With Trustee Andrew Przybylo heading the ticket as the mayoral candidate, they are compiling a slate. Trustee Joe LoVerde has put his mayoral candidacy on hold for health reasons, but may resume it.
Just when you thought the campaign ads were over, two Niles residents, Andrew Przybylo, a longtime trustee, and George Alpogianis, a former trustee, have declared their candidacy in the April municipal election in Niles.
"Andrew is going to run for mayor, and he has asked me to run alongside him," Alpogianis said.
The two are interviewing other prospective candidates to form a slate of four candidates, and indicated they are interviewing some strong female candidates. Alpogianis said both he and Przybylo want women to be represented on the ticket. They have not yet named their party.
Earlier: Governor signs law clearing liquor license holders such as Przybylo to run for mayor
Earlier: Niles Trustee Joe LoVerde declares candidacy for mayor
Another sitting trustee, Joe LoVerde, had earlier announced his candidacy for mayor, but has been experiencing problems with his hearing and receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic. LoVerde said last week he is waiting to see how the treatment works before deciding whether to pursue the mayoralty.
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Alpogianis said some current board members are too concerned with the past.
"It's not even about the former mayor anymore," he said, referring to 47-year Niles Mayor Nicholas Blase, who stepped down in 2008 and served federal prison time for fraud related to a kickback scheme.
Alpogianis wants to look to the future, he said, explaining he moved to Niles for good schools and good services, and wants to restore services that have been cut, such as the Niles Free Bus. The board voted in September to reconfigure routes and reduce hours to save money, though the bus is still running.
"Free bus service is not only symbolic of Niles, it promotes shopping," Alpogianis said. "That's revenue in the village. It promotes people moving into our village."
Alpogianis also said animal control services had been cut, and that village employees who retire are not being replaced.
Patch will report on future political developments as they occur.
Harry Gio
8:40 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
I'm voting for Gus Alpogianis!
tom nuytr
2:04 am on Monday, December 17, 2012
yes george is a insane pope gangbanger thats who ill vote 4
KC
4:30 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Andy why don't you interview Lou Lang for your slate, maybe you can meet at the casino so you can repay the favor. WELCOME VIDEO GAMING to Niles. You heard it here on Patch first. Oh yea your hand picked yes men haven't won yet.
CK
10:16 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Maybe these restraunt owners will interview Betty Crocker and Ronald Mcdonald. How can any one say that people move to niles so they can ride the free bus to go shopping. Theres a word for that kind of thinking.
Matthew Lagodzinski
9:20 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
George is a great neighbor, always concerned about not only my family but everyone in the community. All of the best to you during your candidacy!