Alderman's departure opens W. Chicago seat

By Jake Griffin Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted April 11, 2003

West Chicago Ward 4 Alderman Erl Pedersen has announced his plans to leave the city council in June.

Pedersen was elected in 2001 and has a little less than two years remaining on his term.

He said he's building a new home near DeKalb.

"I couldn't find anything in the immediate area," he said.

His announcement comes just days after an election for the other Ward 4 seat saw incumbent Nancy Assian beat two challengers.

Mayor Michael Fortner said the two also-rans likely won't be considered for the vacancy.

"I don't think just because someone ran for a seat they should or should not be a potential replacement," he said. "I will look at all the advice and find someone I feel can be the best replacement."

Former Alderman Wayne Woodward, one of the failed candidates, said he didn't think his chances of an appointment were very good.

"Probably not at all, actually," he said. "Fortner doesn't like me. I will certainly turn in a letter asking to be considered."

Pedersen said he informed the mayor of his plans Wednesday. Fortner is responsible for recommending a replacement, but the full council votes on it.

Fortner has experience filling council vacancies, having found a replacement for his own council seat after he was elected mayor in 2001. His choice, Jim Beifuss, was unanimously approved by the council and ran unopposed April 1 to retain the seat.

"If there is in fact a month or two to find a replacement, I'm sure there are many qualified people in the fourth ward who are willing to serve," Fortner said.

Assian agreed.

"There's quite a few people in the fourth ward who have served the community on various levels," she said. "I'd like to discuss this with the mayor, because I have a pretty good handle on the people in the ward."

Pedersen said the mayor had also asked for a list of suggestions before he steps down and leaves town.

Among the names being discussed as a possible replacement for Pedersen:

• Janet Hale, chair of the historic preservation commission and member of the plan commission/zoning board.

• Steve Jarolin, a plan commissioner.

• Sharon Jones, a long-serving member of the West Chicago Elementary School District 33 and its current vice president.

• Robert Lemon, who has served on several civic panels and has announced his resignation from the West Chicago Community High School District 94 board.

• Len Mahoney, a member of the historic preservation commission who spearheaded a grassroots campaign to bring a cultural arts center to the city.

• Mary Randle, who has served on numerous civic panels and works for District 94.

• Don Smith, chairman of the local sister city group and husband of city clerk Nancy Smith.

• Sue Stibal, one of the longest-serving plan commissioners and its former chairwoman.

• Barb Toney, who spent almost two decades on the District 33 board, most as president, and who leads a group aiming to change the state's education funding formula.

• John Warbiany, a member of the plan commission/zoning board of appeals.