Kate Cuneo: 2025 candidate for Batavia City Council Ward 6

Bio

Office sought: Batavia City Council Ward 6

City: Batavia

Age: 38

Occupation: Private contractor (work on political campaigns)

Previous offices held: Precinct committee person

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

Like every other city right now, residents of Batavia are struggling with the cost of living and feeling safe with the current political climate.

As alderman if elected, I will make sure all residents are aware of services, grants, rebates, and changes they can make to qualify for any financial help. Since I moved to Batavia 13 years ago, property taxes have gone up tremendously. We need a plan to help offset this increase so we can continue to have families stay in Batavia along with diligent real estate planning to keep homes at good property value without driving up taxes and driving out residents.

I also am a strong advocate for making Batavia a safe city, welcoming all and preventing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from entering our community disrupting the lives of our residents. I will work hard to make sure our city government does everything they can to protect our residents.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Spending should always be focused on what our residents need to be safe and thrive. Top priorities for spending should be making sure our small businesses stay open, our streets, crosswalks and bike paths are safe, and the dam is addressed.

While that may seem like a small inconsequential list, these are all projects that take time, planning, research and funds to make sure the best decision is made that benefits the entire city of Batavia.

During the budget process, I will closely look at what areas of spending can be reallocated to meet the city’s needs more effectively. As alderman, I will make sure to include experts as well as residents into every decision-making process to make sure we have a transparent city government that works for everyone.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

Speeding, safe bike paths and safe pedestrian crossing are big issues in the city of Batavia.

Addressing how the streets are designed, making adjustments to make speeding uncomfortable and providing consistent safe bike paths and pedestrian crossings are the top priorities.

These are big projects that will require effective budgeting and research to make sure they are done correctly. I will include the zoning commission, IDOT/KDOT, the constituents and any experts on the matter before proposing and voting on any proposals.

Addressing the dam is a priority but one we still need to research well to make sure we make the best financial decision.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

I currently work on political campaigns getting local candidates elected but have a background in the health care industry and mental health industry.

All three environments require me to not only bring people together to work toward a common goal but also entail finding and enacting real solutions in real time to issues within communities. I have also volunteered on a state senator’s advisory committee where we bring forth issues and work on possible legislation to address those issues.

I am familiar with turning an issue into effective ordinance or referendum. I will continue to work with my community on issues that matter most to them, include Batavia residents in this process to make sure we craft something that efficiently addresses the issue and keep our community engaged in the political process at local city government.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Two of my strongest assets are bringing people together and being an active listener. I have plans on what I would like to do as a city council member but more importantly, I will discuss those plans with my constituents and the subject matter experts to make sure what course of action or ordinance I propose and how I vote is the best way to serve our city.

Second, I am great at communication and will make sure everyone in my ward knows what is happening on city council and gets a chance to provide input before any decision is made. I am also a great team player.

I have experience working with many different people and ideas to reach a common goal. I look forward to the opportunity to represent the 6th Ward with transparency, collaboration and honesty.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

Affordable housing is an important issue that does come up, but I haven’t heard many concrete plans to address the problem. Many housing developments have already gone up recently and Batavia is running out of room.

However, with any new developments I would like to see that a portion of apartments and townhomes are sold to low-income residents and the rest in that complex at market value.

For every massive mini mansion that is built, the next new construction needs to be an affordable home that can be sold to low-income residents. There will need to be some research to make sure this is feasible, but this is something I want to see happen in Batavia.