DuPage Co. mayoral races taking shape
April won't be a cakewalk for many area mayors and village presidents looking to keep their jobs.
The last day of candidate filing ended Monday with mayoral contests taking shape in many DuPage County communities.
Here's a quick look:
Aurora
Incumbent Thomas Weisner is seeking a second term, in the face of opposition from two sitting aldermen: Third Ward Alderman Stephanie Kifowit and Alderman at Large Richard Irvin. All three filed in December. Weisner said his campaign will focus on the city's reduced crime and increased quality of life. Kifowit is running on her belief that the city needs to change to a city manager form of government. Irvin said his campaign will focus on the economy and employment.
Addison
An Addison police sergeant, Joe Lullo, is looking to unseat longtime mayor Larry Hartwig, who is seeking his fourth term. Hartwig says now isn't a time for change in leadership. "A lot has been accomplished and we have made good on our promise of bringing change to Addison," Hartwig said. Lullo serves as a school board member in Addison Elementary District 4.
Bensenville
Longtime Village President John Geils is facing opposition from Frank Soto. Soto successfully knocked Geils off the ballot eight years ago, but lost the election when Geils ran as a write-in. Soto is running as part of a slate of candidates trying to unseat Geils and several incumbent trustees.
Bloomingdale
Incumbent Village President Robert "Bob" Iden will be unopposed.
Glen Ellyn
An independent hopeful will take on the candidate chosen by the Civic Betterment Party.
Gary Fasules, a former village trustee, filed Monday to run for president against Mark Pfefferman, a village trustee from 2003 to 2007, who is leading the Civic Betterment Party slate. Fasules said he wants to concentrate on problems developing from budgetary shortfalls. Pfefferman said he wants to create a vision for the village and make sure government is transparent.
Glendale Heights
Village President Linda Jackson will be unopposed.
Itasca
With village President Claudia "Gigi" Gruber preparing to step down, two longtime trustees will vie for her post. Trustee Tom Reynolds said he will focus on trying to rebuild infrastructure and tackle flooding issues while being mindful of the village's strained finances. Trustee Jeff Pruyn said his financial background as an accountant will help Itasca succeed despite its current decreasing revenue.
Lisle
Incumbent Joseph Broda, bidding for a third term, faces a challenge from political newcomer Gary Ledvora. Ledvora is an accountant who says he's troubled by the village's adoption of a 5 percent utility tax and questions about the cost of downtown improvements. "As a taxpayer there doesn't seem to be much representation," he said. Broda said the village faces a number of economic challenges and "we're tightening our belts." He said improvements downtown will be "a tremendous asset."
Lombard
Trustee Rick Soderstrom and political newcomer Sam Jaber will challenge longtime Village President William Mueller. Mueller says his four terms as president are what the village needs in these economic times. Soderstrom said he's gained much experience during his tenure as trustee. Jaber, 28, says he can bring youthful enthusiasm and direct connections to residents through his family's business.
Oakbrook Terrace
With Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Thomas Mazaika stepping down, two candidates have surfaced to replace him. Alderman James E. Bojan is running against the city's police pension board President Tony Ragucci.
Roselle
Village President Gayle Smolinski will be unopposed.
Villa Park
Village President Joyce Stupegia will square off against two sitting trustees, Albert Bulthuis and Tom Cullerton. Stupegia touts her political experience, while Bulthuis says his business experience will benefit the village. Cullerton said he offers political experience and a younger perspective.
Warrenville
Mayor David Brummel will be unopposed.
Winfield
An already crowded village president race got a fourth candidate Monday when Trustee Angel Oakley announced her candidacy. "Winfield needs fresh leadership," Oakley said. "We need improved communications, a shared vision and a strong board united to put the people before the politics and work together for the betterment of the community." Two other challengers are trying to unseat first-term Village President Rudy Czech. Trustee Deborah Birutis and Community High School District 94 school board President Tony Reyes filed last week along with Czech.
West Chicago
Mayor Michael Kwasman will be unopposed.
Mayoral seats in Carol Stream, Naperville, Oak Brook, Wheaton and Wood Dale are not up for election this spring.