Wheaton City Council member Phil Suess is being saluted by his supporters as the antithesis of fellow council member John Prendiville in their run to replace Mayor Michael Gresk, who is not seeking re-election.
At a Feb. 17 fundraiser to formally kick off his campaign held at the DuPage County Historical Museum, Suess’ “experience, background and principles” were touted as what Wheaton now needs most.
A longtime local businessman who has served on the council since 2005, the 61-year-old Seuss is credited in the campaign flyer with often being the voice of reason on the panel, especially when it came to matters such as keeping property tax rates in order.
Phil Suess
“Phil has led the city financially and focused on paying down debt and making reasonable affordable investments in core infrastructure (sewers, water, roads, sidewalks, and trees) without taking on risky projects,” detailed the invite to his Feb. 17 event. “He has literally saved the residents millions of dollars by being prudent and demanding better bids on projects. He voted against unnecessary property tax increases.“
In contrast, Prendiville is tagged in the flyer as a “big taxes and big government” legislator who has “voted for every tax increase.”
The flyer adss, “As a city councilman, Prendiville advocated against Wheaton's families and businesses and wanted the city to take on debt and incur annual subsidies to operate a private theater that was not (and is still not) able to attract sufficient private investment. Prendiville argued against private development of Mariano's which brings in $700,000 worth of sales tax a year. Prendiville argued against the development of DuPage Medical Group... Prendiville's tendency is always to suggest more government and higher taxes and government overreach on private property.”
Finally, Seuss supporters in the advertisement urged voters to know exactly who they are casting their ballot in favor of.
”Your City Council has enormous power over your property,” the flyer added.
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