Wheaton mayor first to file nominating petitions

Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk appears likely to run unopposed in the spring election that also will feature races for two at-large city council seats.

Gresk was the only Wheaton candidate to submit his nominating petitions Monday morning when the filing period opened for the spring election.

Gresk said he is running for a third mayoral term because he enjoys what he does and thinks there's more he can do to improve the city.

"It's the world's greatest volunteer job," he said. "We're going to run on our record of accomplishment."

Gresk said the "outside verification" the city has received in recent years shows it is on the right track, including its AAA bond rating and a citizen survey that came back with the highest ratings the consultant had seen in years.

In addition, Gresk said he was part of the recent growth in economic development in the downtown area. He hopes to continue the momentum to be "even bigger and better."

Tony Lyons, a member of the city's environmental improvement commission, and incumbent John Prendiville, who has served on the council since 2007, both filed Monday for the at-large council seats.

"I am now retired and would like to get more involved in the city," Lyons said. "I'm from the education field and would like to bring a different perspective to add to the council."

The other at-large position is held by Evelyn Pacino Sanguinetti.

City Clerk Sharon Barrett-Hagen said Sanguinetti is expected to resign before her swearing in as Illinois' lieutenant governor in January.

Three other residents who picked up council packets are planning and zoning board member Suzanne Fitch, gopillinois.com founder David Diersen and Frank Hudetz. None of those three filed on Monday.

A primary will be held in February in races only if more than four people file to run for mayor or more than eight people file to run for the at-large positions. The filing period ends Nov. 24.