Des Plaines 4th Ward race pits city council veteran against newcomer
A longtime Des Plaines alderman often at odds with the city's rookie mayor is being challenged by a political newcomer who has the mayor's backing in the upcoming election.
Fourth Ward Alderman Dick Sayad has served on the city council for a total of 12 years: since 2011, and from 1999 to 2007, leaving then due to voter-imposed rules that limit elected officials to serving no more than two consecutive terms. He's being challenged by Mark Setzer, a firefighter with the East Dundee Fire Protection District.
Sayad has emphasized his accessibility to constituents — always having his phone on, answering calls even when out of the country.
He says he's passed out some 1,400 welcome packets to new 4th Ward residents over the course of 12 years. And he hosts well-attended ward meetings four times a year.
“I drive up and down the streets every day to see them, say hello to them, and find out what's going on,” Sayad said during a recent interview with the Daily Herald Editorial Board. “I have the pulse of the people.”
Setzer said he would bring a sense of unity to city government, and be respectful of others' opinions in an attempt to find common ground.
“I think it would be nice to get some new blood and new ideas and a fresh approach on the city council,” he said.
Setzer said he believes the tensions on the eight-member city council have to do with having “a young mayor with new ideas.”
“I think fundamentally in human nature, people don't like change,” Setzer said.
Bogusz, a one-time alderman, was elected mayor in April 2013 at age 26. Sayad has often clashed with Bogusz, from objections to mayoral appointments, to questioning legal bills for the city's general counsel.
Despite their disagreements, Sayad said he believes Bogusz has done “a very good job.”
“I think he's a very energetic person and he has great ideas and I'm always willing to work with him,” Sayad said. “
But you can't tell me that there's a black spot on that wall, then tell me it's red and expect me to believe it.”
Sayad said since joining the council in 1999, he's held true to a resident's request: asking the questions that she would ask.
Disagreements among aldermen at council meetings, he said, are healthy.
“To have everybody come in and say, 'Yes' and that's it, I don't think that's right,” Sayad said. “Coming in and making everybody 'Kumbaya'? No, come on.”
Setzer said he supported former Mayor Tony Arredia in the mayoral race two years ago because of his experience.
But after talking with Bogusz recently, Setzer said, “Fundamentally and in life, I can't believe how many issues we're almost on the same page about. I would've never expected this from this young guy.”
Setzer said he believes Bogusz is doing a good job as mayor, but said at the end of the day, he probably won't always agree with him.