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Bartlett village president won’t seek full term

Bartlett Village President Michael Airdo announced Tuesday he will not run for the office in the spring 2013 election, but at least one current member of the village board is interested in the position.

Airdo said he knew when he sought re-election as a trustee in 2009 it was going to be his final term on the village board.

“I wrangled with whether or not I was going to run last time just because of my law practice,” he said, referring to the demands of his job as an attorney for Kopon Airdo, LLC. “Now I realize it’s just impossible and I think it’s time. It’s good to have change.”

Trustees appointed Airdo village president in December, shortly after his predecessor, Michael Kelly, resigned.

Trustee Patricia Kelly — who in April filled the trustee spot left vacant by Airdo’s appointment — said she is circulating petitions to run for village president.

“I just feel this is another step in which I can give back and keep being an advocate for Bartlett,” she said, adding that her time as a trustee has given her insight into issues the community is facing. “Prior administrations have done wonderful things. I want to make sure it continues.”

Several village sources said a member of the town’s economic development commission also is planning to run for village president, but he could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Trustees Dennis Nolan and Frank Napolitano, along with village clerk Lorna Giless, also are up for re-election. Napolitano said he will be seeking a second term, but has no interest in running for village president. Nolan could not be reached for comment.

Both Napolitano and Kelly said they believe Airdo has done a good job while on the board, but they were not surprised by his decision.

“He’s been under the microscope,” Napolitano said. “(Being village president has) probably been different than what he expected it would be.”

During his nearly 12 years on the village board, Airdo said he was pleased to see continued economic development, bond rating increases, the creation of the Brewster Creek Business Park, removal of plans for a power plant and, more recently, the start of road resurfacing work and the annexation of the BAPS Hindu temple.

“I am very proud of the accomplishments of the entire village board,” he said.

Anyone wishing to run for village president, trustee or clerk can pick up nominating petitions at village hall, 228 S. Main St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Petitions must be filed with the clerk between Dec. 17-24.

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