Rematch set for DuPage forest preserve board

There will be at least one contested race in the March 15 Republican primary for the DuPage County Forest Preserve Commission.

Challenger Carl Schultz of Aurora and incumbent Mary Lou Wehrli of Naperville are poised for a rematch of the 2012 GOP primary in District 5 that saw Wehrli unseat Schultz, then a 10-year veteran of the district.

District 5 includes all or parts of Aurora, Lisle, Naperville and Warrenville.

Schultz said Monday that he wants the seat back because he's unhappy with the way Wehrli has represented the district.

"This race is about my interest in being on the forest preserve commission and giving a voice again to the people of District 5," he said. "I think if you look at the accomplishments of my term versus the accomplishments of my opponent's term, there's not a lot that has been done in District 5 the last few years. I can't think of anything of significance."

Wehrli, however, said this has been the most exciting time for the forest preserve district in recent memory. She's proud of that, she said, and wants to see it through.

"We are on the brink of major cultural change and staff changes with a new executive director," she said. "It's a great time to give my best to the forest preserve and do my part to handle the issues brought before us."

So far during her first term, Wehrli says her accomplishments in District 5 include a safe trail link between Jefferson and Ogden avenues, an improved dog area at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, and land acquisitions expanding existing preserves.

She said she also voted to support online registration, an asset management plan, a merit-based salary program and the district's strategic plan.

"I'm really proud of the openness of government we've achieved and being able to now televise our meetings," she said. "I'm also proud to now have online registration for our dog parks and other programs."

Other positions up for election next year on the forest preserve commission are the District 2 and District 4 seats. Commissioner Jeff Redick of Elmhurst represents District 2 and District 4 is represented by Commissioner Tim Whelan of Wheaton. Both also filed Monday.