Four NIU students have applied for the position of DeKalb’s 6th ward alderman, said Mayor Greg Sparrow.

Interviews for the position are planned for next week, Sparrow said. After discussing the applicants with incumbent 6th Ward Alderman Steven Brody and Student Association President Paula Radtke, the mayor will submit his nomination for the council’s approval. Sparrow said he plans to fill the vacancy by August 1.

Candidates are Jim Benton, an accounting and finance major; Michael Neylon, a liberal arts major with an emphasis in public relations; Joe Annunzio, a sociology major; and Karen Seymour, a fine arts major with an emphasis in painting.

Qualities Sparrow said he seeks in the candidates include work experience, communication skills, rational decision-making ability, and an understanding that many issues the council considers will have little or no impact on the 6th Ward.

“Experience in the Student Association would not necessarily hurt the candidates,” said Sparrow, formerly an SA member. “But it does not automatically qualify a candidate above the others.”

Annunzio, who is an SA senator and was involved in voter registration in DeKalb, attributes his interest in politics to working for the campaigns of his uncle, U.S. Congressman Frank Annunzio, D-Chicago.

“Most of my experience and knowledge is based on experience with my uncle,” Annunzio said. “I think my experience at NIU will cater me for my political aspirations later. I plan on running, and if I don’t get the appointment, I will run in April (when the appointment ends).”

Seymour said she is a candidate because “I’ve been the city connection for the SA for more than a year now.” Seymour previously ran for 7th Ward Alderman as a write-in candidate and was defeated.

Neylon, the manager of the DeKalb Pet Shop, said, “My main concern for running is I’ve lived in and been raised in the area,” Neylon said. “Knowledge of the area is my strong point.”

Benton formerly served in the U.S. Army, in ROTC, in the NIU College Republicans and on the SA speaker’s committee.

Sparrow will discuss the candidates’ qualifications with 6th Ward Alderman Steve Brody.

“I’m looking for some outward sign of interest in the community, such as involvement in community groups, political activities, volunteer work or student organizations,” Brody said. “I’m looking for an NIU student, since the 6th Ward is predominantly a student ward.”

Sparrow also said he will discuss the candidates with Radtke.

“She might give me input about what she sees as some of the issues the SA is concerned with,” Sparrow said.

Radtke said she thought qualities important to the position include a knowledge of city politics, a readiness to hear both sides of the story, an ability to have divergent opinions and a willingness to meet members of the SA on a regular basis.