Rob Kiczenski is running for a full two-year term as the mayor of Byrnes Mill in the April 2 election, but faces a challenge from Gary Dougherty, the city’s former police chief.
Kiczenski, a Ward 3 alderman for six years, was appointed to replace Susan Gibson as mayor after she stepped down in April 2018 due to health issues.
Dougherty is retiring as the city’s community relations director. He took that job in October 2018 as part of a restructuring of the city’s Police Department in the midst of a turmoil that led to an investigation and the departure of two officers.
Dougherty, who had been police chief since September 2014, was not implicated in the investigation.
The mayor is not paid.
KICZENSKI, 58, lives at 3857 Huff Drive. He and his wife, Julie, have two children. He has worked at DuPont in enterprise information technology as a global IT operations manager for 13 years. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1983.
DOUGHERTY, 68, lives at 6605 Arc Drive. He and his wife, Linda, have four children. In addition to serving as the community relations director and police chief, he has worked as a deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and has been a telecommunications technician. He has attended some college.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Kiczenski: Our revenue stream. Byrnes Mill has a limited number of businesses that contribute to its sales tax revenue. The remainder of the financial burden falls on residents. I have been pursuing grant programs to add revenue, which will allow our city to maintain and advance our infrastructure.
Dougherty: Sustainability is my concern. We provide services to residents that rise in cost every year. We need to find a solution other than tax increases if we desire to keep these services.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Kiczenski: My major focus is the repair and maintenance of the city’s roads, ensuring the safety of residents and those who travel our streets. Upgrades to the park are needed to improve access to the trail along the river and make the lower section of the park more appealing. Continued operation of the recycling center is important. My plans are to team with Jefferson County’s recycling office to allow the center to run at no cost to our residents.
Dougherty: I am a lifelong resident of the area. I want to see us continue to grow in a positive manner and yet keep our friendly country charm. We can work together to achieve this goal.
In light of recent turmoil in your police department, what plan do you have to address it?
Kiczenski: On Aug. 21, the city received a letter of “no confidence” against the police department. The Board of Alderpersons, city administrator and I chose to launch an external investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, we unanimously decided to terminate some officers and hire Frank Selvaggio as our new police chief. His new leadership has provided clear direction and accountability. It is of grave concern that the previous police chief who was removed from office is now running for the position of mayor.
Dougherty: The past issues have been addressed and procedures are in place to help prevent these human relations-type problems.