2nd candidate enters race for Des Plaines mayor

Dick Sayad, who was 4th Ward alderman for eight years ending in 2007, is distributing petitions to run for mayor of Des Plaines.

Sayad, who stepped down because of term limits, wants to replace Mayor Tony Arredia, who is stepping down for the same reason.

"From day one when I became an alderman, I wanted to be mayor," said Sayad, 65, who is semiretired from running his own computer services business, Gemini Services Inc. "I have the time required."

The race to succeed Arredia, who Sayad said has done a great job, is expected to draw several contestants. Already, Mike Lake, who helped lead the referendum to adopt the strong city manager form of government in Des Plaines, has entered the race.

Sayad said he believes flooding and finances are the key issues facing the city. While he said the city has done a lot to address flooding, including spending $4.5 million in his ward, more needs to be done because "we still have water problems."

Sayad said he expects the city, which is eliminating 12 positions in next year's budget, to face financial challenges as the economy slows.

"I think the next four years are going to be very rough," he said.

Sayad, who founded Gemini Services in 1970, said he understands the ins and outs of finance and managing people. The business currently has four employees and also uses contract employees, he said. "I've been a businessman all my life."

Because of term limits, the city will have a new mayor, three new alderman and a new city clerk, he pointed out. "It's not going to be a cakewalk at all."