Palatine incumbents running unopposed

Unless a write-in candidate emerges, each of Palatine's five elected village officials up for re-election in the spring will run unopposed.

Mayor Jim Schwantz, Village Clerk Marg Duer and Councilmen Tim Millar, Greg Solberg and Brad Helms were the only candidates to submit their nominating paperwork before the Monday deadline.

"It's extremely humbling knowing the residents trust us to fill another four-year term," Schwantz said. "(Palatine) deserves the best and we'll continue to try to give that to them each and every day by providing the services necessary to keep our community safe."

Schwantz was first elected mayor in 2009 and - barring a write-in challenge - will begin serving his third term in the spring. The former NFL player works in Palatine as the national account sales manager of Von Sydow's Moving & Storage and co-hosts the Chicago Bears pre- and postgame shows on WBBM radio.

Duer, a retired teacher, has served as village clerk since 1989. She is seeking her eighth 4-year term.

Millar, who represents District 1, was elected to the council in 2013. He previously served on the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 board for eight years.

Solberg, who represents District 4, started on the council in 1987. He is a registered accountant who works for the securities department for the Illinois secretary of state.

Helms, who represents District 6, was first elected to the council in 2005. He is the golf course superintendent at Palatine Hills Golf Course.

According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, write-in candidates must file their paperwork by Feb. 3, which is 61 days before the April 4 election.