Hot mayoral race in Palatine

A hotly contested mayoral race is already shaping up in Palatine.

Though the election is still six months away, three challengers have so far announced plans to seek the office - though incumbent Rita Mullins still hasn't said if she'll join them on the ballot to seek a sixth term.

Vito Manola threw his hat into the ring Friday. He fell just a few hundred votes short of pulling off a major upset over Mullins in 2005.

Joining him are former Chicago Bear Jim Schwantz and ex-councilman Warren Kostka.

Can any of them squeak by Mullins, should she choose to run again for the seat she's held the post since 1989?

Not likely, says DePaul University Professor Wayne Steger, chairman of the political science department.

"Multiple candidates generally split the anti-incumbent vote," said Steger. "This will be an uphill battle."

The trio will attempt to break with tradition by advertising their differences.

There's Schwantz, who's never held - or even run for - political office. But what the 38-year-old lacks in experience he makes up in name recognition.

"That's an advantage straight off the bat and unlike, the Senate or governor, mayor is a reasonable target," said Brian Gaines, a political science professor at the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairs. "(Schwantz has) a built-in constituency with the sports fans, but this isn't Walter Payton. He certainly won't waltz in."

Schwantz, who attended Fremd High School, spent three seasons with the Bears in the '90s and played for the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys. He says he wants to give back to the community and considers his greenness an asset.

"My whole life is about never being outworked," said Schwantz, who's yet to roll out a platform. "True, I've never had to cast a deciding vote, but I'll do my homework so I know the ins and outs of every issue."

At the very least, Steger says, Schwantz will have crucial fundraising connections - though money is no guarantee of local support.

"Your name will get people to look at you," said Steger. "It doesn't mean they'll dance with you."

Also on the ballot is Warren Kostka, who served on the village council from 1997 to 2005. He walked away from the seat, a firm believer in two-term limits. Residents may be familiar with Council Clippings, an often critical newsletter he distributes door to door.

Each issue includes a local weather report, one of which read: "Mostly sunny in Palatine, with a hot air mass hanging over the mayor's office."

Mullins is "not an evil person," said Kostka, 53. "She's just been there too long. She's gotten comfortable and isn't moving Palatine forward."

Among his concerns are infrastructure and what he sees as a lack of transparency on the board, which he calls "basically a fraternity house with no supervision."

Kostka's and Schwantz's candidacies were made public months ago, while Manola's announcement came at a Friday news conference.

The 49-year-old owner of a Great American Bagel eatery in Palatine, says the village needs to change its anti-business reputation. He cites recent council rejections of an Aldi and a Walgreens. Manola wants to put together a consortium of local business professionals to help decide how to further development.

Manola, who won about 49 percent of the vote four years ago, says he's confident his credentials in business and community involvement outweigh his opponents'.

"People wanted change ... and not much has," he said.

Mullins said she was surprised by the strength of Manola's showing last time.

"Everybody kept saying I had nothing to worry about," she said. "The same good ol' boys from the Republican Party will be helping him again."

When multiple challengers come forward, it's usually because they believe they stand a chance against an unpopular incumbent, Steger said. The large number also reflects Mullins' previous narrow victory.

Councilmen Dan Varroney and Scott Lamerand were among rumored contenders, but both said this week they won't run. Another is Palatine Park District Commissioner Andy McPherson, who won't comment either way.

A fifth candidate would force a February primary to narrow the ballot down to four. Before state law changed last year, a primary would take place with three candidates.

In 2005, Councilman Brad Helms squared off against four others in a primary, but Village Manager Reid Ottesen doesn't recall any local mayoral primaries.

Because of the new law, the winner of a four-candidate race will most likely get less than 50 percent of the vote.

"If there are three strong candidates, you're in for more surprises," said U of I's Gaines. "People can sneak in with less support."