Thank you for a great campaign!

Thank you all for a great campaign. We did an awesome job for our first time running. We went up against an incumbent with an unending supply of money and a seasoned challenger. While we didn't unseat the incumbent, we were able to come within a few hundred votes of the seasoned challenger. Both campaigns had well paid campaign managers, and we had the help and determination of many volunteers and helpers. Thank you so much!!

There are some key people that I must say thank you for. They were with the campaign through the end helping out.

Thank you to.............

Donna and Bill for helping with the duties of a campaign manager - they kept the office open, the volunteers coming in and all around did everything and anything needed for the campaign.

Sherry and Mary Kay for helping keep the letters and correspondence going out in the mail.

Larry for being the best sign guy ever.

Steve Connor and Riverstreet press for printing and getting all our mailers and other items printed in a quick matter (his company also designed the postcards we sent out)

Chris for his design work, and creating and updating the website

Scottie, Danny, Adam, Mike, Al, Stacy and Steve for being in the office and making phone calls like crazy

Mike from OMalley's for his support and providing the place and food for election night

Joe from Jake's Bagels for keeping us fed and helping out

Steve D for all your support and the use of your postage machine

and Danny F. for helping us get off the ground and all his support.

Also, I would like to thank everyone else who put up a yard sign, talked to your neighbors, gave a few hours at the office or walking the neighborhoods. This campaign would not have been possible if it was not for you and your hard work. I really appreciate all your help.


Everyone did such a great job! Thank you to all the volunteers who gave so much for this race. We were able to run an excellent campaign! Who knows what the future holds?

Aurora Mayoral Candidate Alderman Stephanie Kifowit will Close the Termination Loophole

Will fight to eliminate the practice or perception of patronage employment practices

AURORA, IL- Alderman Stephanie Kifowit (Candidate for Mayor) will close the termination loophole in the City of Aurora. “The City Council has little authority over terminations in the City of Aurora,” stated Kifowit. “The fact that the termination process is at the decision of the Mayor solely is not good government.”

Kifowit also noted that the current Mayor has nine city employees assisting in his reelection campaign. “I can only wonder if they are truly helping or are they afraid to be fired in such dire economic circumstances. We should not have employees feel obligated to assist an elected official just to ensure they have a job.”

Shortly after the 2005 Mayoral election, nine high ranking city employees lost their positions. Section 2-44 of the Aurora Code states: “As chief executive officer of the city, the powers and duties of the mayor shall be: (5) to remove any department head appointed by him, on any formal charge, whenever he is of the opinion that the interests of the city demand removal.” The Code of Ordinance merely requires notification to the City Council after the removal is completed.

“It is ineffective to have reactive powers for the City Council. To merely be advised of a removal after the fact is worthless,” continued Kifowit.

The removal of departmental heads is the only area within the Aurora City Code that requires notification of a termination. The hiring and termination of middle management positions are at the sole discretion of the Mayor. Recently, the current administration removed the whole law department without prior notification given to City Council and appointed a Chicago firm without needing City Council approval.

Alderman Stephanie Kifowit has served on the City Council for the past six years and knows the frustrations of having limited authority, “when a former employee calls me and asks me to do something about an unfair firing, it is sad that there is nothing an duly elected Alderman can do.”

Under Alderman Kifowit’s plan, the City Council will have a more direct role in the termination of department heads and the appointment of the Mayor’s staff.

“The City Council should adjourn into Executive Session to discuss matters regarding personnel. I will propose to the City Council a change of our ordinance to mandate that prior to any department head termination, the City Council must be informed and give consent in executive session. There has to be valid reasons for a termination, not just because it is the whim of the Mayor.”

Alderman Kifowit is also proposing the restructuring of the Mayors office to change the current Chief of Staff position into a professional City Administrator. “We have seen patronage of the Chief of Staff position, most recently with a former campaign manager being given a Chief of Staff position. This abuse of power needs to be addressed,” stated Kifowit. Under Kifowit’s plan, the City Administrator will be a professional position with a job description, minimum qualifications and educational levels. This position will report to not only the Mayor but also to the City Council and require approval of the City Council prior to any appointment.

“When Mayor Al McCoy first composed this section of the City Code, the position of Chief of Staff had to be confirmed by the City Council. He stated he did not want the Mayor to appoint friends to the position. Over the years, this power was removed and we have seen the abuse by not having this in place. Not only do I want to restore this check and balance system, but I want to expand it so that the taxpayers know that there are qualified individuals working for them in the City” declared Kifowit.

Alderman Stephanie Kifowit is also proposing sweeping ethics changes to eliminate campaign contributions from city employees as well as from city contractors and developers. “A city employee should not feel obligated to donate to an elected official. We cannot have a system where fear of termination can be indirectly used as a fundraising tool,” observed Kifowit. Most recent election filings show as many as nine employees or relatives of employees had given to the current administration’s campaign account.

###

Small Businesses Deserve to Fail -- Mayoral Debate Feb 18, 2009

Aurora Mayoral Candidate Stephanie Kifowit Calls for an Independent Fiscal Review and Constraints on the City of Aurora Riverboat Fund

For Immediate Release

Contact: S. Kifowit

C: 630.334.0341

E-mail: Stephanie@kifowit4mayor.com

AURORA, IL: Alderman Stephanie Kifowit, Candidate for Mayor, calls for a complete and independent fiscal review of the Riverboat funds that it has received from the Hollywood Casino. “The City of Aurora has squandered the $194 million it has received from the Hollywood Casino,” stated Kifowit. “The current Mayor has shown complete disregard for fiscal responsibility and management of these funds, there needs to be a complete independent fiscal review and constraints set forth on future expenditures from this revenue source.”

The City of Aurora opened Hollywood Casino in 1993. The State of Illinois granted casino licenses to old river towns with failing downtowns in an effort to provide needed funds for redevelopment. Past reports confirm these funds would also be used to support education. Mayor Pierce gave additional funding to the school districts from the riverboat; however, no other mayor has since. Neighboring cities of Joliet and Elgin both were also awarded casino licenses. The State of Illinois imposes two taxes on riverboat gaming, a wagering tax and a tax on admissions. The City of Aurora receives $1 for each person embarking on the riverboat in addition to a portion of the wagering tax the State of Illinois collects. Since 1993 the City of Aurora has received over $194 million as of 12/31/2008.

“The residents of the City of Aurora deserve to know where this money was spent,” added Kifowit. “It certainly has not been spent to revitalize the downtown. Currently by visual count we have 22 empty store fronts in addition to at least three empty buildings.”

Under the proposed independent review, the auditor will show exactly where the money from the riverboat has gone and how dependant on it Aurora has become. Following the independent review, Kifowit proposes strict constraints on spending, to include a ban on paying for salaries and benefits.

“The recent decision by this administration to pay the salary for an economic development consultant through the use of riverboat money is the peak of fiscal irresponsibility. This is not what that money was to be used for,” explained Kifowit.

Prior to the 2005 Mayoral election, the general philosophy of the city administration was to use the Riverboat money for one-time expenditures. Under the current administration, the City has embarked on extensive leveraging of these funds. Most recently was the sale of approximately $14 million dollars in bonds where the repayment source is ‘payable by the City solely from the Riverboat Casino Admissions and Wagering Tax.’

Additionally, Kifowit is proposing a debt reduction program which is aimed at reducing the extensive debt the City has amassed over the past three years. “We have seen a 92% increase in debt obligations for the City under this administration. For the health of our communities, this needs to be reduced” stated Alderman Kifowit.

“The City of Aurora needs to have long-term resolve to maintain fiscal stability,” Kifowit added. “I will begin with the proper management of the riverboat funds and I will continue with the reduction of unnecessary expenses throughout the City, starting with the Mayor’s office.”

###

7 weeks to go!

There are seven weeks to go before the April 7th election. There are several things you can do to help out!

1. You can donate 2 hours of your time either during the week in the evening or on the weekend to help reach out to voters. Just stop by 425 W. Galena when you are available.

2. Call Larry at (630) 375-1677 and request a yard sign for your yard.

3. You can write a letter to the editor of the Beacon News or call their Openline phone number and leave a message in support of
Stephanie Kifowit for Mayor.

4. You can invite your friends and family over for a meet and greet.

5. You can attend and bring your friends to our upcoming events.

With only seven weeks left, we need your help.
Please consider giving your time to the campaign.

Family and Friends Meet and Greet

Consider hosting a family and friend meet and greet with Stephanie Kifowit. These are normally house coffees or wine and cheese casual events that you would host with your friends and family. You give them a chance to get to know Stephanie Kifowit and realize why she is the best candidate for the position of Mayor. Please call (630) 334-0341 to schedule a meet and greet.

If you are unable to host a meet and greet, please spread the word by calling friends and family members in your address book and tell them why you believe Stephanie Kifowit is the best person for Mayor.

Write a Letter to the Editor Info

Letters to the editor and phone call opinions to the Beacon News Openline are important to the campaign. We want you to tell people why you are supporting Stephanie Kifowit. We will be happy to proof read any comments or letters for you.

Letters to the editor must be signed, with an address and daytime phone number. Letters should not be longer than 300 words. You can submit letters via e-mail to: BeaconViewpoint@scn1.com or mail them to The Beacon News, 495 N. Commons Drive, Suite 200, Aurora, IL 60504; or via fax (630) 978-8509.

Openline comments can be left by calling (630) 978-8683.

Upcoming Events

February 7th at 10:00 a.m. -- Meet at the Campaign office to canvass and phone call voters.

February 8th at 12:30 p.m. -- Meet at the Campaign office to canvass and phone call voters.

February 18th at 5:30 p.m. -- First Candidate Forum at North Island Center in Downtown Aurora. We have 20 reserved seats. Let us know if you are planning on attending.

February 25th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. -- Meet and Greet at Colonial Cafe, 1961 West Galena Blvd.

Get Involved -- Help the Campaign

Yard Signs are Here!

Yard signs are important to our campaign. It tells your neighbors and people who drive by that there is support for Alderman Kifowit to be elected Mayor. Please consider putting up a yard sign. We have already put up quite a few, but we need more locations.

If you want a yard sign installed, you can call Larry at (630) 375-1677. You can also come by the campaign office at 425 W. Galena Blvd (on the corner of Galena and Blackhawk) and pick one up.

Even $20 Helps a Lot

For all those who have given in the past -- Thank You So Much!!

However, these next 60 days are critical. If you have $20 to spare it will help out a bunch. Alderman Kifowit is the only candidate who will not take money from City Contractors and Developers, so she needs your help. Please consider a donation today at www.Kifowit4Mayor.com.

Volunteers Needed!

There are 60 days left until the April 7th election, so we do not have one moment to spare. Please look at your calendar and see if you can donate 2 hours a week or more. We need volunteers during the day and the evening hours.

Announcing our Campaign Manager.

The Kifowit for Mayor campaign announced today Mr. Liam Flynn as their campaign manager. Mr. Liam Flynn is a graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelors degree in Political Science. He has worked on various campaigns. He was Lead Organizer and Canvass Director for the Barak Obama for President and the Mark Udall for United States Sentator campaigns which were organized by the Defenders of the Wildlife Action fund in Colorado. He was also the Regional Coordinator for the Robin Weirch for US Congress and Lead Canvasser for the Mary Jo Kilroy for Congress campaigns in Ohio. He is a member of Saint Christopher's Catholic Church in Ohio. The Kifowit for Mayor campaign office, which is located at 425 W. Galena, will be open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day until election day. Mr. Flynn can be reached at (614) 370-1787.