Schaumburg incumbents unite against challenger Moynihan

Schaumburg's April 7 election isn't simply about four candidates vying for three village trustee seats.

Incumbents George Dunham, Mark Madej and Tom Dailly are identifying themselves as a team being challenged by Jim Moynihan, the recent Republican candidate for the 56th District state House seat.

Moynihan, who narrowly lost his bid for the state legislature, touts the fresh perspective he can bring to the village board. But the incumbents say there's no reason to turn down experience unless there's something wrong.

"What (Moynihan's) saying is if I'm having my car fixed, I don't want to have the best, most qualified person working on it," Dailly said. "I'm looking for someone fresh out of school with a fresh perspective.

"The voting public does that when they see that the direction is wrong," he added. "I don't think the village of Schaumburg is like that."

Madej questioned Moynihan's sudden interest in village affairs. While most trustees spent years attending meetings or serving on village commissions before their elections, he said Moynihan does not attend board meetings.

Questions Moynihan's raised early on the campaign trail - such as why the village can't eliminate its property tax immediately instead of lowering it gradually - show his lack of experience with village issues, the incumbents say.

"I expect that from someone who's never asked any questions and been completely uninvolved," Dunham said. "I have no idea what the guy's thinking."

Moynihan agreed that he has not attended board meetings recently, but said he has been at several over the years.

Madej also suggested the public may not look favorably on Moynihan using donations he received to run for state representative in the local race.

Moynihan said none of the incumbents' criticisms should make him ineligible to serve on the village board.

"For the last year and a half, I've been busy running for state representative," Moynihan said. "No one ever asked me why I didn't sit in on a session of the General Assembly. To me it makes no difference."

Moynihan said he believes he'll attend every village board meeting from now on.

Using money donated to his state House campaign for another political race is legally permitted, he added.

"It doesn't do any good just sitting there," he said.

Dunham said he and his running mates are making a four-year commitment to the job of trustee while Moynihan won't yet rule out another run for state representative in two years.