Suess, Mouhelis, Scalzo for Wheaton council

North District: Incumbent Phil Suess makes a strong case for re-election to the Wheaton City Council. He seems sincerely attuned to the needs of the city and his district, but isn't afraid to speak up if something strikes him as wrong or misguided. Suess also vows to make sure the city is placing "emphasis on the right things." His challenger, Tom Johnson, is a good, knowledgeable candidate, but he might still be carrying some leftover baggage against Suess when the two sparred over the need to install fencing around a residential construction site in his neighborhood. We like Suess in this race.

East District: Incumbent Tom Mouhelis, seeking his third term, has done some very good things, big and small. He was the first councilman to put his home phone number on his city council business card. He pushed for Wheaton to do some kind of recognition service for all returning war veterans. He also has traveled at his expense to meet with executives of a grocery chain in California about buying the closed Jewel in downtown Wheaton, a big deal to many. For his ability to see the big and small picture, Mouhelis is endorsed. Challenger Jeanne Ives is a well-informed, forthright and articulate candidate who would make a strong council member, but Mouhelis' contributions cannot be ignored.

West District: Three strong newcomers are making a run at the council seat. We recommend Todd Scalzo, a 30-year-old attorney, who despite his relative youth has been active with a number of city groups, including the historical commission. We think his energy and enthusiasm will be a plus to the council. The other candidates are Jim McMahon and Mark Kmiecik.