The last elected supervisor of Evanston Township wants to be the City of Evanston’s next mayor.
Gary Gaspard, who resigned as supervisor six months after winning election to the job in April 2013, says in a news release that several unamed “prominent members of our community” have drafted him to run for mayor.
He says he’s seeking to “establish a leadership team that will help facilitate conversations with citizens throughout the city to discuss the most critical challenges facing our exceptional community.”
Gaspard, who defeated Keith Banks by a 57-43 margin in the 2013 vote, came under sharp criticism from township trustees after he submitted a proposed budget calling for a 29 percent increase in township spending.
Alderman Delores Holmes, 5th Ward, called the budget “embarrassing” and said “it doesn’t make sense,” while Alderman Coleen Burrus, 9th Ward, said, “We have a fiscal problem in his community. To present a budget like this is insulting.”
Voters approved dissolving Evanston Township government in a March 2014 referendum by a 64-36 margin, and the city has since taken over responsibility for providing the general assistance and property tax advice services the township formerly offered.
City officials say they’ve been able to expand services while substantially reducing costs as a result of the consolidation.
The other three candidates seeking to become Evanston’s next mayor are Steve Hagerty, Brian Miller and Mark Tendam.
After his very poor
After his very poor performance with the Township, the thought of Mr. Gaspard being Mayor terrifies me. I suggest people find the link to the City's YouTube video of his budget proposal, which should help you come to your own conclusion.