Anti-Tax Darien Alderman Draws Opponent

DARIEN, IL – Darien residents upset over Alderman Eric Gustafson's position on a school tax increase promised to run a candidate against him in next year's election.

They may have done just that.

Monday was the first day to file in the April 4 election.

So far, Gustafson and resident Rachel Lazich have submitted paperwork to run in Ward 6.

Gustafson was against a nearly 20 percent property tax increase in Center Cass District 66's part of the tax bill. Last month, voters narrowly passed it on the second try.

In a City Council meeting just after the election, Center Cass school board member Brian Liedtke, a tax increase supporter, criticized Gustafson and announced he would resign from two city committees. At that point, it appeared the tax hike may go down.

Liedtke said he and others had found a candidate to run in Ward 6, but did not identify the person.

Lazich's LinkedIn page lists her as the marketing director for Behavioral Perspectives Inc.

In a Center Cass newsletter before the election, the district thanked Lazich, Liedtke and 14 other people for their involvement in its Community Engagement Forum. The forum was designed to discuss issues related to the tax referendum.

Patch left a message for comment through Facebook with Lazich on Wednesday evening. It also left a phone message with Liedtke.

In other races, Mayor Joseph Marchese, Treasurer Michael Coren and Clerk JoAnne Ragona are all seeking re-election.

In Ward 2, resident Ralph Stompanato is running. The seat is held by Alderman Lester Vaughan, who has not filed paperwork. The filing period runs through Monday.

Stompanato's LinkedIn page says he is a retired operations manager for Adtalem Global Education. Patch left a message through Facebook with Stompanato.

In Ward 4, resident Gerard Leganski has filed to run. The seat is held by Alderman Tom Chlystek, who indicated he planned to run.