Chairman's Message - 2023

Letter from the Chairman:

Hello and welcome to the 2023 election season. Much has happened in North Riverside since

the 2020 election and you, the voters, put your trust in the party and our candidates two years

ago with a huge victory over our opponents. While we were excited with the victory we also

knew what we had to do to improve the village and serve the residents. We don’t take that

responsibility lightly.

While the past couple of years have flown by there are many accomplishments that Joe

Mengoni and the board have made. Some of which you may not have been aware of. One of

the top accomplishments is the agreement that was struck with the Fire Department to bring the

paramedics back as village employees. This would not have happened without some key

people involved including Mayor Mengoni and Trustee Sarro. And not only was this contract

signed with the Fire Department but also with our great Police Department.

Another key accomplishment is the amount of grant money that was brought in. Our Public

Works Director was involved in securing a partnership with MWRD to replace the impervious

asphalt in the municipal lots with permeable paver bricks. This project would have cost the

village $2.2 million but because of the partnership with MWRD the cost to the village will be

$600k with MWRD picking up the balance of over $1.6 million. This, along with that the Building

Department has worked to enhance Rat Abatement control, Blythe inspections, Code

Enforcement updates and continued efforts to solve parking issues.

The Mayor has had monthly meetings with residents to discuss future plans and hear concerns.

And let’s not forget the Covid vaccine events that the Mayor arranged for the seniors which were

most vulnerable to the virus.

That now brings us to the present and the excellent candidates we have to offer for 2023.

I consider myself lucky to be involved with such hard working people. I’m very excited that

Debbie Czajka has chosen to run for another term. She has done so much for the village over

her tenure including her involvement in the village even before she was a trustee. She served

on the Komarek school board and the planning committee for 20 years. While recently retiring

from Hauser Junior High she chose to run again because of her dedication to serving her

constituents.

Tony Santucci was a Broadview Police officer for 27 years and can bring a wealth of knowledge

to the board including his law enforcement background. Working as a police official in the area

has given him insight into what works and what doesn’t, not only for North Riverside, but other

towns.

And while Nick Tricoci has only been involved in the village activities for a short time, his

contributions and knowledge of the village surpass many. He hardly ever misses a village board

meeting and keeps residents informed on social media of the outcome of those meetings. He’s

sat on various committees including the police and fire pension board. He continually expresses

ideas to improve the village, generate income and improve services. His wife, Koula, is involved

with the Library foundation and has been involved with improvements in the community.

Please take a look at their bios and, as was done last election, please feel free to request a

meeting with any of the candidates to ask questions and see the great potential they have to

serve the community and to keep the progress moving.

Thank you again for your support and giving us the opportunity to serve the residents of North

Riverside.

Marty DeLeonardis

Chairman - NRU 2023