La Grange Hopefuls Focus on Flooding, Infrastructure In Election

LA GRANGE, IL – Three La Grange Village Board incumbents and a political newcomer are vying for three board seats in Tuesday's election.

They are trustees Lou Gale, Peggy Peterson and Glenn Thompson and resident Carla Carter.

Village President Mark Kuchler is running unopposed.

This is the first time Carter, a lawyer, is running for office. However, she is a member of the La Grange Business Association, La Grange Neighbors and Newcomers, and the Citizens Council of La Grange.

In her candidate questionnaire, Carter said the village must work to revitalize and diversify its business districts.

"Our business districts (yes, we have more than one – four actually) are the backbone of our community," Carter said. "We need to take measures to attract new and exciting businesses (like a wine bar or piano bar) for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy our town.

"Right now, our surrounding communities are taking steps to amend their regulations to bring diverse businesses to their communities. Our streets are empty after 9 p.m., while surrounding downtowns are flourishing after dark. Strong business districts provide energy for a dynamic community," she said.

Gale said in his questionnaire that the village's most pressing issue is its aging infrastructure, particularly the stormwater system. This impacts La Grange's competitiveness within the region and the local quality of life, he said.

"I’ve taken to heart the painful stories from resident after resident impacted by flooding as it has damaged their homes and often their cherished mementos," he said.

Gale, an attorney, said he was proud to have hired the lawyer who won the village's key stormwater lawsuit at the trial level. The appeal is pending.

Peterson, a certified public accountant, said she would focus on replacing critical infrastructure and prioritizing public safety.

"I will work with local agencies, such as Lyons Township High School and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, to fund critical stormwater management projects for the Village," Peterson said. "I will also continue to work with our local, state and federal representatives to secure funding for stormwater mitigation and replacing lead-lined water service lines."

Thompson, president of a roadway safety improvement construction company, agreed that flooding and aging infrastructure were key issues.

He was among the residents who formed Dry Up La Grange a few years ago. The group pushed all levels of government to provide support for La Grange.

"Flooding was the main reason I ran 2 years ago for the open position and the main reason I am a trustee today," Thompson said in his questionnaire.

Carter praised Thompson for "bringing political pressure on the Village leadership." She said the village needs to update residents more often on stormwater progress.