Contested races now for North Aurora president, trustee

North Aurora President Dale Berman may have some competition in the spring election.

Ben Popp, of the 100 block of Laurel Drive, filed a petition Monday to be placed on the ballot. He could not be reached for comment Monday.

To be placed on the ballot, a candidate needed the signatures of nine registered voters who live in North Aurora. Popp obtained 15, but six of the signers list addresses in Aurora and Batavia.

There will also be a contest for trustee. Garran Sparks, of the 0-99 block of Oak Creek Drive, submitted his paperwork late Monday afternoon.

There are three 4-year trustee seats available. The other candidates who filed last week include incumbents Michael Lowery and Mark Gaffino, plus Tao Martinez, an unsuccessful candidate earlier this month for Kane County coroner.

Sparks was an alderman in Batavia for nine years, before resigning in September 2014 to move to North Aurora.

Trustee Chris Faber decided not to run for re-election for personal reasons, including the time he is spending as a volunteer coach for the freshman boys basketball team at West Aurora High School.

"I'm just going to regroup and decide what I want to do next," Faber said.

"I'm still involved with NOARDA (North Aurora River District Alliance) and North Aurora Days. I may run again, I may run for school board or something else. I may fade into the sunset."

Only the incumbent, Lori Murray, filed for election as village clerk.

The election is April 4.