Steve Braser says he grew up instilled with a desire to help the City of Sycamore grow and prosper as he helped out at his parent’s downtown shoe store., Later, raising his family in the city, he got involved in city government, serving 12 years on the City Council and then the past two years as Mayor. Braser made a pitch for people to seek elective office. He noted that there are often lines of people ready to complain about a particular issue but many times a lack of candidates to fill various board seats where solutions get decided. He said he has been surprised at the large number of Freedom of Information Act requests placed on the city, nearly 1,000 a year, which adds administrative burden to staff. Braser also made a pitch for consolidating units of government that overlap in responsibility or where merged territories would bring greater efficiency.
Braser said he wants to make sure the City is on sound financial footing and future generations are not saddled with significant debt. He noted that the City is up to date on its pension obligations unlike many other government entities. He clarified the recent lawsuit settlement over lead levels in water. He said independent tests verified Sycamore was far below lead action levels and a commitment for annual water infrastructure spends of $1.2 million through 2027 was at or below traditional water department spending levels. He said the benefit of the settlement is an end to ongoing litigation fees. Braser said providing safe, clean water remains a priority for the city.
Several differing economic development projects were highlighted by Braser. These include the rehabilitation and expansion by Innovative Growers Equipment Company of the former Anaconda wire and cable property. Owner Chris Mayer has added a trade school on the property in association with the Kishwaukee Educational Consortium. Although controversial, Braser said he favored a plan to allow a marijuana growing operation on the site (noting this was not a dispensary). The plan failed to win council approval. Braser said there remains strong interest in downtown buildings. He is also trying to find buyers for vacant commercial and industrial sites but says working with out-of-town owners has been a challenge.
Overall, Braser believes many positive things are happening in Sycamore and he hopes it continues to be an attractive place for people to live and for businesses to expand and locate.