Ballots set in southern Kane Co.

The April election came into full focus Monday as the last candidates from across the Tri-Cities filed paperwork to get on the ballot.

In one of the most closely watched races, Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke officially made it a three-way race for his job, turning over his election petitions on the final day of filing.

Mayor since 1981, Schielke's name will follow those of Alderman Alan Wolff and Batavia MainStreet Director Britta McKenna on the April 7 ballot. He's not had opposition the last two times he ran.

Also in Batavia, Michael O'Brien filed Monday to be elected 1st Ward alderman, replacing Jodie Wollnik, who is stepping down. O'Brien will face former Alderman Stephen Frank, who filed last week.

Here's a look at how some other races are shaping up:

St. Charles Dist. 303

There will be new blood on the school board.

Incumbents Lori Linkimer and Karla Ray did not file for re-election, and their departure will serve as the backdrop for any referendum they vote to place on the April ballot with the names of the candidates who will replace them.

The school board will decide Thursday night if it should place any of several referendum options on the ballot that will rebuild or renovate some or all of the district's schools. The options range from an inclusive $294 million plan, to a $99 million option that just targets middle schools.

Incumbents Jim Gaffney Jr. and Jim Chimienti will seek re-election. Mike Vyzral seeks election to the seat formerly occupied by Bob Lindahl. Vyzral was appointed to the seat after Lindahl resigned last year. Joining those candidates in the race are newcomers Corinne Pierog and Steven Spurling. In all, there are five candidates for five seats.

St. Charles

The city will have a contest for mayor that might serve as a referendum on how the city has positioned itself to weather the downturn in the economy.

Incumbent Don DeWitte announced in September his intention to seek a second term. He will tout the establishment of new business and progress in a couple of major land developments during his campaign.

In contrast, Jotham Stein spent much of last year on a bid to replace Congressman Dennis Hastert. Now he brings a desire to become St. Charles' next mayor with what seems to be the support of a few well-known faces in the community.

Stein sent out copies of the names to sign his election petitions. Those names include former Mayor Sue Klinkhamer, members of the Lencioni family and Plan Commission Chairman Todd Wallace.

Campton Township

Two-term Supervisor Neal Anderson announced Monday he's "decided to take some time off" from local politics.

Anderson said in a statement he has too many other commitments, including his daughter's upcoming college graduation and wedding, to seek re-election.

This is the first election in 16 years that Anderson, a former town board member, has not run sought office. Rounding out the ballot will be current township Trustee John Kupar, who is running uncontested for the supervisor seat.

Also running uncontested are town board incumbents Christian Boissonnas and Thomas Stutesman as well as former Campton Hills Clerk Rebecca Lambe and newcomer Greg Van Zandt.

Other incumbents who face no opposition are Town Clerk Richard Johnsen, Assessor Alan Rottmann and Highway Commissioner Sam Gallucci.

Campton Hills

It looks like April could bring the village's first quiet election.

Only incumbents filed to run for three 4-year positions on the village board: Al Lenkaitis Jr., Mike Millette and John Strauss.

The trio were first elected to 1-year terms in 2008, when Campton Hills had its first election since it controversial incorporation the year before.

Elburn

There will be a new village president since James Willey decided not to run after 12 years in office.

Village native Dave Anderson has thrown his hat into the ring and will be opposed by Village Trustee Patricia Romke. Anderson was a village trustee in Elburn, a Blackberry Township supervisor, and a member of the Kaneland School Board. For years he managed Anderson's Food Mart which was founded by his father. Anderson closed the store in 2006.

Romke, a Realtor, has lived in Elburn since 1997.

Sugar Grove

Incumbent Village President Sean Michels is seeking re-election. Michels has served in the post since December 1999. He is opposed by business consultant Perry Clark, a former village trustee and former director of the Economic Development Corp.

Geneva

Barring a write-in candidate, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns will be unopposed as he seeks his third term April 7.

Second Ward Alderman William Barclay had contemplated a run, even circulating petitions, but decided against it.

He said Monday the time was just not right for him.

Barclay, who is also giving up the alderman seat he has held for eight years, hopes to be reappointed to the city's mental health board. That position is independent of his alderman seat.

"My years of public service are not over, I'm just taking a break for a short while," Barclay said in a prepared statement.

Barclay's wife, Esther, filed for re-election last week as trustee of the Geneva Public Library.

Barclay's post could be filled by the person who had it just before him, Renee Brenner. She filed for election Monday, and will face Richard Marks, who filed last week.

Brenner was alderman from 1997 to 2001, stepping down to devote time to her work as president of the Western Avenue Elementary School PTO.

North Aurora

Candidates were required to file their petitions in December. It has a four-way race for village president: Current Trustees Max Herwig, Dale Berman, and Linda Mitchell, and Mark Vogt are all seeking to replace President John Hansen.

• Daily Herald staff writers James Fuller and Nancy Gier contributed to this report.