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.”

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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.