Southland mayoral candidates circulating nominating papers
BY SUSAN DEMAR LAFFERTY slafferty@southtownstar.com September 23, 2012 10:02PM
Updated: November 2, 2012 6:04AM
With all the focus on the presidential election in less than six weeks, mayoral candidates quietly have begun circulating their nominating papers for their April 9 election.
Mayors in most south suburbs are up for re-election in the spring, along with village clerks and trustees or aldermen, and several already have stated their intentions to seek another term.
Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett will go for a ninth term, and Crete Mayor Mike Einhorn will seek his eighth term in office.
Other long-term mayors who are likely to seek re-election but have not officially announced any plans are Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki, who has served eight terms, and Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin with five terms.
All the Lincoln-Way area mayors said they will seek a third term, including Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland, Mokena Mayor Joe Werner and Manhattan Mayor Bill Borgo.
Others who also said they will be on the April ballot include Oak Lawn Mayor Dave Heilmann, Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa, and Matteson Mayor Andre Ashmore.
So far, only a few local leaders have bowed out, including Donald Peloquin, who is giving up the Blue Island mayor’s seat he’s held for four terms. He is now running for Congress against U.S. Rep Bobby Rush (D-1st), of Chicago, in November.
Also stepping down are Crestwood Mayor Robert Stranczek and Glenwood Mayor Kerry Durkin.
Candidates must file their nominating petitions between Dec. 17 and 24.
