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Contested race expected in Park Ridge’s 6th Ward
Vincent LaVecchia
Updated: December 5, 2012 1:24PM
PARK RIDGE — A second candidate has emerged in the upcoming race for alderman of Park Ridge’s 6th Ward.
Vincent LaVecchia, a nine-year resident of the city and a real-estate broker, announced that he is planning to challenge incumbent Marc Mazzuca in the April 9, 2013 election. This is LaVecchia’s first time running for public office.
“There needs to be a voice that is more friendly to things that homeowners care about,” he said, stating that finding revenue sources that do not involve increases in property tax is a primary issue. One way the city can do this is by bringing in new businesses and becoming more business-friendly, he indicated.
“We have to bring people into Park Ridge,” LaVecchia said. “Most people my age, we go to Edison Park, Rosemont. We should be able to go to nice parks, nice restaurants and nice shops (within Park Ridge).”
LaVecchia, who told the Park Ridge Herald-Advocate he was not encouraged to run for office by any elected officials, said he will bring “energy and new ideas” to the City Council, as well as an understanding of real estate. In referring to himself as a “new voice” for the City Council, LaVecchia stated that he is the father of three young children. He also wants to host annual town hall meetings with citizens of the ward if he is elected.
“Communication is one thing I really want to institute,” LaVecchia said.
Petition-filing for the April 9 election begins Dec. 17.
Marc Mazzuca, who was appointed 6th Ward Alderman this summer to fill a vacancy resulting from an alderman’s resignation, said he plans to run for a full, four-year term in the spring.
In addition to the 6th Ward, aldermanic seats are up for election in the 2nd and 4th Wards. Only one candidate, Nicholas Milissis, has announced his plans to run for alderman of the 2nd Ward.
The city clerk and mayoral seats are also up for election. Mayor David Schmidt is running for re-election and will be challenged by newcomer Larry Ryles. Long-time incumbent Betty Henneman is running for re-election as city clerk.
