Finally, some competition for Batavia park board

For a while there, John Tilmon was guaranteed to win election to the Batavia park board, even if he was the only person in the district to vote for him.

As of Jan. 26, the last day to file petitions to be on the April 7 ballot, he was the only person who wanted to be elected to the board. Tilmon filed for a full six-year term; nobody filed to fill out the remaining two years of former commissioner Phil Elfstrom's term.

Now, however, there are contested races for both seats, as three men filed applications to run as write-in candidates.

Gary Foiles is seeking the two-year term.

Commissioner Alan Leard, whose six-year term expires April 30, also decided to seek the 2-year term. Leard was appointed to the board in 2001 and won re-election in 2003.

"When I found out nobody was running, I thought, I have an opportunity to step up and serve the community," said Foiles.

He is a 20-year resident of Batavia and is programs manager for the Naperville Park District. He is also a member of the Batavia Parks Foundation, a nonprofit group that raises money for park facilities and programs.

Ott, who is seeking the six-year term opposite Tilmon, could not be reached for comment.

Messages were left for Leard.