7th Ward candidates debate in Des Plaines
The candidates for 7th Ward alderman in Des Plaines outlined their differences on the issues Monday, from whether there should be a new fire station within the north side ward to whether city department heads should be required to live within city limits.
Incumbent Don Smith and challenger Bob Porada, who spoke during a 90-minute forum hosted by Des Plaines VFW Post 2992 at the Frisbie Senior Center, are seeking election to a 2-year term on the council. Smith was appointed to the seat in October by Mayor Matt Bogusz after the death of 29-year-old Alderman Joanna Sojka. Smith was alderman from 1997 to 2009 until term limits forced him out.
Smith has said in campaign literature, and again on Monday, that he supports revisiting a proposal for a fourth city fire station on Central Road in an effort to provide added protection for north side residents. A referendum campaign in opposition to the plan at least a decade ago helped put the issue to rest, and Smith said it's likely the plan won't resurface in the foreseeable future because of the cost.
But he still views a potential fourth fire station as a positive.
Porada, who is opposed to a new station, said it would cost $10 million to build and $2 million to staff.
On the issue of residency for department heads, Smith said he agreed with the council's 2013 vote to remove the requirement because he believes it allows the city to attract "the best and brightest," though he thinks the city manager should live in town.
Porada said he thinks anyone who gets a job as a department head should be given a year to move into Des Plaines, which he says boasts a diverse housing stock and good schools and parks.
"There really is not a reason to say that 'Des Plaines isn't the place for me,'" Porada said.
On Alderman Denise Rodd's proposal to end city health insurance for elected officials, Porada is in favor of the benefit being offered, but he believes the person being insured should cover 100 percent of the costs. He said he wouldn't take the insurance if he's elected.
Smith took the insurance for the 12 years he was on council but doesn't now and says he doesn't plan to if elected in April. He said he's undecided on Rodd's proposal and wants to keep an open mind.
Porada criticized Smith as "indecisive" and "wishy-washy," while Smith says he's brought a "balanced, thoughtful approach" to the council.
The VFW is sponsoring one more forum, for candidates in the 6th Ward, at 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, at the Arndt Park Fieldhouse, 1990 White St.