1st Ward candidates in Des Plaines defend campaign blemishes

Both candidates for 1st Ward alderman in Des Plaines carry blemishes into Election Day.

Political newcomer Mark Lysakowski has never voted in a Des Plaines election, and Steven Mokry, a library board member, in 2013 pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from an altercation over firewood he stole in Wisconsin.

Past histories aside, the candidates aligned on a majority of issues facing the city - including hesitancy about a plan to use taxpayer money to revitalize the Des Plaines Theatre, support for keeping taxpayer-funded health insurance for city council members, and were critical of political infighting among aldermen and the mayor.

Both prioritized boosting downtown business and spurring development to spruce up the ward during an interview with the Daily Herald editorial board last week.

Lysakowski, who's lived in the city for a decade, registered to vote shortly before he filed nominating petitions with the city clerk in December. Candidates for public office must be registered to vote.

Lysakowski, who works for PepsiCo and manages the Skores Club sports bar in Harwood Heights, said starting a business and a family kept him busy. Outgoing 1st Ward Alderman Patti Haugeberg encouraged him to run, Lysakowski said, and he enjoyed involvement with local government when running his business.

"I just basically wanted to get involved because I have what it takes to move everything forward," he said. "I'm good with customer service."

Mokry criticized his opponent, describing Lysakowski as an 11th-hour candidate, because he registered to vote and run for alderman last-minute. Mokry touted his public service on the library board and previous candidacy for the aldermanic position in 2013.

"It doesn't detract from him as a candidate - if he wants to use that strategy, it's fine," Mokry said. "It detracts from the voters."

Mokry, meanwhile, admitted in a Daily Herald candidate questionnaire to pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of theft and disorderly conduct. According court records, Mokry took firewood from a property in Lafayette, Wisconsin in August 2013. The property owners confronted Mokry, who struck a woman while attempting to hit a man, according to court records.

He denies striking anyone, calling the allegation "inflammatory." Mokry said a friend gave him permission to take the firewood, and he mistakenly went to the wrong property. Mokry paid a fine after pleading guilty.

"That was a fast lesson - it was ridiculous," Mokry said. "There's a lot of sensitivity in the world right now. You've got to be careful in moments because people are very reactive."

Election Day is April 4.