Dan Bovey and his family battled harsh winds and weather to bring new hope and inspiration to West Chicago citizens during his announcement of a mayoral run—the first time in a decade a new candidate has entered the race for mayor of West Chicago.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, outside Beron Design Group in downtown West Chicago, Bovey announced his candidacy for mayor and shared his vision for creating a more open and vibrant community.
Citizens gathered to enjoy free snacks, including hot chocolate to combat the cold and pizza from a local pizzeria. Promoted on Facebook, through email, and by word of mouth, the event welcomed residents interested in learning about Bovey’s plans.
Bovey, a pastor at New Life Bilingual Church, had attendees from his congregation on hand to assist with the event, serving pizza and tamales despite the chilling temperatures of 50 degrees, which felt even colder due to strong winds.
“We attend Dan—Pastor Dan’s church, that’s how we got into this,” Kristi Yu said.
Bovey’s wife, Jody, a teacher at Gary Elementary School, also attended the event to support her husband and encourage citizens to join his campaign.
“I’m excited,” she said of her husband’s mayoral run.
Midway through the event, attendees gathered as Bovey delivered a speech outlining his plans for West Chicago, which include three main priorities:
“I want to re-vamp city hall from the inside out, revitalize the downtown area…and an installation of ombudsman,” Bovey said during his speech.
Sign-up and contact sheets were available at the entrance of the event, encouraging attendees to volunteer for Bovey’s campaign and support his team of candidates.
The team includes Julieta Alcántar Garcia, who is running for Ward 1. A lifetime resident of West Chicago and active member of People Opposing DuPage Environmental Racism (PODER), Alcántar Garcia stressed in her speech that she aims to address the community’s most pressing concerns, and hear everyone’s voices and concerns.
“Resolver las cosas que nos pre-ocupan más [to resolve and focus on the things that worry us the most],” she said.
Domingo Rodriguez, a 30-year resident of West Chicago, announced his candidacy for Alderman of the 2nd Ward.
“Quiero representar a todos pero especialmente a los que tienen medio—quiero ser alguien que los reciba [I want to represent everybody but especially those who are scared—I want to be someone who accepts you],” Rodriguez said.
He highlighted his goal of being a voice for all citizens, with a special focus on West Chicago’s Hispanic population, which makes up 50% of the community.
Dennise Careto, at 21 the youngest candidate running for alderman, hopes to amplify young voices. A lifelong West Chicago resident and alumnus of Pioneer Elementary, Leman Middle School, and West Chicago Community High School, Careto believes young leadership is essential for shaping the future.
Carlos Avina Soto, an 11-year resident of West Chicago, is running for Alderman in Ward 4. Soto advocates for embracing diversity and amplifying underrepresented voices.
“Differences are a good thing,” Avina Soto said.
As the event concluded, Bovey gathered his wife and four children, Peter, Yali, Ruthy, and Micaiah, for family photos. “I’m feeling very encouraged with the amount of support…we have had positive responses from the community,” Bovey said.
Correction
Nov. 30, 2024
In a previous version of the article, Dan Bovey was incorrectly quoted as seeking “an installation of an Ambadgeman.” The correct quote is “an installation of an ombudsman.”
Additionally, two names were misspelled: Jody Bovey was misspelled, and Micaiah Bovey was also listed incorrectly.
The Wildcat Chronicle apologizes for these errors and appreciates the opportunity to correct them.
This story was originally published on Wildcat Chronicle on November 27, 2024.