Kifowit takes on patronage

For Immediate Release

Aurora Mayoral Candidate 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.

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