Three candidates vie for Lombard village president post

A sitting trustee and a political newcomer are challenging Lombard Village President William Mueller for his seat in the April 7 election.

Trustee Richard "Rick" Soderstrom and Sam Jaber, who runs his family's minimart, are joining the race for the village president's seat in the coming election.

"I'm capable, qualified. I'm committed to do the job," said Soderstrom, who has served eight years as village trustee. "Bill's served for 16 years and he's done a good job, but I feel now is a good time for a change."

Jaber agrees it's time for change, but he advocates a younger, fresher perspective of someone who's got the view of the "regular people of Lombard."

In this struggling economy, the community needs a leader with experience, Mueller says.

"We need stability, especially in these rough times," he said. "I provide that stability."

Jaber, who worked as a mechanic for six years before taking over the family minimart, said he thinks the village could benefit from a new perspective.

Jaber said he decided to run for village president after hearing about a 16-year-old mayor in Michigan.

"It motivated me to get involved, get my feet wet in local politics in the community and try to improve it," said Jaber, 28.

Jaber says he knows what people want because he hears from residents regularly when they stop by the store. He welcomes challenges.

After several years on the Lombard Park Board and eight years as trustee, Soderstrom, 59, says he's ready for the village president's post. He's served on various village committees and watched Mueller in action for several years.

"I've learned the ropes," he said. "The timing is right for me personally, professionally and economically. I want to be coordinator and facilitator of the village board."

Soderstrom said his style of leadership is more hands-off than Mueller.

"Bill has been a good mayor, but our form of government is not mayor, it's village manager. Bill is more hands-on."

Mueller, 73, contends he's still the best man for the job. He has been guiding the community through good times and through these latest challenges, so he has the best experience, he says.

During his tenure, he has worked with different boards, navigated personalities and political differences, and guided them to reach common ground on many issues.

"I don't have to learn anything," he said.

Since Mueller is retired, he also has the needed time to devote to the job, he says. That means being available to residents and business owners as well as being involved in community and business groups, he said.

However, he says, being involved doesn't mean micromanaging.

"I don't interfere with any day-to-day operations. I've never attended a staff meeting," he said. "I take my job very seriously. The board is a guiding force. The village president is that link between the board and the staff, to be sure we get accomplished what we set forth."