Fifteen Democrats are vying for four spots in Tuesday’s primary for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, which treats waste water from more than 5 million people in Chicago and 124 suburbs.
Twelve Democrats, including three incumbents, are running for three spots for 6-year-terms. Running for the single spot to fill out two years of an unexpired term are three more Democrats.
Among those running for the 6-year-terms is Board President Terrence O’Brien, who has lobbied to widen the district’s oversight of flood control and storm water measures.
Budget committee chairman Harry “Bus” Yourell, who served nine terms in the General Assembly, is also seeking to retain his seat on the board. Yourell, too, has been working to expand the district’s storm water oversight.
James Harris, the third incumbent seeking another 6-year term, is chairman of the municipalities committee. He wants to improve communication between the board and other government entities.
Among the challengers is Oak Park resident Meldemetrius “Tony” Johnson. Johnson is dissatisfied with the district’s affirmative action programs and wants to increase minority contracts.
John McNamara, a state representative from Oak Lawn from 1983 to 1992, wants the board to investigate concerns about pathogens in storm water runoff.
M. Frank Avila, a civil engineer with experience in sewer design and flood studies, wants to complete the Deep Tunnel project while seeking new reservoirs along streams and rivers.
Nadine Zapolsky, a South Side resident, wants the district to list Lake Michigan’s worst polluters and eliminate bureaucratic waste.
Zdzislawa “Zsa” Popielarczyk wants to investigate concerns that sludge produced by the district and applied to fields could be a health hazard.
Also running are Anthony Wiorski, Lawrence Andolino and Joseph Glorioso.
Martin Sandoval is one of three candidates seeking the two-year term. A former analyst for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sandoval says he has the most experience dealing with water pollution issues.
Lynn Carmody, who served six years on the board of the South Palos Township Sanitary District, wants to capture methane at sewage treatment plants and use it to generate electricity. Quinn Avila seeks to complete Deep Tunnel.
The Republicans have kept things much tidier: Four of them are running unopposed and should face the Democratic nominees in the fall.
