Geneva: Time for Change
By Patrice Bertheau, Candidate for Geneva City Council, Ward 5
I am writing today because I love Geneva. It is more than just a place on a map—it is a community built on history, natural beauty, and a shared vision of what makes a city great. We have two unique and irreplaceable assets: our historic downtown business district and the Fox River. These are not just points of pride—they are the foundation of our economy, our identity, and our way of life.
Yet today, both are at risk. And they are not at risk because of outside forces beyond our control. They are at risk because of poor leadership, lack of planning, and an administration that has failed to act in the best interest of this city.
A Leadership Failure We Cannot Ignore
For too long, Mayor Burns and his administration have ignored the pressing need for responsible development and infrastructure investment. They have failed to protect the integrity of our downtown district, leaving businesses struggling and historic charm threatened by short-sighted decisions. They have failed to safeguard the Fox River, allowing mismanagement and lack of planning to put one of our most vital natural resources in jeopardy.
This is not just a failure of vision—it is a failure of responsibility. Leadership is about more than holding a title. It is about making difficult decisions, planning for the future, and ensuring that the choices made today leave this city stronger for generations to come.
Instead, what have we seen? A lack of transparency. A lack of accountability. Cost estimates so inaccurate that a critical referendum had to be pulled from the ballot. This is not how a city should be run.
Other Cities Are Moving Forward—Why Aren’t We?
Look around us. Neighboring cities are thriving because they have made the necessary investments in infrastructure, economic development, and public spaces. They have embraced growth while protecting their historic and environmental assets. Meanwhile, Geneva is falling behind—not because we lack the potential, but because we lack the leadership to realize it.
The Time for Change Is Now
This is not just about politics. It is about the future of Geneva. It is about ensuring that our city remains a place where businesses can succeed, where families can thrive, and where our natural and historic treasures are protected.
We need leadership that values planning over reaction, vision over stagnation, and accountability over excuses. We need leadership that understands the weight of responsibility that comes with governing a city as special as Geneva.
The time for waiting is over. The time for action is now. I urge each of you to stand up, speak out, and demand better. Geneva’s future depends on it.