Few Battles For Darien, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale School Boards

DARIEN, IL – Seven candidates are vying for four seats on the Hinsdale High School District 86 board in the April 1 election.

That's not unusual for a district that has seen regular political battles for more than a decade.

But many of the elementary school districts in District 86's zone are seeing no competition whatsoever in the election. In some cases, not enough people are running, which means that boards get to appoint members after the election. (Residents have until two months before the election to file write-in candidacies.)

Six seats are available on the Darien District 61 board, but only two are in the race. When the new board takes control, three members will be able to choose the other four.

In Burr Ridge District 180, four are in the race for five positions. And in Gower District 62, three are vying for four seats.

In other districts, the number of candidates equals the positions available. They include Hinsdale District 181, Cass District 63 and Maercker District 60.

Center Cass District 66, though, is seeing competition.

Five candidates – incumbent Brian Liedtke, Steven Dlugo, Adam Sage, Darren Spiegel and Ashley Harris – are running for four seats.

A couple of years ago, a narrow majority of voters in Center Cass backed a nearly 20 percent property tax increase. It was an emotional battle.

After the first night of counting ballots, the tax measure was behind. At the time, board member Liedtke, a supporter of the measure, accused opponents of having "selfish tendencies." Then the tide turned, and voters approved the hike by a 29-vote margin.

Later, the tax increase supporters put up a candidate against a Darien alderman who spoke out against the tax hike. The alderman prevailed.