GENEVA – Incumbent Mayor Kevin Burns secured an unprecedented fifth term as Geneva's mayor with 3,913 votes to challenger 5th Ward Alderman Tom Simonian's 2,409, a difference of 1,504 votes, according to unofficial totals the night of the consolidated election April 4.
“I could not be more excited,” Burns said in a speech to his supporters. “I have never been more enthused. I remain energetic. I pledge I will continue to do the very best I can for you and all that Geneva stands for.”
Simonian invested $75,000 of his own money into his campaign and organized a bloc of support with current and former aldermen, but it was not enough to unseat Burns.
“I’m very surprised,” Simonian said. “I thought it would be much closer. We fought a good fight. We left it all on the field, and I have no regrets.”
Simonian said he texted Burns his concession statement, which congratulated him on his win.
“I will do everything in my power to help you and the City Council make Geneva even a better place to live in [in] the years to come,” Simonian’s text stated. “This is my final home, and I love this city, its citizens and businesses. Let me know what I can do and how I can help to make that happen.”
However, Simonian also cautioned voters about who they chose for the city’s stop spot.
“Be careful what you ask for,” Simonian said. “If you think you’re paying a lot of taxes now, be prepared. This administration is going to start loading up, and there’s going to be nobody there to fight it. I will be fighting from the podium, speaking out.”
Burns did not return voice and text messages seeking comment.