Third Elmhurst Alderman Announces Run for Mayor

A third Elmhurst alderman has announced her intention to run for mayor in the April 9 Consolidated Election.

First Ward Alderman Diane Gutenkauf announced via Facebook on Sunday that she would be running. She has represented the 1st Ward since 2007 after being re-elected in 2011. Her current term expires in 2015.

She is director of the Robert McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

One initiative near and dear to her heart has been conservation, as well as the use of renewable resources to deal with flooding. She recently held a gathering at her home to share information about an energy efficiency program for homeowners, and last year she installed a permeable driveway to minimize rainwater runoff.

Gutenkauf often has voted against the City Council majority on fiscal matters, including issues like the City Council's approval of a stormwater contract or the assistant city manager position, for example. And she did not support the boundaries for the new North York Road tax increment financing district.

Earlier this month, 6th Ward Alderman Steve Morley announced his campaign for mayor, and in August, 7th Ward Alderman Mark Mulliner was the first to announce he was running.

Gutenkauf's campaign kickoff and fund-raiser will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Angelo's Ristorante, 247 N. York Road, Elmhurst. Cost is $30 per person. RSVP by calling (630) 650-8425 by Dec. 7.

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