DeKALB – Four mayoral candidates discussed community issues such as infrastructure, sustainability, leadership and more at a local election forum for the City of DeKalb.
The candidates included Mayor Cohen Barnes, NIU instructor Linh Nguyen, DeKalb alderman John Walker and Kouame Sanan, an IT support associate at NIU.
The first question candidates were asked during the forum regarded what they thought was DeKalb’s most neglected problem.
Nguyen addressed concerns about the poorly maintained streets and sidewalks, inadequate lighting and community safety.
“I would like to make streets and sidewalk repair one of the top priorities. I think good infrastructure like well maintained sidewalks support businesses and attract investment, which also creates a more accessible community,” Nguyen said.
Walker expressed the need for building a stronger community in the City of DeKalb.
“It takes more than one or two people to bring a community together,” Walker said. “Commissions like the HRC (Human Relations Commission) , economic development, see you have to bring everybody to the table because when you bring everybody to the table who thinks differently, then you create dialogue, you create conversation.”
Barnes, the incumbent, is running for a second term. He said communication is an important part of the job.
“It’s really important in this particular role that you take the time to meet with people face to face, hear what they’re saying, and then be able to communicate where you came from,” Barnes said.
Sanan discussed his plan to prioritize sidewalk and street repair to ensure public spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
“The city is safer when the roads are better and when there’s lighting. It also provides a sense of well-being to the community. It also attracts business,” Sanan said.
Walker said making DeKalb more accessible for everyone is important to him.
“What I’m willing to do for the city of DeKalb is to make the city safer, stronger, and affordable and make sure every resource is accessible to all the residents of DeKalb,” Walker said. “We build a safer community by fostering relationships with the residents and a safer community.”
Nguyen closed the forum by sharing how she would view challenges if she were to be elected as mayor.
“Every challenge I view as an opportunity, and I live my whole life in the U.S. to prove that,” Nguyen said.
DeKalb residents are encouraged to vote in the upcoming election on April 1.
Early voting for the April 1 Consolidated Election is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Sycamore Campus-Legislative Center, NIU-Holmes Student Center, Sandwich Library, Kingston Friendship Center and DeKalb Township Building will also offer voting from March 17 to 28. All sites are open to DeKalb County voters, making it easy to vote before Election Day.
