In the News

Des Plaines Journal & Topics, March 4, 2011

State Senator Susan Garrett (D-29th), who represents a large part of Des Plaines, will serve as moderator for the Wednesday, Mar. 23 Des Plaines City Council Forum/Debate sponsored by the Journal & Topics Newspapers.

"I'm very excited about it," said Garrett referring to the event that gives local residents an opportunity to hear from those running for four-year terms to serve as Des Plaines alderman. Garrett joins numerous other notables as having served in the past as moderator of debates sponsored by the Journal & Topics including John Burke, former State Senator, the late Marty Butler, former Cook County Commissioner, the late Carl Hansen, the late Maine west High School Principal Jim Coburn and former Illinois Comptroller Dan Hines.

The debate/forum will be held in Des Plaines City Hall from 7 to 8:30 a.m. All Des Plaines residents are invited to attend to hear candidates and provide questions. After the debate, refreshments will be provided. There is no charge to attend. Seating is available for 200 people.

So far, eight of the 11 candidates running for city council in the Apr. 5 election have said they will attend. They are: Steve Antonoff in the 2d ward; Jean Higgason, Dick Sayad and Mark Pytlewicz in the 4th ward, Mark Walsten and Richard Hissong in the 6th ward; and Austin Stanton, Jr. and Mike Charewicz in the 8th ward.

Not responding to the Journal & Topics invitation so far are John Robinson in the 2d ward, Mario Palacios in the 6th ward and Pat Mauro in the 8th ward.