Darien Mayor Criticizes Alderman's Statement

DARIEN, IL – Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese this week lamented the divisions in the community as the result of the recent tax hike referendum in Center Cass School District 66.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Marchese singled out Alderman Tom Chlystek for criticism.

Chlystek was not present at the meeting. Patch left a message for comment with him Friday morning.

According to unofficial results, 50.3 percent of voters approved the nearly 20 percent increase in the district's part of the tax bill.

Marchese said residents could not let differences destroy relationships and prevent the community from working through critical issues.

"There have been references to specific groups, notably our senior population, as contributing to the stagnation in our city's growth and some of this has been fed by our Alderman Chlystek," the mayor said.

He continued, "I think when an alderman talks about getting young families to Darien but neglects to say how important the senior population is to a community, it only fuels the types of comments I'm seeing in the Patch."

Marchese then listed the contributions of seniors in the community.

Earlier this month, Center Cass school board member Brian Liedtke resigned from two city committees, criticizing the city in general and Alderman Eric Gustafson in particular. Gustafson was a vocal opponent of the tax increase.

In his resignation letter to the city, Liedtke said Darien was stagnant while its neighbors were evolving.

"While other towns' demographics change and amenities are developed to attract young families, Darien remains stubbornly with a heavier senior demographic," Liedtke said. "Alderman Chlystek made this clear to a Center Cass supporter who recently spoke to the City Council earlier this week."

Patch asked Chlystek about Liedtke's statement. He said the tone of the council majority is "no taxes at all costs."

"This of course will limit investments that could bring young professionals and families to our community," Chlystek said in an email. "Whereas some neighboring towns will invest heavily into their community. As an example, Willowbrook is looking at a significant (tax increment financing) district to rejuvenate the area around Sterigenics, in order to bring new businesses and residents to their community."

Issues related to the tax hike referendum took up nearly half of the council's meeting Monday.