Mayor's critics among those running for Des Plaines council
Among the contested elections for Des Plaines city council are candidates outspoken in their opposition to Mayor Matt Bogusz.
The race for 7th Ward alderman will pit incumbent Don Smith, who Bogusz appointed after the death of 29-year-old Alderman Joanna Sojka in August, against Bob Porada, a member of the zoning board of appeals who isn't being reappointed to that panel by the mayor.
Smith, who owns a Niles law practice, served on the council from 1997 to 2009. During his first term, voters approved rules limiting elected officials to serving no more than two consecutive terms. That meant he was allowed to run for re-election in 2001 and 2005, but forced to step down in 2009.
Bogusz was allowed to appoint Smith to the seat following Sojka's death, but law requires that an election be held for the remaining two years on Sojka's original 4-year term.
Porada, who owns a Chicago law firm, said earlier this month he believes he wasn't reappointed to his zoning board position as political retribution, once he began circulating nominating papers for alderman. Porada also said he thinks he wasn't reappointed because of his criticism of the mayor's choice for city administrative hearing officer - a position Porada had sought.
Bogusz has said it wasn't politics - but rather concerns over productivity or professionalism - why Porada and three others weren't reappointed to city panels.
Fourth Ward Alderman Dick Sayad, considered one of Bogusz's most vocal critics on the council, is being challenged by newcomer Mark Setzer, an East Dundee firefighter.
"I'm the one who asks questions. Maybe I'm considered a thorn in (Bogusz's) side," said Sayad, who has been on the council 11 years altogether (1999-2007 and 2011-present). "I'm up there representing the people of the 4th Ward and I'm trying to do the job I think they want, and indications from them are that I am doing a good job."
A three-way race has developed for 6th Ward alderman with Herman Zelk, a past president of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, attorney Malcolm Chester and Mario Palacios, who lost a bid for alderman in 2011. Current 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten will be forced to step down after eight years on the council due to term limits.
Incumbent 2nd Ward Alderman Jack Robinson and 8th Ward Alderman Mike Charewicz are facing uncontested elections.
Candidates in the even-numbered wards are seeking 4-year terms. The 7th Ward race is for a two-year term.