Slow start in DuPage mayoral races
The race for several mayoral seats got off to a slow start Monday in DuPage County, with no candidates emerging to challenge incumbents in Carol Stream and Wood Dale and only one so far in Oak Brook.
The filing period for mayor as well as city councils, school boards, park boards, library boards and other elected posts continues through Dec. 22 to set the ballot for the April election.
Here's a quick look at what's happening in races for mayor:
Oak Brook
Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani is going to have to defeat at least one opponent to secure a second term.
The 65-year-old cardiologist said he wants to continue what he started during his first term when he strengthened the village's financial position and worked cooperatively with the village board.
"After the new board came in four years ago, we have done a lot of work to improve transparency and accountability," Lalmalani said Monday. "A lot of work still remains to be done."
Nevertheless, sitting Trustee Mark Moy said he believes he can do a better job in Oak Brook's top elected position. He filed his nominating papers Monday morning.
"I have been trustee for six years now," said Moy, 65, a retired emergency room physician. "There's no doubt in my mind, I can do a very good job as president."
Moy said he's already told Lalmalani he's not going to run a negative campaign. Moy said he simply wants to give voters in Oak Brook a choice.
"I've got the leadership to hold a board together," he said. "My nature is to get along with people and to work together with people instead of fighting."
Lalmalani said anyone who believes he or she has a good plan for the village is welcome to run.
But he said he "has a track record" of leadership.
"We have done very well in terms of accomplishing the goals and objectives that the residents have," Lalmalani said.
He said his commitment to civility, accountability and consensus-building will continue to guide him during a second term.
Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, incumbent Frank Saverino filed his nominating papers in hopes of getting elected to a third term. No challenger has yet to emerge.
Saverino said he decided to run again in part because he enjoys what he is doing to make the village a better place.
If re-elected, Saverino said, his goals "are to make sure we don't have a property tax ... to make it a nice, safe community as it is and try and make it even safer and to work very closely with all the taxing bodies."
Wood Dale
In Wood Dale, Annunziato "Nunzio" Pulice, a 53-year-old purchasing director, has his sights on a second mayoral term.
He said his primary goal for the city and his next term will be to continue improving the city's infrastructure beyond the city's new $30 million wastewater treatment plant.
"Not including the treatment plant, we've spent $40 million in infrastructure during the last four years as we continue to position Wood Dale for the future," Pulice said after filing for re-election Monday morning. "All we hear is 'Itasca did this' and 'Elmhurst does this' and 'Elk Grove Village does that.' But now, it's Wood Dale's turn. We've taken the initiative to get out in front and ensure we're a viable community and great place to live."
Pulice said he's unaware of any potential challengers but acknowledged that can change before Dec. 22.
"I can't worry about any of that," Pulice said. "For me, it's very simple: If people like what's going on, they'll vote me back in. If they think I'm an idiot, they'll show me the door."
Naperville, Wheaton
Although filing began Monday in most DuPage towns, others already have completed their filing periods for mayor. In Wheaton, Mayor Michael Gresk will be running unopposed in April.
In Naperville, meanwhile, a four-way race is taking shape to replace the retiring George Pradel. Council members Steve Chirico and Doug Krause, along with dental office manager James Haselhorst and retired firefighter Marty Walker, will be vying to replace Pradel in April.