Gresk first to file for Wheaton mayor

Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk will have the top spot on the spring ballot when he seeks re-election.

The first-term mayor joined city council hopefuls Evelyn Pacino Sanguinetti and Jeanne Ives in filing nominating petitions Monday at city hall, kicking off the start of the weeklong filing period for candidates seeking the mayor position and two seats on the council.

Gresk faces a challenge from Councilman John Prendiville, who is expected to file his paperwork later this week.

“It's an honor to have this job and I want to do it again,” said Gresk, 60.

Meanwhile, Sanguinetti and Ives are the first candidates to officially join the race for two at-large seats on the city council, including Prendiville's vacated post.

Ives, 46, is making her second attempt to become a council member. In 2009, she tried to unseat Councilman Tom Mouhelis in the East District and lost by 47 votes.

“I feel the taxpayers still need an advocate up there who has a financial background and is interested in doing the right thing,” said Ives, a stay-at-home mom and part-time tax adviser.

Sanguinetti showed up around 7:45 a.m. Monday at city hall with her nominating petitions. The 40-year-old attorney said she wanted to be the first city council candidate to file paperwork “to show the community how important this is to me.”

“I am in this campaign to win it,” said Sanguinetti, adding that her key issues are the budget, infrastructure and flooding concerns.

By being the first to file their paperwork on Monday morning, Gresk and Sanguinetti also would get first ballot position if a Feb. 22 primary is needed. A primary would be needed only if nine at-large council member candidates and five mayor candidates emerge.

Meanwhile, the deadline for filing nominating petitions is Nov. 22.

City Clerk Emily Consolazio said a dozen people had shown interest in the elections, including Gresk and Prendiville.

One potential city council candidate is Wheaton Center for History CEO Alberta Adamson, who has been circulating petitions to appear on the ballot, according to her friends.

Councilwoman Liz Corry, who has the paperwork needed to seek re-election, hasn't officially announced her intentions.