Wheeling, Des Plaines political showdowns amid hottest in the suburbs

Races for mayor and village president have been some of the most hotly contested showdowns in the Northwest suburbs this election cycle.

But Tuesday is Election Day and the finish line is in sight.

Of program, some winners may well not be clear for a when extended since of votes solid early and by mail.

This is a recap of a handful of the headline-grabbing contests.

Wheeling

The contest for village president in Wheeling pits regional developer Mark Smith from to start with-term incumbent and community florist Pat Horcher. It has been a messy campaign, with Smith and his supporters using shots at Horcher and the recent administration on social media and at village board conferences.

Horcher has responded by correcting deceptive monetary data shared by Smith and Smith’s allies, touting new firms and speaking about other accomplishments.

Horcher allies have publicly questioned how Smith’s nearby small business passions would profit if he’s elected. They have also questioned his marketing campaign backers, which include things like quite a few individuals who have been at odds with Horcher through the yrs and have donated to Smith’s political committees.

Mount Prospect

Three of Mount Prospect’s six trustees are in search of to replace outgoing Mayor Arlene Juracek.

Among the hopefuls is the board’s most senior member, Paul Hoefert, who has served given that 1991. Hoefert, a banker, explained he is running to boost development through financial enhancement, which he says is the important to furnishing substantial-excellent solutions.

He’s campaigned as the voice of the people, and earlier promoted a villagewide referendum on the sale of recreational cannabis.

Colleen Saccotelli has been a trustee since 2015. Saccotelli, who holds a master’s diploma in worldwide affairs, reported she intends to use her coaching to assistance fix complications in the village.

She has positioned herself as representing youthful family members in the village and a voice for the community’s upcoming.

William Grossi has served on the board considering that 2017. An lawyer with a background in finance and accounting, Grossi stated he strategies to use that working experience in his tactic to village funds.

He has not shied away from controversy, together with his vocal aid for the village’s divisive law enforcement patch.

Des Plaines

The race for mayor in Des Plaines has three professional candidates competing for the significant chair: Andrew Goczkowski, the city’s 8th Ward alderman Michael Charewicz, a previous 8th Ward alderman and Malcolm Chester, the city’s 6th Ward alderman.

Incumbent Matthew Bogusz isn’t in search of reelection.

The affect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a massive concern top up to Election Working day. While Goczkowski voted to uphold Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s ban on indoor cafe provider past tumble, Chester voted versus the constraints. Charewicz claimed he opposed the ban, way too.

The candidates stand apart in other means — particularly their suggestions for revitalizing Des Plaines’ downtown spot. Charewicz believes the renovated Des Plaines Theatre will be the cornerstone of any future downtown redevelopment Chester would like to concentration on the Metropolitan Square buying, eating and residential advanced and Goczkowski advised boosting municipal grant plans to stoke business enterprise development in the space.

Hoffman Estates

In his 21st 12 months as mayor of Hoffman Estates, Bill McLeod is becoming challenged for the write-up by just lately retired Hoffman Estates police Lt. Mark Mueller and 2017 trustee prospect Nicholas Waryas.

McLeod is touting his practical experience as essential to the village during an economically disruptive pandemic. He also maintains he has the know-how to attract and retain companies in the neighborhood.

But financial improvement also is a top difficulty for Mueller, who’s stated a mayor really should additional proactively achieve out to the business group. He also would like larger command over increasing property taxes.

Waryas has been significantly less active on the marketing campaign trail, not becoming a member of prospect forums with his rivals. He has reported he is working in opposition to wasteful shelling out and unneeded taxes and desires to do away with the serious estate transfer tax. Moreover, Waryas lists preserving Hoffman Estates’ remaining farmland between his priorities.

Barrington Hills

Two candidates are vying to come to be Barrington Hills’ subsequent village president.

Brian Cecola, a enterprise proprietor and six-12 months village trustee, is getting on Dennis Kelly, the Barrington Hills Park District board president and a neighborhood insurance policies broker.

Incumbent Martin McLaughlin received the state Residence 52nd District race in November and isn’t really seeking reelection.

Cecola touted his arms-on encounter in village authorities. Kelly touted his encounter serving on the park board for eight several years, stating he would convey a new established of eyes to village corridor.

Cecola explained the village has reduced its tax levy and minimize spending in the course of his tenure on the board and as chairman of the community protection and streets and bridges committees, though at the exact same time ramping up its road program.

Kelly, the previous chairman of the Barrington Space Chamber of Commerce board, said he would emphasize transparency and participation by citizens if elected.

• Day by day Herald team writers Eric Peterson, Christopher Placek and Steve Zalusky contributed to this report.