Three announce bid for DuPage board chair

State Sen. Dan Cronin started Wednesday as the first candidate expected to announce plans to run for DuPage County Board chairman.

By the time Elmhurst Republican made it official with an evening rally, he was in a three-person race.

State Sen. Carole Pankau of Itasca said she's also looking to replace Chairman Robert Schillerstrom, who is vacating the seat to run for governor.

And Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso kicked off his campaign for chairman by announcing he already has financial commitments of more than $100,000 and endorsements from eight mayors.

Still, Wednesday night belonged to Cronin.

More than 300 supporters, including a list of DuPage GOP heavyweights, attended his event in Lombard.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to go and demonstrate the model government - the way things should be done," Cronin told the cheering crowd at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center hotel.

Cronin said his priorities will include maintaining public safety, improving education and ensuring that government is transparent and accountable. He also promised to "usher in a new era of collaboration."

"I look forward to sitting down with the county board members," Cronin said. "I want to take that same spirit of communication and cooperation and reaching out to the mayors.

"There's no reason under the sun why we shouldn't be doing singularly what's best for citizens and taxpayers," he added.

Meanwhile, Cronin's opponents highlighted what they feel will become the top issue: the county's budget.

"We need to be able to look that taxpayer in the eye and say, 'I have spent every dollar you sent me wisely,'" said Pankau, who has served four years as a state senator, 12 years as a state representative and eight years as a county board member. "To do that, you have to measure your programs and see if you are using the money efficiently and effectively."

Grasso said his "track record of success" in Burr Ridge has included holding the line on spending. He said he would work to trim fat from the budget while maintaining the same level of county services.

Whether more DuPage Republicans enter the race remains to be seen. County board members Pat O'Shea, Brien Sheahan, Jerry "JR" McBride and Debra Olson all said they're considering it.

But the field is narrowing. Despite early speculation, former Illinois House Speaker Lee Daniels isn't expected to come out of political retirement and enter the race.

And county board members Jim Zay and Paul Fichtner have decided not to run for chairman. Zay said he's supporting Cronin.

"I think he's got dedication," Zay said. "He's not politically motivated. He really wants to work and do good things here in DuPage County and keep our quality of life."

Addison Township GOP Chairman Pat Durante said Cronin is a formidable candidate because he has name recognition and is a strong fundraiser. "By crunch campaign time, he'll have $1 million," Durante predicted.

Still, Pankau and Grasso say they aren't deterred.

"I wouldn't be doing this unless I was very confident that I could raise the money and put together a team that's going to get my message out across the county," Grasso said.

When asked why she wanted to run for county chairman, Pankau said, "These opportunities don't come along very often.

"So you have to look where you can make the best contribution," Pankau said. "I truly feel I can make a valuable contribution to the people of DuPage County."

Bid: Former state House speaker not expected to enter race

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=308843">DuPage County Board chairman scorecard<span class="date"> [7/22/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>