Two trustees vie to replace Itasca mayor

Two longtime Itasca village trustees will face off in the April 7 election to replace Mayor Claudia "Gigi" Gruber, who is stepping down after 12 years in the post.

Gruber said Thursday "it's just time" to hand over the reins to someone else.

"This has been a labor of love," she said. "I love the community and the people and I wouldn't take back a minute."

Trustees Tom Reynolds and Jeff Pruyn both filed nominating petitions this week for the mayoral election. Other prospective candidates may join the race until filing ends at the end of business Monday, Jan. 26.

Pruyn said now is a good time to run as Gruber steps down and he finishes 14 years as a trustee. He said his financial background as an accountant will prove valuable.

"Going forward these next few years, Itasca could have challenging times with decreasing revenue," Pruyn said. "There's also been a drop in market value on investments, which concerns me because the amount of yearly pension contributions (for municipal workers) is going to rise, further straining the village's finances."

Pruyn filed on a ticket with the Itasca First party. The ticket includes incumbent trustees Mike Latoria and Jeff Aiani running for two of the three open trustee seats, and new candidate and local business owner Frank Madaras running for the third. Melody Craven, deputy village clerk, is also on the ticket for the village clerk post.

Tom Reynolds said he contemplated a mayoral run for several years and Gruber's departure makes it an ideal time for change.

"A lot of people have been asking me to run and I consider that to be a good thing," Reynolds said.

If elected, Reynolds said he will focus on trying to rebuild infrastructure, such as upgrading roads, and tackle flooding issues while being mindful of the village's strained finances.

"I think there is an overall feeling that the village is not responding to the residents' needs," Reynolds said. "That's difficult to say because I am on the board, but I think as a mayor versus a trustee, you can do a lot more to impact how well a village can actually deal with residents."

Reynolds also filed his candidacy on a ticket, Citizens for Itasca. His fellow candidates are Nancy Bass for village clerk; Jim Capone for trustee, a former candidate who has not held office, a past Lions Club president and member of the Itasca Police Department auxiliary; Laura Valacius for trustee, a staff member in Itasca District 10; and Marty Lundeen for trustee, a member of the Lions Club.