No Competition Expected In Western Springs Election

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs has not seen a competitive village election since 2005, according to its village clerk. And that trend may well continue.

Asked on Tuesday morning for names of candidates who have filed so far in the April 6 election, acting Village Clerk James Horvath responded, "The Caucus has not delivered the petitions to me at this time."

Horvath was referring to the Western Springs Caucus, which plays a big role in village politics. A little later, the caucus reported that it filed its paperwork.

"I just came from filing the caucus candidates' paperwork with our Village Clerk," Bill Rodeghier, the group's chairman, said in an email to Western Springs Patch. "As our residents have been informed, they are always able to file as independent candidates. The caucus firmly supports the democratic process."

According to the caucus' website, the group recommends Alice Gallagher for a second term as village president. It also is backing incumbents Heidi Rudolph, James Tyrrell and Scott Lewis.

Rudolph and Tyrrell won election in 2017, while Lewis was appointed last spring to fill the seat left vacant by the death of William Siffermann.

The caucus, known formally as The United Caucus Party of Western Springs, aims to involve as many residents as possible and make the village government transparent and accessible, according to its website.

Candidates have until next Monday to file.

La Grange politics operates similarly, with one group playing a big role in slating candidates for village posts. La Grange hasn't had a competitive village election since 2013.