Kevin Burns (Mayor)

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Kevin R. Burns
Kevin Burns (Mayor)
Mayor of Geneva, Illinois
Incumbent
Assumed office 
2001
Born August 26, 1964 (1964-08-26) (age 43)
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Political party Republican
Children Emma, Grace and Florence
Residence Geneva, Illinois
Alma mater Augstana College in Rock Island, Illinois

Kevin Burns (born August 26, 1964 in Arlington Heights, Illinois) is the current mayor of Geneva, Illinois.

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[edit] Early life

Burns was born to John and Ann Burns in Arlington Heights. In 1974, his family, including brothers John and Brian and sister Colleen, moved to Geneva, where Kevin Burns spent the rest of his childhood years.

At Geneva High School, Burns met his future wife, Terry Emma. Emma's family is known in Chicago politics, where her great-grandfather, DeWitt Clinton Cregier served as mayor from 1889 to 1891.

After graduating high school, Burns, along with Emma, attended Augstana College in Rock Island, Illinois. In 1986, Burns earned a B.A. in Political Science and Speech Communications.

After graduation from Augustana, Burns began working for various non-profit agencies and organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Paramount Arts Center, the U.S. Olympic Committee, Rush-Copley Medical Center, the USA Equestrian organization, and Midwestern University.

[edit] Mayor

In 1997, Burns was elected as an alderman of Geneva, where he was appointed to become a member of the Illinois Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. In 2001, Burns ran for mayor, winning the election with 72% of the vote.[1] In 2005, Burns won reelection unopposed.

[edit] Congressional campaign

On August 18, 2007, Burns announced his intentions to run for Congress in Illinois' 14th District.[2] He faced dairy businessman Jim Oberweis and Illinois State Senator Chris Lauzen in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert, who announced his retirement from Congress in the summer of 2007 and later resigned on November 26, 2007.[3]. On December 13, 2007, Hastert announced his endorsement of Oberweis. In response, Burns announced he was going to "step aside" in the race. On December 24th Burns officially withdrew his candidacy.

[edit] Community involvement

Burns also serves on the boards and committees of Association for Individual Development, Delnor-Community Healthcare Foundation, Community Chest, the Geneva History Center, Lazarus House, Living Well Cancer Center, Paul Ruby/Michael J. Fox Foundation, River Park, and the Tri-City Health Partnership. He is currently the "Voice of the Vikings" for Geneva's high school football, soccer, and basketball games. On occasion, Burns provides assistance as the public-address announcer for the Illinois High School Association Class AA baseball tournaments.

[edit] Private life

Burns and his wife live in Geneva, with their three daughters: Emma, Grace, Florence.[4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Former Geneva mayor (Thomas Coughlin) charged with DUI" Brenda Schory. Kane County Chronicle. August 8, 2004.
  2. ^ Burns joins race; campaign kickoff today Paul Dailing, Kane County Chronicle. August 18, 2007. Retrieved December 4, 2007 p
  3. ^ Rep. Hastert resigns Deanna Bellandi and Jim ButtsKane County Chronicle. November 26, 2007. Retrieved December 4, 2007 p
  4. ^ "Mayors pick their spots for quiet, communing". Jim Sulski. Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Ill.: Jun 5, 2002. pg. 54