Monday, March 11, 2013
Patch asked the question, and the candidates for Darien City Council provided their answers.
In its 2013 candidate questionnaire, Patch asked the candidates for Darien City Council the following questions: What do you see as the top three goals for the City of Darien? Here, in alphabetical order, are the candidates' responses: Halil Avci, Ward 7: Marianne Batryn, Ward 5: Thomas Belczak, Ward 7: Joe Kenny, Ward 3: Joseph Marchese, Ward 5: Jim Minardi, Ward 5: Ted Schauer, Ward 1:
Friday, March 8, 2013
Marianne Batryn is one of seven candidates running for four open seats on the Darien City Council in 2013.
Your Name: Marianne Batryn Position Sought: Darien City Council, Ward 5 Campaign Contact Information: mariannebatryn@gmail.com Family Members: Husband Don; son Don, 22; daughter Patrice, 17. Education: Madonna High School Current Occupation and Employer: Billing Dept, Express/Gladstone Cab Co, Cicero; Expert packer and shipper at The UPS Store, Downers Grove. Why Are You Seeking Office? I've lived in Darien for more than 13 years. My children have gotten great educations here, and I have met and worked with some of the greatest people you'll ever meet. My goal now is to meet and work with some of the greatest residents of Ward 5, to make Darien an even better place to live. What will be your single most important priority if you get …
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Ted Schauer is running unopposed for the Ward 1 seat on Darien's city council in 2013.
Your Name: Ted V. Schauer Position Sought: Darien City Council, Ward 1 Campaign Contact Information: 630-776-1487 Family Members: Wife Kristina; sons Trevor, 13, and Tristan, 10. Education: BA in Political Science, University of Iowa Current Occupation and Employer: Home mortgage consultant with the second largest bank mortgage service provider in the United States. Why Are You Seeking Office? Four years ago when I first ran, I wanted to be a voice on the city council that not only represents my ward in issues that affect them currently, but I also wanted to be a voice where I can represent my ward and the city of Darien as an alderman with a voice towards the future. This means continuing to not only make good sound decisions that …
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Thomas Belczak is one of seven candidates running for four open spots on the Darien City Council in 2013.
Your Name: Thomas J. Belczak Position Sought: Darien City Council, Ward 7 Campaign Contact Information: Belczak4darien@gmail.com Family Members: Wife Nicolette; daughters Sara, Chloe and Sophia. Education: Current Occupation and Employer: Attorney at law Why Are You Seeking Office? I want to be the alderman of Ward 7, so that I can provide the City of Darien with new ideas and new leadership. While Darien is a “nice place to live,” it could be so much better. Darien needs a plan to grow and develop business, and not react to problems as they occur. Darien needs to keep its citizens safe and protected, and not eliminate DARE and reduce police patrols. Darien city government needs be transparent and communicate with the residents and keep …
Friday, March 1, 2013
Seven candidates are running to fill four open seats on the Darien City Council in the 2013 election.
Seven candidates have submitted their names to run for four open seats in four different wards on the Darien City Council in the 2013 election. Two of the candidates—Ted Schauer in Ward 1 and Joseph Kenny in Ward 3—are running unopposed. Incumbent Joseph Marchese, Marianne Batryn and Jim Minardi are vying for the Ward 5 seat, while incumbent Halil Avci (incumbent) and Thomas Belczak are running in Ward 7. Early voting begins March 25. Election Day is April 9. Patch put together the following guide to help voters get to know each candidate and keep track of the latest election news. Those candidates whose names do not link to a bio have not yet responded to Patch's questionnaire. Ward 1 Ward 3 Ward 5 Ward 7 Interesting stories relevant to …
Jim Minardi is one of seven candidates running for four seats on the Darien City Council.
Your Name: James M. Minardi (Jim) Position Sought: Darien City Council, Ward 5 Campaign Contact Information: Minardi campaign Facebook pageEmail: jim4ward5@gmail.com Family Members: Mother Kathy; Father Mike Education: Loyola University Chicago B.A. - Political Science Minor - International Studies Class of 2012 Awards: Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honors Society) Dean's List National Model United Nations Distinguished Delegation Current Occupation and Employer: I currently am an Independent Social Media Consultant helping local business and people in the Chicagoland area leverage the social media space to help increase their business and reach new potential clients. Before starting as a Social Media Consultant, I served from the …
Halil Avci is one of seven candidates running for four seats on the Darien City Council.
Your Name: Halil Avci Position Sought: Darien City Council, Ward 7 Campaign Contact Information: Residents may contact me by e-mail at hiavci@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (630) 963-4260. Family Members: Wife Teresa; daughters Suna, 27, and Talia, 21; sons Ben, 25, and Kamran, 21. Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1978, Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering Current Occupation and Employer: Environmental Engineer, Team Lead, and Program Manager at Argonne National Laboratory. Argonne employee since 1990. Manages Argonne’s Technical Support Program to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for licensing of new reactors and license renewal of operating reactors. Adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University’s School of Continuing Studies…
Joe Kenny is one of seven candidates running for four seats on the Darien City Council.
Your Name: Joe Kenny Position Sought: Darien City Council, Ward 3 Campaign Contact Information: I reside at 1605 Holly Ave. Family Members: Wife Lisa Education: Brother Rice High School, College of DuPage Current Occupation and Employer: Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Hinsdale Why Are You Seeking Office? I have been a part of the political process in some shape or form since I was 17. When my current alderman John Poteraske decided not to seek re-election some of my neighbors encouraged me to run and here I am. What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Listening. I don't think people listen enough to others and feel they have to come up with solutions and answers immediately. What do you see as the top three …
Joseph Marchese is one of seven candidates running for four seats on the Darien City Council.
Your Name: Joseph A. Marchese Position Sought: Darien City Council, Ward 5 Campaign Contact Information: jcj60561@yahoo.com Family Members: Wife Cathy; sons Jeff, Jon, Jameson; grandchildren Jake, 6, and Ella, 3. No one in my family is involved in public office or connected to the City of Darien government. Education: Northern Illinois University - B.S. in Education - 1973; Northern Illinois University - M.S. in Education - 1975; Northern Illinois University - 90 hours doctoral work in Curriculum and Instruction. Current Occupation and Employer: Benedictine University - Senior Lecturer/Cohort Supervisor, Harold and Margaret Moser School of Adult and Professional Studies. Board of Directors - Guerin College Preparatory High School (Non-Paid…
Saturday, February 23, 2013
City council took no action on video gaming Tuesday night, but will gather more information and revisit the issue at a future meeting.
Q Bar and Grill owner Robert Taft would like to add video gaming machines to his establishment at 8109 S. Cass Ave. in Darien. But as the number of Illinois bar owners applying for gaming licenses continues to grow, he worries that being in the back of that line could mean the end of the line for his business. Over the past month, Taft has been asking Darien officials to help him stay competitive with bar owners in neighboring towns by reversing the city’s 2009 decision to ban video gaming. Taft thinks the addition of video poker machines will bring in new clientele and boost revenues at his bar and grill, which already features pool and Foosball tables, dartboards, bean bags and video arcade games. Read: Wanna Bet? Video Gaming Could …
Jim Minardi
11:15 am on Monday, March 25, 2013
Hi Tom, I can tell you that I personally view myself as a Libertarian. I believe that the fundamental right of every individual is liberty and one should be able to live their life as they choose, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others. I consider it the best of both worlds from a Left/Right perspective. Fiscally Conservative, Socially Liberal. I hope this answers your question. … more ›