Wood Dale mayoral candidates debate finances

The two candidates in Wood Dale's mayoral race have differing opinions about why the city has no debt and healthy cash reserves when other communities are struggling with finances.

Incumbent Kenneth Johnson says the city has lived within its means during his 13 years as mayor. And while there have been challenges caused by the recession, Wood Dale has maintained its string of balanced budgets.

“There have been no layoffs or cuts in services,” said Johnson, who is seeking a fourth term. “The streets still get plowed because we have enough employees and equipment.”

But Johnson's opponent in Tuesday's election — Alderman Annunziato “Nunzio“ Pulice — says there have been higher costs for residents. He points to a series of annual water rate hikes, including one scheduled to take effect in May.

“We're balancing the budget with increases,” Pulice said. “We don't have to make tough decisions up there (on the dais). I am going to try to hold the line and stop these automatic increases in the water rates.”

Johnson said the rate hike is needed because the DuPage Water Commission, which provides Lake Michigan water to more than two dozen communities, is increasing its prices. He said Pulice's plan to leave Wood Dale's rates unchanged would require the city to use reserve cash to pay for water.

Pulice says he sees nothing wrong with that.

“We're bragging about how much money we have,” he said. “So why are the water rates going up?”

In the meantime, Pulice said the city plans to spend about $335,000 to install ornamental lighting along Wood Dale Road.

“What would you do if you're a resident of Wood Dale?” Pulice said. “Would you rather us finish the ornamental lights or hold the line on your water bill for a year?”

Johnson said one alternative the city could pursue is to mix water from its two deep wells with lake water. While the idea would lower rates for residents, the city would need to get permission from the water commission to use the wells. And there's no guarantee the commission would agree to it.

In addition to water rates, Pulice said he wants to stop a proposed underpass from being built near the intersection of Irving Park and Wood Dale roads. He argues the location, which includes two railroad crossings, isn't as dangerous as it used to be.

In fact, he said he believes a proposed bypass road that would link Wood Dale and Irving Park roads by running beneath the railroad tracks would lead to flooding.

“It's just a waste of money,” Pulice said of the underpass.

Johnson says he can't take a position on the project because it calls for using some land he owns.

Still, he points out he was the person who called for the city to seek community feedback. As a result, an advisory question on Tuesday's ballot will ask voters whether the city should proceed with planning and construction of “a grade separation” at the intersection.

One fact Pulice didn't dwell on while talking about the campaign is that he led an attempt to censure Johnson.

Johnson narrowly avoided the reprimand from the council in September for falling more than $9,000 behind his monthly payments for health insurance offered through the city. He has repaid all the money.

Pulice said the controversy is one reason he's running for mayor. “I don't want to serve under someone who has me thinking, ‘What's going on? Is there something I don't know?'”

Johnson admits he made a mistake.

“I have some financial problems in this economy that spilled over into my relationship with the city,” said Johnson, who is an attorney. “It's absolutely, totally my fault.”

He said he hopes the issue doesn't overshadow what he's accomplished as mayor.

“I hope they (voters) will look at where Wood Dale is at now,” he said, “and who is best able to lead Wood Dale in the future.”