Mount Prospect trustee to run for office

Mount Prospect Village Trustee John J. Matuszak said he's running for the board after being appointed to the job last month.

His main goal as trustee, if elected, would be to focus on financial stability of the village.

"These are trying financial times for many municipalities, but I am dedicated to working toward maintaining the current course of fiscal responsibility that puts Mount Prospect ahead of many other towns," Matuszak said.

He'd also like to oversee the construction of a proposed fire station, emergency operation center and neighborhood resource center, he said.

Last month, Mount Prospect trustees unanimously approved Matuszak to serve out the term of Timothy Corcoran, who resigned in August. Corcoran's 4-year term ends next spring. To continue serving the board, Matuszak must be elected in his own right to the board in April.

Mayor Irvana Wilks said she selected Matuszak partly because of his legal knowledge of contracts as the village continues to work on major projects.

Matuszak is an attorney for the Navy.

He received his bachelor's in law enforcement and a law degree from DePaul University.

He grew up in Niles and graduated from Maine South High School in Park Ridge.

Matuszak has lived in the village for the past 14 years.

He and his wife, Laura, have been married for 18 years and they have three children. He has served on the village's police pension board and has been a youth sports coach. He is also a member of St. Raymond's parish.

Filing for the April 7 consolidated election is Jan. 19-26, 2009.