Batavia candidates take similar stands at forum

BATAVIA – Four candidates vying for two seats on the Batavia City Council took virtually identical positions on questions of public policy during a candidate forum on Wednesday.

Sixth Ward Alderman Nick Cerone is seeking a third term and faces a challenge from Shaunak Dave.

In the 7th Ward, Robin Barraza and Sarah Vogelsinger are competing to replace Alderman Drew McFadden, who is not seeking reelection.

The event was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. League representatives moderated the forum.

All of the candidates emphasized their business and professional experience during opening remarks. Then, time and again, each of the four responded with similar positions on issues facing the city.

For example, when asked how they would protect and improve real estate values in Batavia, each emphasized supporting the business climate.

Whether it was term limits for elected officials or greater diversity in the community, all of the four were in favor.

Even when confronted with an open ended question asking them to identify the three most important issues facing the city, their responses were nearly the same.

The question of removing the Challenge Dam and preserving Depot Pond was flagged by each as a top issue, along with supporting businesses during the inevitable disruptions in the downtown expected to result from construction of the One Washington Place project. Randall Road business development also was identified by several of the candidates as a major issue.

Cerone presented himself as team player on a fiscally responsible council that has kept city property taxes in line while promoting business development.

Dave offered himself as an agent of change and as a person of color who would bring needed diversity to the city council, while emphasizing his experience in the technology sector.

Vogelsinger and Barraza have remarkably similar professional backgrounds. Both have experience as small business owners and working for area school districts.

Barraza is a three-year Batavia resident who works as an administrator with Elgin School District U-46.

Vogelsinger is an eight-year resident of the city who works for a public relations firm in Batavia. She emphasized her work as a Chamber of Commerce ambassador and Batavia MainStreet volunteer.

The races in the 6th and 7th Wards are the only contests in Batavia for the April 6 election. The 6th Ward takes in a large portion of the southeast side of the city, while the 7th Ward covers the far west side.