The three candidates for mayor of Des Plaines got their first chance to confront each other publically about issues raised during the campaigns. Approximately 60 community members gathered at , to listen to former mayor of Des Plaines Anthony “Tony” Arredia, Third Ward Alderman Matt Bogusz and Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Walsten discuss a wide range of topics relevant to the city’s business community.
Arredia, Bogusz and Walsten spoke about the history and future of downtown development including Metropolitan Square and the city’s plans renovate the public spaces, the potential of other commercial developments in Des Plaines, what gaming revenue the city receives from Rivers Casino should be spent on, Des Plaines’ financial status and more.
Des Plaines Mayoral Candidates Speak about Metropolitan Square:
- Tony Arredia
- Matt Bogusz
- Mark Walsten
Barbara Ryan, executive director of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, said the mayoral candidates did a good job presenting to the group, the event had a good turnout and she could see the audience was engaged because they asked the candidates lots of questions.
Ryan said members of Des Plaines’ business community may not live in the city, nor vote for its elected officials, but they are still impacted by the election’s outcome.
“I think it benefits our members, whether they vote in the Des Plaines election or not, to have a little more knowledge about who the city’s leader will be for the next four years,” Ryan said. “Whether you vote for this man or not, your business will be impacted by this election.”
Des Plaines Mayoral Election Questionnaires:
- Tony Arredia
- Matt Bogusz
- Mark Walsten
Des Plaines Mayoral Candidates’ Websites:
For more stories, pictures, information and conversation, like Des Plaines Patch on Facebook.
