JOLIET, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- On April 4, when Chicago picks a new Mayor and aldermen, several suburbs will be holding municipal elections as well. Joliet will vote for it's Mayor and City Council.
Incumbent Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk is running for a third term. This time the former Police officer and attorney is facing a strong challenge from local car dealer Terry D'Arcy and community activist Tycee Bell.
O'Dekirk is pro-development and has the support of several building trade unions. At his state of the City address, he said the City's doing well.
"I can tell you that the numbers in Joliet are off the charts in what we've been able to do and how economically we are roaring coming out of the pandemic."
O'Dekirk reminded residents that Joliet is doing well enough to attract the Lion Electric plant to build all-electric buses and trucks, among other developments.
But Terry D'Arcy, a former Illinois Tollway Board member, said more attention needs to be paid to where the city is heading.
"We don't have a comprehensive long -term plan here in the city of Joliet," he said. "We haven't had- they wrote one up in 2015, but that was almost eight years ago. You know, the world continues to evolve very, very fast."
In his mayoral campaign, D'Arcy also said Joliet needs adult housing for seniors.
For her part, Tycee Bell said her grassroots efforts put her in a strong position.
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