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Name
Jeanne (Letizia) McGowan
Age
42
Current occupation
I am currently a busy SAHM. I work part time on an occasional basis, and I do a lot of volunteer work as well.
Education
I have a BA in Speech Communication with a Minor in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
Immediate family
My husband Jim and I have two children in Geneva 304 schools.
Civic involvement
• Served as a Kane County Election Judge from 2012 – 2016.
• Many years of volunteer service to Geneva school PTO’s and Girl Scouts of Northern IL.
• Recently completed training to become a Volunteer Tutor at Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles through Jump Start/Literacy Volunteers of Illinois.
Previous elected offices held
N/A
Why have you decided to run for election/reelection in the Geneva aldermanic race?
Serving on City Council would be a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to the community that has given so much to me. I want to preserve Geneva’s historic character. I want to help maintain and improve the quality of life that Geneva residents enjoy, while being a good steward of city tax dollars. I want to encourage residents to better utilize the many resources that are available to them, such as the Park District's 62 locations, the abundant biking/walking trails and sidewalks throughout the city, our library, outdoor events, and more. I’d like to encourage Geneva residents to connect with each other to build and strengthen community. I decided to run for 4th Ward alderman because I care about Geneva and I wish to see this city continue to modernize and prosper, yet maintain its historic identity that is so vital Geneva’s continued success.
What project most needs to be completed in Geneva? And how would you work to ensure the project is actually finished and done well?
Geneva faces the ongoing challenge of preserving our historic character while fostering smart economic development and growth. We also need to maintain the exceptional level of city services provided to residents, while keeping taxes low and using those tax dollars wisely. When decisions arise, I will continuously seek input from 4th Ward residents. I will research issues from all sides and discuss, ask questions, consult experts and evaluate all possible solutions or choices in order to make Geneva the best city it can be. I am an 11-year resident of this city, and I will make independent decisions based on what I believe is best for the city of Geneva that I love. Doing so will ensure that Geneva remains successful and sustainable for future generations.
Three current alderman who are running for re-election have endorsed Tom Simonian for mayor. Have you endorsed a candidate for mayor? If so, who and why?
I am not endorsing any particular candidate for mayor. I believe it is not in Geneva’s best interests for current city aldermen to be publicly endorsing Tom Simonian. Should Tom Simonian become mayor, the endorsements taking place could result in those aldermen being unwilling to make independent decisions going forward, and that would weaken the structure of Geneva’s City Council at the expense of city residents.
How would you support expanding the city’s commercial and industrial tax base?
It is vital to continue to attract residents, visitors, and businesses to Geneva.This will keep Geneva thriving, valuable, and sustainable for generations to come. We need to foster economic development while keeping Geneva’s historic identity intact. I would approach new commercial and industrial opportunities with an open mind, carefully weighing all options regarding any possible financial incentives and keeping the best interests of city residents/taxpayers in mind. While our historic downtown area is the heart of Geneva and vital to our city’s identity and tax base, the Randall Road corridor (some of which runs through the 4th Ward) is responsible for generating a large portion of our city’s sales tax dollars and needs to remain vibrant.
What experience and/or strengths would you bring to the City Council if elected/re-elected?
I am service-oriented and interested in seeking out ways to use my talents and abilities to make a difference. Throughout the past 11 years as a resident of Geneva I’ve been involved in many aspects of this community, including the school district, park district, library, city events and activities, and more. I would bring the perspective of an active, involved city resident who cares about the future of Geneva and wishes to help guide Geneva in the right direction. I am open-minded, inquisitive, approachable, and seek to use collaboration to reach optimal results.
What differentiates you from the other candidate(s) running for this seat?
Geneva’s City Council should better reflect the residents that make up our city. I would bring a fresh perspective to City Council. I am a mother with children in Geneva schools and that is a major part of my life. I am not endorsing any particular candidate for mayor, and I will remain an independent voice on City Council – I will not owe anyone any political favors, and therefore I will be free to base decisions on what I feel is best for the city and what best represent the wishes of 4th Ward residents. I am a supporter of Geneva’s historic areas and feel that the continued success of Geneva is inherently tied to historic preservation. I believe that City Council members should make planning decisions based on objectives that are clearly laid out in the Downtown/Station Area Master Plan, objectives which are based on direct input from Geneva residents and city planning experts.
Outside of politics, what are some of your other interests?
I love history and places with unique regional character, so historic preservation is definitely an interest of mine. I love to learn and I especially like social histories and human-interest stories. In my free time I enjoy attending my kids' many sporting events (Go Geneva!!) I also like walking my dog (and picking up litter) around the 4th Ward. I enjoy chatting with neighbors, volunteering, traveling, cooking, gardening, biking, and visiting with family and friends.
Why should people vote for you in this race?
I will bring an independent, fresh perspective to City Council, add diversity to City Council, and dutifully represent my fellow 4th Ward residents when decisions are being made. While I look forward to a collaborative approach, I am not afraid to ask questions and voice my beliefs on City Council. I will work to keep 4th Ward residents more up-to-date and informed regarding city issues. Many people love Geneva for its historic downtown, its quaintness, character and charm. I am one of those people and I strongly feel that these aspects of Geneva need to be preserved. I am interested in innovation and growth that is congruent with historic preservation.
I respectfully ask for your vote for 4th Ward alderman.
I invite you to learn more and contact me by visiting my Facebook page and website:
On Facebook: facebook.com/jeanneforgeneva4th
My website: www.JeanneforGeneva.com