city council to address your concerns.

Mi proceso consiste en investigar los principales problemas de Batavia, involucrando a la comunidad y reuniéndome con líderes comunitarios, residentes y empresarios de toda la ciudad para hacer preguntas y estar al tanto de las necesidades de nuestra comunidad. Como su concejala, escucharé y trabajaré con el resto del ayuntamiento para abordar sus inquietudes.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I am deeply committed to serving the entire community through volunteer work, education, and active engagement in local organizations, schools, and sports. I have a strong background in nonprofit management, and I have dedicated my career to building connections, fostering relationships, and collaborating with community leaders to make a meaningful impact.

As an active member of the community, I listen to and engage with residents, attend local board and council meetings, and work alongside local leaders, business owners, and government entities. My Spanish bilingual skills help bridge communication gaps, strengthening connections across schools, neighborhoods, the school board, park district, and library. I have hands-on experience with governmental funding, budgeting, and project management, giving me insight into how intergovernmental organizations contribute to a thriving community.

I believe in thoughtful decision-making and ensuring all voices are heard by consulting with experts, analyzing data, and having productive discussions with the city council. My strengths in leadership, communication, and organization allow me to advocate for residents effectively. My goal is simple: to build a stronger, more connected community where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to thrive.

Estoy profundamente comprometida con servir a toda la comunidad a través del voluntariado, la educación y la participación activa en organizaciones locales, escuelas y deportes. Tengo una sólida formación en la gestión de organizaciones sin fines de lucro y he dedicado mi carrera a construir conexiones, fomentar relaciones y colaborar con líderes comunitarios para generar un impacto significativo.

Como miembro activa de la comunidad, escucho e interactúo con los residentes, asisto a las reuniones de la junta y el consejo local, y trabajo junto a líderes locales, empresarios y entidades gubernamentales. Mis habilidades bilingües en español me ayudan a conectar las brechas de comunicación, fortaleciendo las conexiones entre escuelas, vecindarios, la junta escolar, el distrito de parques y la biblioteca. Tengo experiencia práctica con financiación gubernamental, presupuestos, y gestión de proyectos, lo que me permite comprender cómo las organizaciones intergubernamentales contribuyen a una comunidad próspera.

Creo en la toma de decisiones con consideración y en asegurar que todas las voces sean escuchadas mediante la consulta con expertos, el análisis de datos y conversaciones productivas con el ayuntamiento. Mis fortalezas en liderazgo, comunicación y organización me permitirá abogar eficazmente por los residentes. Mi objetivo es simple: construir una comunidad más fuerte y conectada donde todos tengan voz y la oportunidad de prosperar.

Why should voters trust you? I believe in transparency and will keep my constituents informed. I will seek input from all of our community and ask the city staff questions to ensure we are using our tax dollars wisely and holding the city accountable.

Creo en la transparencia y mantendré informados a mis constituyentes. Solicitaré la opinión de toda nuestra comunidad y haré preguntas al personal municipal para asegurar que usemos nuestros impuestos con prudencia y mantengamos responsable a la ciudad.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? In this role, I will work to ensure that our community's interests are well-represented in local government while amplifying the voices of underrepresented residents. My term would be considered a success by my contributions to our community's growth and advocating for solutions that enhance the quality of life in Batavia—by promoting safety, accessibility, affordability, and a strong sense of community. I am committed to understanding and representing the diverse perspectives and needs of our residents.

En este puesto, trabajaré para garantizar que los intereses de nuestra comunidad estén bien representados en el gobierno local y, al mismo tiempo, amplificar las voces de los residentes subrepresentados. Mi mandato se consideraría un éxito por mis contribuciones al crecimiento de nuestra comunidad y mi respaldo a soluciones que mejoren la calidad de vida en Batavia, promoviendo la seguridad, la accesibilidad, la asequibilidad y un fuerte sentido de comunidad. Me comprometo a comprender y representar las diversas perspectivas y necesidades de nuestros residentes.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I believe it is important to use our tax dollars wisely and ensure we are being efficient with our resources. I will work with the city staff and council to make informed decisions that prioritize responsible government spending. I trust the finance director’s diligent leadership and I will also seek opportunities to invest in programs that positively impact our community.

Creo que es importante usar nuestros impuestos con prudencia y asegurarnos de ser eficientes con los recursos. Colaboraré con el personal municipal y el consejo para tomar decisiones informadas que prioricen el gasto público responsable. Confío en el liderazgo diligente del director de finanzas y también buscaré oportunidades para invertir en programas que impacten positivamente a nuestra comunidad.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town? Maintaining a high level of safety will always be a priority. Factors such as poverty, substance abuse, and inadequate mental health resources can contribute to crime. I am committed to taking a data-driven approach, working closely with the Batavia Police Department, city staff, and the community to identify and address challenges. By seeking expert guidance and implementing informed strategies, we can effectively and responsibly tackle issues as they arise, ensuring the continued safety and well-being of our town.

Mantener un alto nivel de seguridad siempre será una prioridad. Factores como la pobreza, el abuso de sustancias y la falta de recursos de salud mental pueden contribuir a la delincuencia. Me comprometo a adoptar un enfoque basado en datos, trabajando en colaboración con el Departamento de Policía de Batavia, el personal municipal y la comunidad para identificar y abordar los retos. Al buscar la orientación de expertos e implementar estrategias informadas, podemos enfrentar estos problemas de forma eficaz y responsable a medida que surjan, garantizando así la seguridad y el bienestar continuos de nuestra ciudad.

What is your view of the village's approach to commercial and residential development? I believe the city should continue to engage with the community and seek input on the needs and wants of our residents and business owners. From my conversations with residents over the years, affordable housing is equally important to individuals seeking to put down roots or families looking to raise children in Batavia, as well as, Batavians that want to downsize and stay in Batavia. The city can make development decisions that can include affordable high density, mixed use that remove economic barriers and make the transition easier for people. Regarding commercial development, it is important for the city to continue to provide grants that support existing and new businesses to attract more business. I support the city’s strategic plan to revitalize our economy by fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and prosperity.

Creo que la ciudad debe seguir colaborando con la comunidad y recabar la opinión de los residentes y propietarios de negocios sobre sus necesidades y deseos. Según mis conversaciones con residentes a lo largo de los años, la vivienda asequible es igualmente importante para quienes buscan establecerse o para las familias que buscan criar hijos en Batavia, así como para los que desean reducir su tamaño y quedarse en Batavia. La ciudad puede tomar decisiones de desarrollo que incluyan viviendas asequibles de alta densidad y uso mixto que eliminen las barreras económicas y faciliten la transición. En cuanto al desarrollo comercial, es importante que la ciudad continúe otorgando becas que apoyen a las empresas existentes y nuevas para atraer más clientes. Apoyo el plan estratégico de la ciudad para revitalizar nuestra economía fomentando un entorno que fomente el emprendimiento y la prosperidad.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen? I have observed that residents would like to see more accessibility and to build community - which go hand in hand. More accessibility for pedestrians/cyclists and safer roads bring in more people to eat, shop, work, and live here. In my opinion, the city needs more high density, affordable housing that has walkability and bikeability in mind. I support more riverfront redevelopment to maximize the utilization of our public and natural resources. Residents want to be happier and healthier and this is important to keep in mind during development. It is equally important to continue to engage with the community and continuously seek input from them. There are a lot of great ideas out there and I want to hear them.

He observado que a los residentes les gustaría ver más accesibilidad y crear comunidad, dos aspectos que van de la mano. Una mayor accesibilidad para peatones y ciclistas, así como carreteras más seguras, atraen a más personas a comer, comprar, trabajar y vivir aquí. En mi opinión, la ciudad necesita más viviendas de alta densidad y asequibles que prioricen la transitabilidad peatonal y ciclista. Apoyo la reurbanización de la ribera para maximizar el uso de nuestros recursos públicos y naturales. Los residentes desean ser más felices y saludables, y es importante tener esto presente durante el desarrollo. Es igualmente importante seguir interactuando con la comunidad y solicitar su opinión constantemente. Hay muchas ideas excelentes y quiero escucharlas.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No, I am committed to serving my full term. No, me comprometo a cumplir mi mandato completo.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I feel that my lived experiences and diverse background offer a different perspective than those currently serving or running for council. I have the ability to connect with more residents by tapping into the Spanish-speaking community and give a voice to those who have been underrepresented.

Siento que mis experiencias de vida y mi diversidad ofrece una perspectiva diferente a la de quienes actualmente sirven o se postulan para el concejo. Puedo conectar con más residentes al conectar con la comunidad hispanohablante y dar voz a quienes han estado subrepresentados.