Two trustees vie for Villa Park village president

Two sitting Villa Park trustees are vying to be the town's next village president.

Nick Cuzzone and Robert "Bob" Wagner are both taking a risk to succeed outgoing Village President Albert "Al" Bulthuis. Cuzzone and Wagner are not seeking reelection to the Villa Park board of trustees, and their terms expire in April.

Cuzzone and Wagner both stressed that Villa Park's recovery from COVID-19 would be a top goal if elected. They both cited how the many infrastructure projects involving streets and water main replacements were delayed last year due to safety concerns over the pandemic.

Wagner and Cuzzone also would be tasked with overseeing Villa Park's efforts to build a new recreation center.

The candidates emphasized that bringing new businesses to Villa Park would be of utmost importance. They would seek to simplify the village's permitting process.

"Bob and I have similar goals for the village," Cuzzone said. "Just different ways of going about it."

Cuzzone said he would work with the economic development and community development departments. He said he favors attracting more restaurants and retail businesses for their sales tax revenues.

Wagner suggested that Villa Park should consider joining the International Council of Shopping Centers trade group. He said it would help to get more diversity in economic development and to market the village's available spaces.

Wagner also wants to capitalize on Villa Park businesses that are in proximity to major trails. That's why Wagner started a subcommittee to make the village more friendly for cyclists and pedestrians.

"It also ties into economic development," Wagner said. "We can develop that infrastructure and make it safer."

As Villa Park residents since the 1980s, both Cuzzone and Wagner added that their civic involvement goes beyond their time on the village board.

Cuzzone emphasized his work with the Knights of Columbus and the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation. Meanwhile, Wagner emphasized his 15 years with the Villa Park library board, at times serving as its president and treasurer.

As a small-business owner, Cuzzone said his customer relations skills would be helpful if elected. Wagner touted his ability to be a full-time village president now that he is retired.