Itasca candidates question is village needs fixing

The main debate among seven candidates running for three seats on the Itasca village board is whether the village needs some fixing, or whether it is a Mayberry-style gem that must be maintained.

Political newcomers Laura Valavicius, Marty Lundeen and James Capone, who are running on the Citizens for Itasca slate, said the village needs new leaders to improve communication with residents and to tackle flooding and sewer problems that haven't been adequately addressed by the current board. Their party is joined by village president candidate Tom Reynolds, a current trustee, and clerk candidate Nancy Bass.

"We have heard from many residents about the lack of communication," Valavicius said. "The board needs to strengthen their bond with residents.

Valavicius and Lundeen said recent board discussions about televising meetings and posting meeting agendas online are a good start, but board members must be more accessible during meetings and seek out input from both residents and businesses.

Independent candidate Patrick Wartan shares this view and said his main goal in running is to "remove the disconnect between residents and the village board." Wartan also advocates for curb and gutter improvements to reduce flooding, as well as a bidding process for village projects that is open to a greater number of firms.

Incumbent Trustees Jeff Aiani and Mike Latoria said the current board not only listens to residents, but reacts by making changes such as amending ordinances, moving resident comments to the top of meeting agendas and seeking citizen input on downtown development and traffic. They are part of the Itasca First party with Frank Madaras, who has never held public office, Trustee Jeff Pruyn, who is running for village president, and village clerk candidate Melody Craven.

"Our goal as a board is to meet the needs of residents who are not happy," Latoria said. "We believe we are on the right path, but everything can be improved. We are not set in stone."

Itasca First candidates said they share their opponents' concern for easing flooding issues and improving infrastructure while maintaining a balanced budget amid the current recession. They said they also hope to maintain Itasca's "Mayberry-style" charm by protecting homes and businesses from plans to widen Irving Park and Thorndale Roads and from noise due to the runway expansion at O'Hare International Airport.