Elk Grove's Johnson announces mayoral re-election bid

One of the longest-serving mayors in the Northwest suburbs is aiming to keep his position, if voters oblige next spring.

Craig Johnson of Elk Grove Village said this week he intends to seek a sixth term as mayor in the April 2017 municipal elections.

At that time, Johnson would be wrapping up 20 years in the position. Before that, he served four years as a trustee.

In 2011, Johnson pondered running in the Republican primary for the open 8th Congressional District seat at the urging of prominent political and business figures but eventually decided against it. He's also passed on opportunities to seek state office.

"Elk Grove runs government the way it should be run," Johnson said. "Not like the state. Not like the federal. They wanted to appoint me to vacant seats. I wouldn't take it. I have no desire at all. I'd be so disillusioned and so disgusted. My wife says I wouldn't last a week."

Johnson was appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner last year to the Illinois Tollway board of directors. And he has long served as chairman of the Suburban O'Hare Commission, an anti-noise advocacy group.

Johnson's day job is running Johnson Insurance Agency, the oldest continuous business in Elk Grove.

The mayor this week announced he will seek re-election along with three trustees whose terms are also due to expire in April. Pat Feichter has 20 years on the village board, Chris Prochno will have 20 years come April, and Jeff Franke will have 10 years.

Though they and Johnson aren't running as a slate, they are supportive of each other, the mayor said.

"We work very well together," he said. "We feel we've accomplished a lot for this community. We have a lot more to do."

Local candidates can begin circulating nominating petitions Sept. 20.