Burr Ridge Mayor Invites Local Rival To Campaign Event

BURR RIDGE, IL – Anyone familiar with Burr Ridge politics knows that Mayor Gary Grasso and Zach Mottl, a former village trustee, are far from friends.

They're enemies.

So Mottl, who lost his re-election last year, was surprised to be invited to a fundraiser next week for Grasso's campaign for Congress.

Grasso's campaign emailed the invitation to Mottl on Thursday morning. The message was signed by Capri Ristorante owner Filippo "Gigi" Rovito and his wife, Antonella.

Over the years, Mottl has repeatedly pointed out what he saw as issues with Capri Ristorante. And he has noted Rovito's criminal past.

The invitation was likely a form that was inadvertently sent to Mottl.

The email is titled, "Antonella and Gigi Rovito invite you to support Mayor Gary Grasso." And the message opened by saying, "Please join us in celebrating (Grasso's) run for Congress in the new Illinois 6th Congressional District."

It stated Grasso's first financial deadline is next Thursday and that he was asking for sponsorships of $1,000, $2,900 or $5,800.

"Bring a friend – tickets are $400," the message said.

In an email to Patch, Mottl said, "Oh, this is rich. Cannot believe they sent this to me."

He said he would not attend the fundraiser.

In his last year and a half as a trustee, the Village Board censured Mottl a number of times. Mottl and Grasso repeatedly clashed.

Grasso is running in the June 28 Republican primary against Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, Catherine O'Shea of Oak Lawn, Niki Conforti and Scott Kaspar of Orland Park.

Grasso and Rovito could not be reached for immediate comment.

The fundraiser is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday at Capri Ristorante, 324 Burr Ridge Parkway.