Elmhurst elections focus on water rates, development issues

Voters in Elmhurst, Illinois, will choose their local aldermen in three contested races during the upcoming municipal election on April 1. There are seven wards in Elmhurst, but four of them have incumbents running unopposed. In Ward 2, incumbent Jacob Hill is facing Kevin Kirby. Hill has focused on infrastructure projects, including replacing the police station and improving city planning. He believes the police station project could be delayed. Kirby wants to attract new businesses to help reduce costs for residents and generate revenue. Ward 4 has Mike Baker and Bobby Fontana competing for the position. Baker is concerned about rising water costs and aging infrastructure that leads to leaks. He supports a new police station and wants to ensure costs do not burden residents. Fontana aims to bring a systematic approach to city issues and prioritize maintaining a vibrant downtown. Dan Virgil is running in Ward 5 against Adam Park. Virgil wants to solve problems for residents and has changed his mind on the need for a new police station. Park is focused on improving infrastructure and traffic issues in the area. Early voting for the election has begun, and each candidate is hoping to address the community's concerns and improve Elmhurst.