Newcomers trying to unseat two incumbents in Elmhurst

Two incumbents seeking re-election to seats on the Elmhurst City Council say they want to build on the progress that's been made over the past four years.

But their opponents in the April 2 election say they would do a better job of listening to residents.

Elmhurst has two aldermen representing each of seven wards, and the terms of one alderman from each of those wards expire this spring. Incumbents are running unopposed in five of the wards.

However, incumbent Mark Sabatino is being challenged by Elizabeth "Liz" Ambrogi in the First Ward and incumbent Noel Talluto is being challenged by Mark Anglewicz in the Fourth Ward.

During recent endorsement sessions with the Daily Herald, Sabatino, Ambrogi, Talluto and Anglewicz talked about their reasons for running.

Sabatino said he wants to be a part of Elmhurst's continued success.

"I think we've done great things in terms of business development, economic development and increasing our sales tax revenue over the last four years," said Sabatino, a commercial real estate executive who has served as a First Ward alderman since 2015. "Our home values are up over 30 percent over the past four years. We've refinanced debt, saving taxpayers over $4.5 million."

He said one of the biggest challenges will be finding enough revenue to improve infrastructure, pay for expenses and fund pensions.

And with a reduction in the amount of state income tax revenue municipalities receive, Sabatino said the city will need creative thinking and problem-solving.

Sabatino said he has the experience and skills to help.

"The intricacies of local government are not something that you learn overnight," he said.

Ambrogi said she's challenging Sabatino because she wants to be "a better voice" for residents.

If elected, she said she would bring a fresh, new perspective.

"I would make the best decisions when voting on issues for the city," said Ambrogi, an executive assistant. "And I would not be swayed by anybody."

In the Fourth Ward, Anglewicz said communication is a key issue in his race against Talluto.

"I've talked to a lot of folks who have been frustrated," said Anglewicz, who is president of his own company. "They've had a hard time getting a response out of her."

If elected, Anglewicz said he would actively reach out to residents to hear their concerns and get feedback.

For example, he would host quarterly meetings with residents in the ward.

"We could get together and talk about issues," Anglewicz said, adding the goal would be to "include the public in the decision-making process as much as possible."

But Talluto, who was elected in 2015, says a lot has been accomplished over the past four years.

"We're reducing taxes here. We're increasing our services. And we're communicating better with residents," she said. "I would like to have the honor to continue that track record moving forward."

During her time on the board, Talluto said she has become "a better advocate" for issues her constituents think are important.

"Those of us who have served have learned a lot," she said. "We've gone through the budget process. I feel that I am much more effective."