Trustee race a popular one in Mount Prospect

For the second straight municipal election, the village trustee race in Mount Prospect has attracted a crowd.

So far, six people have filed candidacy papers for three seats on the village board. The filing period ends Monday, Dec. 22, so more candidates could still enter the race.

Voters will decide who gets to fill the seats during the consolidated election on April 7.

The six candidates who have filed include the three incumbents - trustees Paul Hoefert, John Korn and Richard Rogers. Joining them on the ballot will be John Dyslin, Kevin Grouwinkel and Colleen Saccotelli.

This is the second time Dyslin is running for the village board. His first attempt was in 2013.

"The board is sorely in need of some new blood," Dyslin said Wednesday.

Dyslin said he's running again in part because he believes the village has become too secretive about certain matters, such as the recent $6.5 million settlement the village reached with property owner Tod Curtis, who had sued the village for racketeering relating to how it handled plans for downtown redevelopment around his property.

"The village told us all along they were going to win, and then they agree to a huge settlement without really explaining why," he said.

Grouwinkel, who also ran in 2013, said that the future of the downtown remains a high priority for him.

"We need to be more creative and aggressive to get business downtown," he said. "We have to think 20, 30 years down the line. I'm not sure the village is doing enough right now."

Saccotelli, who moved to Mount Prospect about 18 months ago after living "literally across the street" in Arlington Heights, said she hopes to bring a new perspective to the village board.

"I think I'll be a strong voice for young families, which the board doesn't really have," she said, pointing out that there are no female trustees on the board now. The village does have a female mayor in Arlene Juracek. Saccotelli has two young children, ages 5 and 2.

Saccotelli said she's eager to help bring new businesses to the village, particularly the downtown area. She believes the village's business-friendly image took a hit because of the Curtis litigation and settlement.

Hoefert, one of the incumbents in the race, has served on the village board since 1991, making him the village's longest-tenured elected official.

"I feel like there's more to do, and that I have more to give," he said.

Hoefert said he plans to continue his efforts to control taxes and spending. He also wants to create more economic prosperity at commercial centers on all sides of town.

"The downtown is hugely important, and we have other spots that need attention, too," he said, adding that he expects plans to emerge soon for the shopping center at Golf Road and Route 83.

In response to comments made about the Curtis settlement, Hoefert said that both sides were ordered by the court not to discuss details of the settlement.

"The 'gag order' came from the court, not from us," Hoefert said. "If we talk about it, we risk being held in contempt. So we're focusing now on moving forward from this."

The other candidates could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Candidacy papers for the April 7 election can be filed through the end of business on Monday at village hall, 50 S. Emerson St.