Only one candidate at forum in Des Plaines
Only incumbent Dick Sayad attended a 4th Ward alderman candidates forum Monday night hosted by VFW Post 2992 in Des Plaines.
His opponent in April's election, Mark Setzer, told the forum's organizer in a Jan. 28 email that he had a prior commitment: a meeting of his son's Cub Scout pack.
VFW Post Cmdr. Mike Lake, who organized the 4th Ward forum at Golf Road Baptist Church, said Setzer wasn't "putting the residents first" even though he pledged to do so in answers to a Daily Herald questionnaire and campaign literature.
"It's a character issue," Lake said. "It shows a lack of character and leadership."
Sayad, who has represented the west side Des Plaines ward for 12 years, took questions from Lake and residents during the forum, which lasted more than an hour.
In a phone interview after the event, Setzer didn't directly respond to Lake's criticisms but stood by his decision not to attend.
"It's more important to be with my son. Family's more important," said Setzer, an East Dundee firefighter who has the support of Mayor Matt Bogusz in the election. "I did email Mr. Lake and told him I couldn't attend because I had a prior commitment and he never responded back. It's kind of funny because the VFW never has done this before in Des Plaines for an alderman race. He never gave makeup dates."
Setzer said he is planning to attend an interview with the Daily Herald Editorial Board Tuesday and a debate March 25 at city hall.
The VFW is hosting a forum for 7th Ward candidates next Monday, and one for the 6th Ward candidates March 2.