We asked Des Plaines mayoral candidates about their backgrounds, qualifications, plans if elected and more in election questionnaires.

Former mayor of Des Plaines Anthony “Tony” Arredia, Third Ward Alderman Matt Bogusz and Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Walsten are seeking the post.

The mayoral candidates answered the question, what would your priorities be if elected to this office?, with the responses below. Check out the complete questionnaire for each candidate by clicking on his name.

Anthony “Tony” Arredia:

Maintain the current business community while bringing in businesses to fill vacant property and store fronts.

Continue the storm water (flooding) plan that I started with the construction of the $15,000,000 Levee #50 project (all but $400,000 was funded by state/federal grants).

Initiate phase two of the Des Plaines Storm Water Project.

Initiate phase two of Casino Build out (restaurants, shops, etc.) while studying the possibility of returning a portion of casino revenue to the residents in the way of reduced service fees and/or taxes.

Third Ward Alderman Matt Bogusz:

Campaign Issue 1: Fiscal Responsibility

When I entered city government in 2009 I found an organization suffering from crushing debt, meager savings, 10 years of property tax levy increases, and a lackluster credit rating. Since 2009, the city has paid down over $20 million in debt, increased savings from $1.7 million to over $18 million, maintained a zero percent property tax levy increase for the past three years, and gained a strong A2 credit rating. 

We need experienced financial leadership to continue this positive momentum. Taxpayers deserve an efficient and prudent city that strives to do more with less. 

Campaign Issue 2: Governing for Results

Across Des Plaines, families make informed decisions on what they need to spend money on and what they can live without. The city can define itself as a leader in municipal government and finance by beginning to live by this same principle.

We need government focused on results; defining benchmarks, identifying goals, and rewarding performance across the organization, developing a high performance culture. We’ll keep what works, change what doesn’t, and maximize the service delivered to the residents of Des Plaines. 

Campaign Issue 3: Protecting Casino Revenue

The former administration signed a deal to win the 10^th and final gaming license; this deal guaranteed revenue for the State of Illinois and placed all of the risk on the City of Des Plaines. I wrote and passed a resolution that protects our revenue, saving it for debt reduction and infrastructure investment. In 2013, the resolution took effect and millions in debt was repaid early while beginning a five-year, $10 million project to solve flooding problems throughout the city. 

Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Walsten:

Reduce debt; continue flooding controls, increase anti-gang efforts, support possible historical designation of downtown, feasibility study of O’Hare Lakes billion dollar development that may bring in $30 million in tax revenue to the City of Des Plaines.

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