Kifowit For Mayor

Thank you for a great campaign!

2009-04-09T16:40:00.000-06:00

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

2009-03-11T11:54:00.002-06:00

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.

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

2009-02-26T16:22:00.003-07:00

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

2009-02-26T14:59:00.003-07:00

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!

2009-02-13T16:02:00.006-07:00

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

2009-02-04T10:31:00.005-07:00

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.

2009-01-24T12:36:00.001-07:00

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.

Kifowit Abstains from Donations from Contractors and Developers who do Business with the CIty of Aurora.

2009-01-19T23:25:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2009
Contact: Stephanie Kifowit, (630) 334-0341

Alderman Kifowit Abstains from Donations from Contractors and Developers who do Business with the City of Aurora.

Aurora, IL: At the Government Operations Committee last year, Alderman Kifowit called for a complete ban on contributions from contractors and developers who do business with the City of Aurora. The Kifowit campaign raised $26,000 in the second half of 2008 and none of that came from contractors or developers who have contracts with the City of Aurora.

“I gave the City staff a copy of the Executive Order that Mayor Daley signed, which prohibited contributions to his campaign from companies that did business with Chicago, and the current administration’s staff did absolutely nothing with it”, states Kifowit “when I am elected there will be an executive order prohibiting all contributions to the Mayor’s office. That will keep the politics out of the functions of the City and it will protect the integrity of the Office of Mayor, the City Council and the taxpayers.”

The State of Illinois issued Executive Order #3 on August 25, 2008. It states “… political contributions by State contractors to State Officers . . . contributes to public cynicism regarding the integrity of the government.” Alderman Kifowit shares this view, and fought for a complete ban at the City level. In addition, she worked to create a true finance reform ordinance for the City of Aurora to adopt that was dismissed. Alderman Kifowit spoke out during committee meetings arguing that Weisner’s presented ordinance lacked any enforcement, did not include an independent review board and was contradictory. While Alderman Kifowit was away on vacation with her family, the Government Operations committee tabled the ordinance.

“The proposed Campaign Finance Ordinance was created by someone who had already amassed a campaign account over $195,000* mostly from contractors and developers that did business with the city. The current administration had no problem accepting $5,000 and $10,000 checks before from these contractors and developers, and that shows a true breach of ethics and frankly is pure hypocrisy”.

Alderman Kifowit’s D2 statement indicates that the campaign raised over $26,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from July 1 – December 31, 2008. A significant portion of that amount raised came in the form of low dollar contributions. This shows that in a down economy people are still willing to donate. “I would rather have a $25 dollar donation from a voter, than a large dollar contribution from a company who might expect favoritism in the future” proclaimed Kifowit. “The public has to be assured that pay-to-play politics is not going to continue, at any level of government, and Aurora just does not have that ethical commitment, and this administration has failed to provide it.”

* based on Friends of Tom Weisner annual report 7/1/2007 – 12/31/2007.

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Happy New Year

2009-01-01T13:38:00.001-07:00

Out with the Old --- In with the NEW!!

Never has the phrase "out with the old, in with the new" carried so much meaning. The year of 2009 will be the year that people will stand up and demand more from our government. Whether it is removing corruption from Springfield, ending pay-to-play politics or demanding honesty, transparency and accountability here in Aurora; we all need to act!

We need to work together towards creating a NEW way of thinking, one that embraces President Abraham Lincoln's vision of a government that is "of the people, by the people, for the people" and not "of the wealthy contributors, by the special interests and for developers".

To make this happen, I NEED YOUR HELP!

Weds, January 7th is a fundraiser to help support my campaign. Please make some time in your evening to stop by and show your support for our campaign (even if it is just for a 1/2 an hour after work) between 6 and 9 p.m. at Gaslite Manor on Church Road. I am also asking you to bring a few neighbors and friends too, the more the better. Food and entertainment will be provided.

Even if you cannot attend on January 7th, please send a donation to Friends of Stephanie Kifowit, PO Box 1414, Aurora, IL 60507 or make a donation online at www.Kifowit4Mayor.com . The fundraiser is to help support our vision of a more honest, transparent and accountable City; and with your help we can make it. I'm only asking for a modest donation of $30 to help with the campaign.

Thank you so much for your help in the past, and I appreciate all the help for the future!

Again, Happy New Year!

2008-12-22T16:46:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!

WE'RE NUMBER ONE!!

Today, the election commission picked the order on the ballot. We are number one on the ballot. Every bit helps and this is a great advantage over the other candidates. We out worked the competition by the amount of signatures we collected by going door to door and now we are above the competition on the ballot. This is going to be an exciting campaign.

January 7th Fundraiser

January 7th (Weds) at GasLite manor from 6-9p.m. Stop by after work for some food and music. Thank you to everyone who took packets of 10 tickets to sell for our first 2009 fundraiser. We are asking for $30 an individual and $50 a couple. If you would like to buy a ticket; simply donate either $30 or $50 on our website and we will send you the ticket (s) in the mail. Or send donations to Friends of Stephanie Kifowit, PO Box 1414, Aurora, IL 60507. We have already sold two tables so let's keep the momentum going. Call me directly if you have any questions or need a packet of tickets to sell.

New Campaign Headquarters

We have officially moved our headquarters into a great, new space. We now occupy office space at 425 W. Galena; which is on the corner of Blackhawk and Galena -- across from New England Church. Our banner is up for westbound traffic and soon our other banner will be displayed for eastbound traffic as well. We are very fortunate to find such a wonderful location, with a great landlord, on a tight budget; but it goes to show that there is support for our campaign.

Christmas Gift Mart

This past weekend we had a Christmas Gift Mart. The precious moments items that the campaign was given; we asked for a $2 donation an item. What a huge success!! We had more people that I could even imagine and we brought in enough to pay for our rent through the April 7th election -- just fantastic. People were very excited about being able to buy gifts for such a low amount and we met many people from the neighborhood. Thank you to all the volunteers for helping out for the event -- without you it would not have been such a wonderful event.

I appreciate all of you who have helped out during this campaign-- from the parades to the flea markets and going door-to-door. Thank you so much! I couldn't have done it without you and we still have three more months to go until April 7th.

I hope everyone has a very, Merry Christmas this year and I look forward to working with all of you for a victory on April 7th! We can do it.

2008-12-03T20:29:00.011-07:00

Pass on to your e-mail and friend list

We Have Achieved Our Goal!!
Almost 1,500 Signatures Collected!!

I just have to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped out getting signatures for the ballot. You guys are just wonderful. We not only met our goal but we exceeded it by about 500 signatures. The best part was that we collected signatures the old fashioned way, going door to door, and talking to the residents. Many residents were very positive about our campaign and that shows that we have community support for an honest and transparent City Government!

Some of you still have petitions to turn in. Please get them to me as soon as possible. They should be notarized; if you don't know where to go check with your bank or just send me an e-mail. Petitions are due December 8th and I want to be prepared to turn them all in on that date.

Get-Together at My House

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 14th from 1-4 p.m. I will be hosting a get-together at my house to celebrate our outstanding petition drive and then to start focusing on the months ahead. I will provide food and beverages and you provide the great conversation. Please RSVP so that I know if you can make it or not by either calling me at (630) 334-0341 or sending me an e-mail.

January Fundraiser being Planned!

Just a reminder -- we need to focus now on fundraising. We will begin planning our January fundraiser in order to bring in much needed money for our campaign. We will be selling tickets for $30 and I need as many people as possible to commit to selling only 10 tickets to your friends and neighbors.This is more than a simple fundraiser, it is an investment in bringing about a City government that is trustworthy and "of the people, for the people and by the people" in the words of Lincoln.

To have a better City we need to make a small investment into making true change. Please sign up to help sell some tickets for this event. Details are being finalized and I look forward to having a great event! You can always make a donation online at www.Kifowit4Mayor.com; our year end goal is to raise $30,000 and I know we can do it.

December Events: With the holiday season comes holiday parties. If you know of a party or an event that we should be at; please let us know. If your business, neighborhood or subdivision is having a get-together; we'd be happy to come and meet your friends. Thank you to everyone who has sent us upcoming information, and please keep it coming!

Happy Veteran's Day and Upcoming Weekend Events

2008-11-13T11:44:00.004-07:00

Happy Veteran’s Day to all our veterans – in addition, Happy Marine Corps Birthday!

We had a great weekend! We got 300 signatures and I want to say Thank You to all the volunteers that showed up to help with getting signatures.

Second Weekend Petition Drive! (rain, snow or shine)

The month of November is going to go fast, and we need to get our petitions finished by the end of it. This weekend we are having a second petition drive and we need everyone to help pitch in! Our goal is to have over 1,000 signatures, we’re getting closer to our goal, however; we still need your help.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – November 15^th – west side drive: We will be meeting again at Prisco’s Next Door Cafe located at 1118 Prairie Street at 10 a.m. We will have maps, petitions and clipboards for you – however, if you can bring your own clipboard that would be great! If you can give 2 hours or more I would really appreciate it.

Sunday: 12 (noon) – November 16^th – east side drive: We will be meeting at Burger King on the corner of Montgomery and Route 34 at 12 (noon). We will have maps, petitions and clipboards for you. Again, if you have your own clipboard, please bring it and if you can give 2 hours or more that would be great.

If you can make it, but are running late; please just call me on my cell phone (630) 334-0341. I will be out all afternoon on both days.

If you cannot make either day, however; would like to help out by getting signatures from your neighbors please send me an e-mail. That would help out too.

Again, I want to thank everyone who came out last weekend and everyone who has been working really hard already to get signatures. You are doing a great job and I really appreciate it! Things are going good but we need to make sure our petitions are perfect because our opponent will try to get me off the ballot on any technicality they can – which is why we need to exceed 1,000 signatures to be safe.

Take care and hopefully I’ll see you this weekend.

Precious Moments on Sale this Weekend!

2008-09-30T18:31:00.008-06:00

Precious Moments figurines
and many other collectibles
will be on sale
for a suggested donation
at the Kane County Flea Market located at the
Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles located on Randall Road.

The flea market is open to the public Saturday (October 4th) 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday (October 5th) 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
We are in building 2; booth number 20.

Items include:
Figurines, Christmas Ornaments, Wedding items,
and much, much, more

Unique In-Kind Donation for Kifowit for Mayor Race

2008-09-17T15:11:00.002-06:00

Donations come in all shapes and sizes and this in-kind donation is certainly unique. Aurora Mayoral candidate Stephanie Kifowit announced today that her campaign has received a large in-kind donation of collectable Precious Moments dolls. Almost all of the dolls are no longer available in stores and are still in their plastic shipping packages. Mrs. Deb Butcher Dobrez is the daughter to Samuel Butcher, the founder and creator of Precious Moments. Mrs. Butcher Dobrez worked for the company as a doll designer and accumulated a very expansive collection of dolls. She has donated her collection of Precious Moments items to help fund the Kifowit for Mayor Campaign.

“When I met Alderman Kifowit, I knew that she was an honest and hardworking leader who cares about Aurora and the people of Aurora” stated Ms. Butcher Dobrez, a St. Charles resident. “I believe that she is the type of person that we need on all levels of government. Alderman Kifowit is someone who will be a Mayor with integrity.” Items being donated include mostly dolls, in addition to some figurines, wedding items, plates and various other Precious Moments collectibles that are no longer in production or were never released. Over 50 large boxes have been donated.

“I am very appreciative of this generous donation,” remarked Alderman Stephanie Kifowit; “Ms. Butcher Dobrez and I share a common vision of having an honest and trustworthy government that is there for the people.”

Alderman Kifowit met Ms. Butcher Dobrez through her husband, Don Dobrez. Mr. Dobrez is currently working on a documentary about the recent demolition of the Hi-Lite 30 Drive-In, which was Illinois oldest functional drive in at the time.

The Kifowit for Mayor Campaign has purchased space at the Antique Toy and Dolls show which is being held at the Kane County Fair Grounds on October 26^th. The Antique Toy and Dolls show draws an average attendance of approximately 3,500 with over 500 vendors. For information regarding the Antique Toy and Dolls Show, contact Valerie Kelley at (773) 736-5140. The campaign will be selling the dolls for a suggested donation and will comply with all election and disclosure requirements.

2008-08-06T11:56:00.005-06:00

Forward this to all your friends and e-mail list! Spread the word!

Happy August!

I hope that everyone survived the storm that struck Aurora. We will be kicking things into high gear starting August 17th and will not stop until we have a victory! It will be a great campaign. There are some new pictures up on the website and updates to our event calendar. If there are any events in your neighborhood or organization; please let us know.

Upcoming Events: Please note the following upcoming events.

August 23rd from 1-4pm is a Picnic at Phillips Park "Get with it! Help Kifowit". We will be at the small pavillion next to the playground. Hotdogs, chips and soda will be served. Donations of $4.57 would be appreciated but not required.

August 24th from 1-4pm is a meet-n-greet "Hispanic Celebration" at the Aurora Latin American Club, 1331 Dearborn Avenue, in Aurora. The club will serve corn on the cob and we will have music to enjoy.

September 6th from 1-4 is a Party in the park "Get With It! Help Kifowit". We will be at Garfield Park for a party. We will be serving hotdogs, chips and soda. Donations of $4.57 would be appreciated but not required.

On-line Fundraiser: If you cannot make any of the events; and still would like to support the campaign, please visit our website and consider making a secure donation. All donations of any amount are appreciated.

Show your support for the campaign! We have car stickers that go on the back or front window. Let me know if you would like one for your car and we'll put it on and take it off for you.

Thank you for all the volunteers that helped with the Puerto Rican Day parade, the Downtown Alive events; and who came to the volunteer meeting! I really appreciate your help.

Take care and have a great upcoming Weekend.

Stephanie

2008-07-21T10:48:00.012-06:00

Forward this blog to all your friends on your e-mail list. Spread the word! Take control of our City!

Welcome to the Kifowit for Mayor News Update!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Our next parade is one week away - the Aurora Puerto Rican Parade which will be held on Sunday, July 27th at 1pm. We once again are seeking volunteers to join us and help pass out candy. We kindly ask that you arrive between noon and 12:30pm and come to the corner of Middle and Cross. We will not receive our exact line up location until the morning of the event so once you arrive, we will direct you to our exact location. You may also call me on my cell phone after 11am on Sunday for the location. My cell number is (630) 334-0341. Remember to wear you Kifowit 4 Mayor t-shirts; and if you don't have one, wear either a white shirt or a red shirt or we will have t-shirts for you there.

Making the Mark and Needing More.

Congratulations on an awesome first two months into this campaign. We set a goal of reaching $20,000 and we made it! That is wonderful. However, we cannot dwell on this because we need a whole lot more. To make a change in this City we need to raise at least 10 times this amount and WE CAN DO IT. Remember I'm not taking any large donations from City Contractors, so we have to work together for success. So, donate when you can on our website (www.Kifowit4Mayor.com), host a small party at your house, or just ask your friends to donate. This is important and we need your help. Even giving $20 a month is appreciated.

Campaign Meeting for All Supporters!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! July 30th at 7:00 pm we will have a volunteer meeting. I have heard from so many people who want to be involved and we need you and as many friends, relatives and neighbors to attend this meeting. We are ready to start hitting the campaign trail!

I hope everyone is having a great summer! We have talked to over 1,000 people in the last two months and the feedback has been very positive! (Thank you to all the people who were out in the heat with me, I appreciate your help.) Everyone wants a change for a more honest and responsive government; and we can do it together!! If you have never been involved in anything political; now is the chance to actually make change in your City and be proud of it!

By the way: Check out the new photo albums we have up on the website.

Stephanie Kifowit

Kifowit for Mayor

P.O. Box 1414

Aurora, IL 60507

(630) 334-0341

www.Kifowit4Mayor.com

LinkedIn profile

http://www.linkedin.com/in/kifowit4mayor

FaceBook profile

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/#/profile.php?id=1319943214

We reached our goal!

2008-07-17T22:24:00.005-06:00

It is with so much appreciation that I was able to send out this press release! We have made our goal of bringing in over $20,000 for this period (for us it was a little over two months -- you guys are awesome). Thank you so much! However, the road is just beginning and we need to keep working. This is a grassroots campaign and people all over Aurora are showing their support. Thank you again; words cannot be said to show how much I appreciate all your support.

Stephanie

Kifowit reports over $20,000 in total receipts

AURORA,IL- Alderman Stephanie Kifowit, Mayoral Candidate for the City of Aurora, today filed her first semi-annual report since announcing in April 2008. Her committee has achieved their goal of breaking the $20,000 amount.

Kifowit reported total receipts of $20,351.69 with $7,620.42 cash on hand. Donors to the Kifowit for Mayor Campaign range from Homemakers to Retired Individuals.

“I am excited by our strong support from the people of the City of Aurora. It is clear to me that the residents of Aurora are ready for a change in our City” said Kifowit. “The outpour of initial support from families in the City show that they are concerned and want to take an active role in the future of the City of Aurora.”

Kifowit continued, “I am honored and humbled to have the faith of the people behind me, and I will not take that for granted”.

Kifowit was elected as Third Ward Alderman in 2003 and reelected in 2007 in a decisive victory with 72% of the vote. Her victory shows her ability to appeal to all residents and the overwhelming trust that the voters have instilled in her.

Kifowit earned her Master’s of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University in 2004 and her Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science from NIU in 1997. She has worked as a Registered Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley, and in the Private Banking Division for Bank One. She is a veteran who served four years on active duty in the United State Marine Corps. She has lived in Aurora for over 10 years and is married with two children.

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Kifowit for Mayor
P.O. Box 1414,Aurora, IL 60507

Great 4th of July Parade

2008-07-08T12:44:00.003-06:00

What a Great 4th of July Parade!!

I cannot begin to say how much I appreciate all the volunteers that were out for the 4th of July parade. We passed out thousands of pencils and stickers in addition to 12 bags of candy. In looking at our pictures; we are a representative of the diversity in Aurora. Thank you all for making the parade great. Special thanks to Petey for the Fire Truck and Gene for his bicycle riding. Pictures are posted on Facebook.

Kifowit for Mayor
P.O. Box 1414,Aurora, IL 60507

Fourth of July Parade

2008-07-01T20:59:00.001-06:00

4th of July Parade

With June gone; we can now focus on July. This Friday is the 4th of July parade in Downtown Aurora. We will have a big, red fire truck courtesy of Petey, (thanks a bunch!). It will be a lot of fun. We will hand out stickers, pencils, and candy. Anyone who wants to walk with us should wear either a white or red shirt and show up around 9:30am on River Street.

Kifowit for Mayor
P.O. Box 1414,Aurora, IL 60507

28 Hours Left

2008-06-29T18:40:00.003-06:00

The Goal:

To raise $20,000 by the end of the reporting period.

We're almost there!

We need $3,153 to make our goal by midnight June 30th.

We need your help. Even if you can only donate $10; it all adds up.

Please go to www.Kifowit4Mayor.com to make a donation right away!

With only 28 hours left before the critical June 30th deadline for the end of this filing period,your support is more valuable than ever.

Thank you for all your support. It means a lot to me.

Stephanie Kifowit

Kifowit for Mayor
P.O. Box 1414, Aurora, IL 60507

Welcome to the Kifowit For Mayor Blog

2008-06-29T18:07:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Kifowit for Mayor blog. I have announced that I am running for Mayor in the City of Aurora. The City of Aurora is the second largest City in the State of Illinois. I am embracing a philosophy of Leadership that Listens. I pledge to listen to the residents of the City of Aurora. I will listen to your needs and listen to solutions. My goal as Mayor is to provide Leadership the Listens to the people. I make this promise that it will be the people of the City of Aurora that I serve. I will not be beholden to special interests or people who contribute to my campaign. Creating an honest and transparent government is important in our goal to create an efficient government in order to keep taxes as low as they can be and fees and charges at a reasonable level.