Dupage Policy Journal

Prior to her reelection to the Wheaton City Council on Tuesday, Suzanne Fitch received a surprising endorsement that may or may not have helped secure the 4,909 votes that guarantee her a second term.

Fitch, who served on Wheaton's Planning and Zoning Board for six years prior to being elected to the Wheaton city council in April 2015, was endorsed by Milton Township Democrats via their consolidated election preferred candidates newsletter. Even though it was a nonpartisan race, the Democratic endorsement came as a bit of a surprise because Fitch is known to be a Republican.

"I appreciate the endorsement, but it is important for the voters to know that this is a nonpartisan race," Fitch told DuPage Policy Journal before the polls opened on April 2. "The Democratic endorsement may be based on the fact that the city council functions well as a nonpartisan board. I have an excellent working relationship with every member of the council."

Suzanne Fitch, Wheaton City Council

Fitch has been endorsed by numerous local Republican elected officials during her career in public service, including state Rep. Amy Grant, former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti and others.

"The Milton Township Republicans do not endorse candidates in the consolidated election, but if they did, I am certain that I would receive the endorsement of the Republicans," Fitch said. "I have a history of working well with all members of the council regardless of whether we disagree on some issues."

Fitch is an advocate for fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency. 

"I am running for reelection to maintain the financial strength of the city and to improve the way we prioritize capital projects," Fitch said before the votes were in. "The city has many streams of revenue in addition to property taxes and we should look at reducing our operating expenses."