DeKALB | DeKalb government candidates performed at the Egyptian Theatre for DeKalb citizens Wednesday night.

The 2007 DeKalb Candidates and Referendum Night introduced residents to candidates running for the DeKalb Park District Board, DeKalb School Board and DeKalb City Council.

City council candidates were given two minutes for opening comments, followed by a brief question-and-answer session with the opportunity for closing comments. Questions concerned downtown revitalization, enforcement of building codes, diversifying the tax base and the possibility of reducing Lincoln Highway from four lanes to two.

Bertrand Simpson, candidate for the 1st Ward, stressed the importance of voting in local government elections and keeping the focus on the town. Simpson said the downtown revitalization should not be market driven, �but by the individual citizens, and what�s best for them.�

Jackie Roache, write-in candidate for the 1st Ward and NIU political science major, cited the importance of public safety and improving living conditions in her ward.

�I represent growth and progression,� Roache said.

Steve Kapitan, alderman for the 3rd Ward, suggested using tiff funds to pay for the revitalization project. Kapitan also outlined three goals, including managing growth, investing in older neighborhoods and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Victor Wogen, candidate for the 3rd Ward, stressed the need for the representatives to understand the area and its residents. Wogen said he is a strong proponent of enforcing the current building codes and said citizens can help make sure they are not being violated.

Ronald Naylor, candidate for the 5th Ward, mentioned managing expenditures so more taxes would not have to be implemented.

�Good growth should not raise taxes or compromise the environment,� Naylor said.

Brent Keller, candidate for the 7th Ward and NIU organization management major, outlined four main ideas for his ward: Annie Glidden Road safety, revitalization of downtown DeKalb, smart growth control and improving infrastructure conditions.

Keller, like the other candidates, dismissed the idea of reducing Lincoln Highway to two lanes.

�It�s a key artery to this community. It would not be the right thing to do for this community at this time,� Keller said.

Candidates running for the park district board brought up adding more parks to DeKalb. Neglect of the Kishwaukee River and the possibility of expanding the trail network were also discussed by board candidates.

School board candidates debated the growth of the school district, classroom space and financial needs in DeKalb�s schools. All school board candidates agreed the district needs to manage money and watch deficit spending.