Streamwood's Roth will seek re-election

Streamwood Village President Billie Roth made it official that she'll run for re-election in what will be her first contested race in 16 years.

She'll face off against Trustee Jason Speer, who announced his candidacy last month. Roth said she never had any doubts about seeking a sixth term, though she never thought she'd hold the post for this long.

"I'm very fortunate and honored to have the village residents support me for five terms," Roth said.

Voters elected Roth mayor in 1989, and she's a former village clerk and trustee.

Candidate filing begins next week for the April 7 local election, and Roth is among many Northwest suburban mayors up for re-election.

While Streamwood's village hall will be open Monday to accept election petitions, some village halls will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, making Tuesday the first day to file in those towns.

Roth highlighted her accomplishments while in office, such as building a financial reserve, reducing property taxes and improving services and infrastructure. She also boasted about how Streamwood hasn't needed to reduce village staff during the current economic climate, unlike some neighboring suburbs.

"Obviously, I would like to maintain the balanced budget and the street program," Roth said of her goals for another term.

Speer last month announced his intentions to challenge Roth. The two have become political foes since Speer joined the board in 2007, making his bid to replace her Roth of little surprise. Though she'll be in a contested race for the first time since before voters first elected her, Roth said she doesn't expect her campaign will be radically different that previous races. However, as the incumbent, she's prepared for a degree of criticism.

"Based on that, I'm sure I will be asked numerous questions," she said.

Speer last month said his motivation from running stemmed from disagreements with Roth's approach to village business. He's repeatedly said he wants to delegate more responsibilities to trustees, taking power away from the village president. Speer couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.