Wheaton mayor to run unopposed; 4 file for council seats

Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk will run unopposed in the April election, but the race for the city council's at-large seats is a little more crowded.

City Clerk Sharon Barrett-Hagen said four candidates will appear on the ballot for the two seats, which are both for 4-year terms. They include:

• Tony Lyons, who has served on the city's environmental improvement commission.

• Incumbent John Prendiville, who is seeking a third term. Evelyn Pacino Sanguinetti, who currently holds the other at-large position, is expected to resign before her swearing in as Illinois' lieutenant governor in January.

• Attorney Ronald Almiron, who ran for the DuPage County Board District 4 seat earlier this year.

• Suzanne Fitch, an attorney and 5-year member of the city's planning and zoning board.

Gresk said he is running for a third mayoral term because he enjoys what he does and thinks there's more he can do to improve the city.

"It's the world's greatest volunteer job," he said. "We're going to run on our record of accomplishment."

Lyons said he wants to get more involved in the city now that he is retired.

"I'm from the education field and would like to bring a different perspective to add to the council," he said before filing last week.

Almiron and Fitch submitted their nomination petitions Monday, which was the last day of filing in Wheaton and three other DuPage County towns.

Fitch said she has experience in municipal law and has gained experience on the planning and zoning board that she thinks will be helpful in serving on the city council.

"That is sort of a natural transition," she said. "I thought this would be a great opportunity because Evelyn's seat now will become vacant."

Almiron could not immediately be reached for comment.