Incumbent wins only contested ward on Park Ridge City Council

In the only contested municipal election in Park Ridge, incumbent Fifth Ward Alderman Charles "Charlie" Melidosian won an easy victory over challenger Salvatore "Sal" Raspanti. Unofficial results show Melidosian with about 62 percent of the vote, leading by 592 votes to Raspanti's 369.

Melidosian, a lifelong city resident who has been on the board two years, said in his candidate questionnaire that his goals for the next term include continuing to maintain fiscal discipline, promoting business development, reducing the impact of flooding and investing in better infrastructure.

The city is working to address long-term flood reduction projects identified in the Stormwater Master Plan and is starting major renovations to the police station and city hall, he said.

Melidosian said he believes that working to be an environmentally green community can help resolve the city's flooding issues. Use of permeable pavement, creation of more open space and encouraging planting of new trees are examples of steps that aid in absorbing rainwater, he said.

"Green-oriented projects are also opportunities to rework the topography to reduce flooding and increase safety."