Endorsement: Scott A. Brown for Wheaton City Council North District

Two candidates are vying for one, 4-year seat on the Wheaton City Council North District. Incumbent Scott A. Brown is facing challenger Syed Hussain, who serves on Wheaton's Historic Commission.

Brown, a city council member since 2021, points to Wheaton’s strong financial position as one of few communities in Illinois to maintain a AAA bond rating, and how the city has not raised its tax levy for six consecutive years. During his tenure, he says, the council has built fund balances to address flooding issues and to improve the city’s aging sewer and sanitary systems.

Hussain says he’ll bring a fresh perspective and new ideas, as well as professional skills from 20-plus years as a leader in technology and business. He believes the city’s conservative fiscal posture hides its aging infrastructure and higher overall costs since the pandemic. He would like to promote growth while retaining that which makes Wheaton special, such as the facade of the Wheaton Grand Theater.

The more pragmatic Brown says the property is unlikely to reopen as a theater and, as an idle property, contributes a lower amount in taxes. He says it needs to be brought to life by a developer with vision as another type of venue, possibly for live concerts or even as a boutique hotel, while dealing with the challenge of limited parking.

Brown and Hussain are in agreement on the qualities needed in a new city manager to replace the soon-to-retire Mike Dzugan, who they say has done a great job and has been generous with his knowledge and time. They agree Dzugan’s replacement needs to be someone who will work in tandem with the council and city staff.

Both candidates say they want to see the positive momentum continue in Wheaton as the city addresses its aging infrastructure. Brown’s experience gives him the edge, and Brown is endorsed.