Colleagues vie for top office in Maple Park

Don't expect any name-calling in the race for Maple Park village president this spring.

Both candidates on the April 7 ballot say the other has a good track record in the community.

"We both really care about the village and its people," said Village Trustee Kathleen Curtis, who is challenging incumbent Ross Dueringer. "We're both looking out for the town."

Dueringer, a local business owner and former trustee, is seeking election to a second 4-year term as village president. Curtis, an accountant, has been a village trustee for four years and heads the finance committee.

Both candidates are campaigning on platforms of fiscal responsibility, saying the village must position itself for success after the economy rebounds.

"I don't believe, at this particular juncture, we need to be spending money when we don't have any coming in," Dueringer said. "We've got to watch our nickels and dimes."

According to both Dueringer and Curtis, the development slowdown has hit Maple Park particularly hard. And with less money coming into the village, it becomes increasingly difficult to fund important infrastructure projects, such as $1.5 million in repairs to a storm sewer system that has experienced major flooding.

"Infrastructure will be hard to address, but it is certainly at the forefront," Curtis said. "We need to position ourselves to look at those and find funding to get them done."

Curtis cited her work on a recent special census, which doubled the village's population and per-capita state revenue, as an accomplishment. She said she also improved the handling of village investments and department budgets, resulting in Maple Park's "first clean financial audit ever."

Both candidates were involved in setting the village's first impact fees on new development.

If elected, Curtis, 44, said she would lead a discussion on village development guidelines so the community is prepared when the markets recover.

"Maple Park is in a position where things are quiet right now and we don't have developers banging on the door," she said. "That will give us an opportunity to make sure our office is in order."

Dueringer, 66, agreed infrastructure and development are priorities. He cited his efforts toward securing federal stimulus funds and the annexation of two subdivisions on his watch as examples of his experience in those areas.

Dueringer, who also played a large role in the special census, said other accomplishments included property annexation, the creation of a village newsletter, road improvements and efforts to spruce up properties that "looked shabby."

"I ruffle a lot of feathers," he said. "But I'm not ashamed of anything I've done. I'm happy with what went on here the last couple of years and hope to continue."

As for Curtis, Dueringer said he was the one who put her in charge of village finances. "She's done a good job," he said. "I don't have anything against her."

Curtis said she believes both candidates have something to offer the village.

"The town is in good hands no matter who wins," she said.