Political future uncertain for failed mayoral candidates

Wheaton City Councilman John Prendiville and Carol Stream Trustee Rick Gieser knew the risk when they started their campaigns for their town’s top elected office.

With their own seats up for grabs in the same year, making a run for mayor or village president would mean stepping down from the their respective boards if they lost.

They both did and on Monday, April 18, they face their final official meeting as a member of their councils. At least for now.

“I’m only 48 years old,” said Prendiville, who lost the April 5 election to incumbent Mayor Mike Gresk. “It would be too early to hang it up. I’m very interested in the city and the fact I lost does not mean I have lost interest in the city or the desire to make it a better place.”

Before his election to city council in 2007, Prendiville said he attended many meetings and he expects to do that again.

“I don’t regret making the run, although I am sorry that I had to give up a seat to do it,” he said.

Gresk said Prendiville’s departure will be painful for the council and he hopes Prendiville remains involved in the community.

“He has always given us great insight into many issues,” he said of his opponent, who highlighted a difference in leadership styles during the campaign. “John, like many people who have a desire to serve, was willing to step up and run. He’s a very dedicated man who is focused on making Wheaton a better place to live.”

Gieser, 47, fell short in his bid to unseat Village President Frank Saverino in Carol Stream on April 5 and now will have to surrender his village board seat.

He said he doesn’t regret the run and wanted to offer residents a choice in the election. From the start, Gieser said he intended to run a clean campaign and on Friday he said he was glad he kept his word.

“There were some things to talk about and that did the community good,” he said. “Everyone complains throughout the country that campaigns are getting too negative, that we hear too much anti-candidate talk and not much about what a candidate would do. That’s what I tried to do.”

Gieser said he has thought about making another run for village board but would have to gauge whether his family and professional situation allow it.

Saverino said he hopes Gieser stays involved.

“We are losing someone who sat there eight years and did a good job,” he said. “It’s a loss. I hope he’ll be back in two years to run for trustee. Then, who knows? Maybe I’ll have to face him again. I hate to lose him. Every job we put him on, he’s done a great job.”