Spring mayoral contests take shape
Area candidates declare intentions, collect signatures
While voters are focused on the presidential election and other contests to be decided in November, several south suburban mayors and challengers are looking ahead to consolidated elections in the spring.
Tuesday was the first day that candidates in the April 6 election were able to begin collecting signatures for nominating petitions. Petitions are filed in November or December, depending on whether the municipality has provisions requiring a Feb. 23 election to win now the field if multiple candidates file.
Several municipal leaders and hopefuls have already announced their intentions. Flossmoor Mayor Paul Braun announced this week he will not seek a fourth term. Resident Michelle Nelson, who serves on the village’s zoning board and is active in numerous community efforts, has publicly launched a bid for mayor.
This month, longtime Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland announced hewould retire in the spring after serving four terms. Villages trustees John Clavio and Keith Ogle have announced they will seek to replace him.
Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta said Thursday he intends to seek another term. Hewas first elected mayor in 2013. He recently pleaded not guilty to criminal corruption allegations related to a probe of red-light cameras.
State Rep. Thaddeus Jones announced thisweek he is running formayor of Calumet City. He has represented the 29th District since 2010 and previously served four terms as 3rdWard alderman in Calumet City.
Michelle Markiewicz Qualk in-bush, who has been Calumet City’s mayor since 2003, intends to seek another term, a spokeswoman said Thursday.
Palos Hills Mayor Jerry Bennett has served since 1981, the year Ronald Reagan was sworn in as president of the United States. Bennett said Thursday to intends
to seek another term in 2021.
First-term Orland Park MayorKeith Pekau said Thursday he intends to seek a second term. Orland Township Supervisor PaulO’Grady said he is running for another term as supervisor and has ruled out a bid for mayor.
Village Trustee Jim Dodge said hewas considering a run for Orland Park mayor. Liz Gorman, a former Cook County commissioner and former executive director of the Illinois Tollway, said several supporterswere recruiting her to run.
“I’m being encouraged by many residents that previously supported Pekau, along with leaders of community groups and local officials,” Gorman said. “I’m seriously considering it but I have yet to make upmy mind.”
Jacob Vandenberg, first-term mayor of Tinley Park, declined to say whether he intends to seek a second term.
“I don’t have a comment on that just yet,” Vandenberg said Thursday.
Similarly, Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury said shewouldwait until October to announce whether she intends to seek a third term. Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton, who has been in office since 2001, said he was undecided about seeking another term.
HomewoodMayor RichHofeld said he planned to seek a seventh term as mayor. He has led the village since 1997.
DoltonMayor Riley Rogers said Thursday he plans to run for a third term. Riverdale Mayor Lawrence Jackson and LynwoodMayor Gene Williams intend to seek reelection, representatives said.
Blue Island City Clerk RandyHeuser said intends to run for mayor. Domingo Vargas, who is serving his second term as mayor, did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment.
First-termMayor
Roger Agpawa intends to seek a second term as the top elected official in
Markham. Agpawawon the election in 2017 but was unable to take office for 18months while he fought to resolve issues about his ineligibility to serve because of a felony conviction.
Sheila Y. ChalmersCurrin plans to run for a second stint asmayor of Matteson, a spokesman said Thursday. Tyrone Ward plans to seek another term as mayor of Robbins and Derrick Burgess plans to run again for mayor of SaukVillage. AlsipMayor John Ryan said he planned to seek a second term.
“I’m fortunate to have great employees who help keep this village safe, efficient and looking beautiful,” Ryan said.
LansingMayor Patty Eidam intends to run again, a spokeswoman said. MidlothianMayor Gary L’Heureux said he is planning to seek another term. Thornton Mayor BobKolosh said he plans to file for another fouryear term.
Chicago RidgeMayor Chuck Tokar, Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry, LemontMayor John Egofske, Oak ForestMayorHankKuspa, Olympia FieldsMayor Sterling Burke, SouthHolland MayorDonDeGraff and Worth MayorMaryWerner did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for comment.
Several south suburban communities elected mayors in 2019 who are set to serve until 2023. Among them are Steven Landek in Bridgeview, David Gonzalez in ChicagoHeights, James Ford in Country Club Hills, Christopher Clark in Harvey, MikeHowley in Hickory Hills, George Yukich inHomer Glen, Tim Baldermann inNew Lenox, Jonathan Vanderbilt in Park Forest, John Mahoney in Palos Park and Joseph Roudez III in University Park.
In addition to deciding mayoral contests, the spring elections also will determine several township offices, school board seats, library and park board positions, seats on community college district boards and fire protection district boards, along with other public offices and referendum.