Suriano drops out of Des Plaines City Council race, leaving four candidates
A Des Plaines City Council candidate has dropped out of the crowded race for the 3rd Ward seat - but his name may still appear on ballots.
Robert K. Suriano is no longer seeking the post in the April 6 election because his new work hours created a conflict, he said Thursday.
Suriano's departure from the contest leaves four candidates for the 3rd Ward seat: Eugene Fregetto, Shawn T. Killian, Sean Oskerka and Norbert J. Paprocki.
In an email to the Daily Herald, Suriano endorsed Fregetto.
Term limits prevent incumbent Denise Rodd from seeking reelection.
Candidates had until Jan. 28 to withdraw in time for their names to be removed from the April ballot, city spokeswoman Jennie Vana said, and Suriano missed that deadline by filing a withdrawal form Tuesday.
Des Plaines officials sent Suriano's form to the Cook County clerk's office Wednesday, Vana said.
"It is unknown at this moment if the ballots will have his name or not," she said.
In addition to the 3rd Ward post, Des Plaines voters will decide races for mayor, city clerk and the council seats representing the 1st Ward, 5th Ward and 7th Ward this spring.
The mayor's race drew four candidates: Alderman Malcolm Chester of the 6th Ward, Alderman Andrew Goczkowski of the 8th Ward and former Alderman Michael Charewicz, also of the 8th Ward. Term limits prevent incumbent Matthew Bogusz from seeking reelection.
In the 1st Ward council race, incumbent Mark Lysakowski faces a write-in challenge from former City Clerk Gloria Ludwig.
In the 5th Ward, incumbent Carla Brookman is challenged by Jennifer Nutley.
In the 7th Ward, Christopher Wozniczka faces Patricia L. Smith. Incumbent Don Smith isn't seeking reelection.
As for clerk, newcomers Justin Cochran and Jessica M. Mastalski will face off. Incumbent Jennifer L. Tsalapatanis is stepping down.