Lee Eysturlid For Geneva 3rd Ward Alderperson: Candidate Survey

GENEVA, IL — Three candidates are running in the April 1 Consolidated Election to represent Geneva's 3rd Ward as alderperson.

Lee Eysturlid, Larry Furnish and Kevin Ziegler are in the running for the seat currently held by Becky Hruby, who is not running for reelection.

The mayoral role and one City Council seat in each of Geneva's five wards will be up for election, each for a four-year term. A two-year aldermanic seat, vacated when Craig Maladra resigned from his position in September 2024, will also be on the ballot.

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

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

Name: Lee Eysturlid

Office sought: City Council

Campaign website: N/A

Town of residence: Geneva

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): N/A

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: Instructor of History, IMSA, 25 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office: N/A

The most pressing issues facing Geneva are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. The need to maintain its focus on being family centric and keeping its historical character. We need to be more thoughtful, although not to reject, development. City services like roads and sewers, while mundane, will need to be a priority as they age. This can be expensive. These are all important quality of life issues for people across the city, not just downtown.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I don't think the person running against is a poor candidate. I have spoken with him and he is a good guy. I would offer that I do believe that I have two things in my favor. First, I have been engaged, both as a teacher, and as a scout leader, in the study of the practice of government. This includes the local level. Second, I have been and will be an assertive voice in making the needs of the ward a priority. I will take a stand for the 3rd and for the East side as needed, and not back down.

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. There are a few. I am concerned for the character of our town, I think we have to be thoughtful as we move forward with development. I think a best way to do this as an Alderman is to make sure that I am available to hear or read opinions and concerns as they come in (would make use of email and sites like Nextdoor.com). In canvasing much of the ward it has become clear to me that folks in the 3rd do not feel that our concerns are being taken into account in overall city decisions. I would like to see us come up with some specific plans for concerns with road and sewer maintenance. If possible we should also look to the shift away from fossil fuels, both in power generation and in things like vehicles, but we need to be aware of costs. Finally there seems to be a real concern with Geneva as a place that is livable and affordable for seniors, this needs to be addressed as well.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have served over the past decade as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Member for Cub Pack 111 and Troop 37. (Also as merit badge councilor, especially Citizenship in the Community.) I have and do teach courses in civics and government. I am enjoy talking with people and speaking in front of people, its part of my career. I am also comfortable debating issues, and have, and have gone to city council meetings to argue for things I thought important.

Why should voters trust you? This is difficult, as I cannot give any "proof" as I have not held office before. I would offer that I have served long-term as a Scout leader in our community and been trusted in that position. I have been a teacher for a long time and been trusted there. I actually have taught many ethics seminars for students, and can speak to the importance of an ethical life. Finally I am a committed husband, father and church goer, and feel all those anchor me to upholding my reputation in this community.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? That when I left the office of alderman people that knew me and the effort I had put in would say "I am going to miss having him in that role, he will be hard to replace." More specifically, that at least some of the people that I have met while canvassing that feel city government just doesn't care would no longer feel that way.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I don't feel like commenting on a specific issue is helpful here. I do feel that as an Alderman it is essential to always keep in mind to remember that we are stewards of the citizens' money first and foremost. That does not have to mean being stingy, but it must mean being careful, giving greater thought and review to bigger projects. Like it or not, some level of spending is necessary in keeping the quality of life what we want it to be here in Geneva.

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? This is, thankfully, not an issue in Geneva. Not that the town is perfect, but I never feared for my children as they were out and about in town. I think we have really great police, fire and EMT services and that has helped keep the town safe. From listening to several people as I was canvassing a much bigger issue is road safety. This needs to be addressed.

What is your view of the village's approach to commercial and residential development? I think we place too much emphasis and hope into TIFs and that we need to be more careful with what we sign away as concerns future taxes. Development is a good thing, but it cannot come at the cost of Geneva's livability or character. Outside of redevelopment and repurposing of existing buildings it does seem that "new development" in Geneva, as we are mostly developed and landlocked, is limited. More questions need to be asked before these types of projects get approved.

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? As mentioned, we need to be more thoughtful about the use of TIFs. I am not sure that most residents realize what creating TIFs really entails. It gets complicated. More questions need to be asked at meetings as concerns these issues. And details need to be shared more effectively. Also, as possible projects come into being, the input of citizens needs to sought before we move ahead.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I would make a final statement that I feel I would be the best overall candidate for this position as Alderman of the 3rd Ward. I believe that my prior education, experience and assertiveness make me, in the end, the better choice.