No Competition Expected In La Grange Election

LA GRANGE, IL — So far, La Grange is seeing no competition in the April 6 election. And that would be business as usual in the village.

Monday was the first day for candidates to submit their petitions to the village clerk. They have until next Monday to file paperwork.

Mark Kuchler, who was appointed village president last spring, is the only candidate so far for that position.

Three four-year trustee seats are up for election. Filing their candidacies so far are incumbent Lou Gale and Michael Matteucci and Peggy Peterson. The only candidate for the two-year seat is Shawana McGee. She was appointed in the spring to fill the seat left vacant by Kuchler.

In an interview, David McCarty, a trustee since 2013, said he does not plan to run for another term. Before his time as a trustee, he served on a number of village bodies, including the Plan Commission and the Design Review Committee.

"It's been an honor to be on the board. I've been serving the village for 30 years," said McCarty, an architect. "It's time to let others serve."

Bill Holder, another incumbent whose seat is expiring, couldn't be reached for immediate comment, but it's unlikely he is seeking re-election.

A local group, the Citizens Council of La Grange, has a big role in politics in the village. The candidates it slates for local office are likely to win if the rarity of competition occurs.

Founded in 1941, the Citizens Council says it is nonpartisan organization that evaluates and recommends candidates for local office.

Last month, it revealed its slate of candidates, which is identical to those who filed Monday.

The village government has its share of non-competitive elections. That year, six candidates ran for three spots on the Village Board. The Citizens Council's preferred candidates all won.

Western Springs' politics operates similarly, with the Western Springs Caucus playing the big role. That town has not seen a competitive village election since 2005.