Des Plaines aldermen Robinson, Sayad, Charewicz file for re-election
At least three incumbent Des Plaines aldermen will try to hold onto their seats in the upcoming spring election.
On the first day candidates were allowed to file their nomination papers at the city clerk's office, 2nd Ward Alderman Jack Robinson, 4th Ward Alderman Dick Sayad and 8th Ward Alderman Mike Charewicz were among the first to file, allowing them to have the top spot on the ballot in their respective races.
So far, no one has officially filed papers to run against them, though it's expected others may join the races between now and the close of the filing period at 5 p.m. next Monday.
In the 6th Ward, Herman Zelk, a past president of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, filed papers Monday morning to get on the ballot. Current Alderman Mark Walsten will be forced to step down after eight years on the council due to term limits.
Those running in even-number ward races are seeking four-year terms. An election will be held for a two-year unexpired term in the 7th Ward.
So far, Bob Porada has filed papers to get on the ballot in that race. Current Alderman Don Smith has previously said he plans to run for election. He was appointed to the seat by Mayor Matt Bogusz after the death of 29-year-old Alderman Joanna Sojka in August.
Porada, an attorney, said earlier this month he believes he wasn't reappointed to his position on the zoning board of appeals by Bogusz as political retribution, after Porada began circulating nominating papers for alderman. Porada also said he thinks he wasn't reappointed because of his criticism of the mayor's choice for city administrative hearing officer - a position Porada had sought.