New face enters Geneva Fifth Ward race

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GENEVA – A newcomer has announced his desire to replace a long-time alderman who will not seek another term.

Mark Peterson, an insurance broker, announced he will run to replace Fifth Ward Alderman Paul DesCoteaux in the 2009 election. DesCoteaux does not wish to serve another term.

“I’m kind of fed up with the whole thing,” DesCoteaux said.

DesCoteaux, 79, has been an alderman for 20 years.

Peterson, 51, said his run is not motivated by a desire to replace DesCoteaux. He has thought about running for the seat for more than a year. In talking with friends and family, he decided to try, he said. He has lived in Geneva for 11 years.

“It’s more a call to service on my part,” said Peterson, an insurance broker.

Development issues are at the core of Peterson’s concerns for the city. He wants to see a balance between maintaining the city’s way of life, he said, and new growth. He is also concerned about development’s impact on other bodies like the library and school districts.

“When you look at politics and at the level of city council,” Peterson said, “good intentions are not enough. Geneva is a garden to be tended.”

DesCoteaux said he decided not seek another term because he feels debate at the council level has suffered. He does not feel that way the council functions allows for it to have the understanding of Geneva’s city departments and issues that had previously been the case.

Peterson plans to spend the next months getting the word out about his run and talking with voters. He plans to talk with every one in the ward.

“It’ll be a challenge,” Peterson said. “It’s a very far-flung ward. It’s very eclectic.”

DesCoteaux plans to serve out his term. He said he will not miss his old seat.

“I’ll have plenty to do,” the fifth ward alderman said. “There’s plenty to do in this world.”