Alderman positions in wards two, four and six are up for grabs April 9.

In DeKalb, seven aldermen serve on City Council to represent the city’s seven wards alongside the mayor, who oversees all the wards.

Mayor Kris Povlsen, who served as second ward alderman from 1997 to 2008, knows that financial accountability is a large role in being an alderman.

“The most difficult thing is the fiscal management of all the operations,” Povlsen said. “Service demand continues to increase, and revenues, over the years when I was involved as alderman and as mayor, decreased.”

Fifth ward alderman Ron Naylor said one of the most challenging parts of being an alderman has been the position’s demand for time.

“People don’t realize the amount of time it takes to be a good representative for the constituents,” Naylor said. “It takes a lot to truly represent constituents.”

Naylor said representing constituents should be the top priority for any alderman.

“The most important aspect of being an alderman is being able to represent constituents, represent the people in your ward, and hopefully be a voice for them and speak out on their behalf,” Naylor said.

Fourth ward alderman Brendon Gallagher said in an email it is important for aldermen to have specific goals and to have things they want to accomplish within their terms for their respective wards.

Naylor said candidates should be open to others’ ideas and prepared to work hard.

“Be open minded and willing to put time and effort into the job and go at it with an open mind and without any preconceived notions,” Naylor said.

Povlsen said being on the City Council takes a lot of work but is worthwhile.

“New aldermen should make sure they do their homework, stay in touch with constituents and work closely with the fine staff we have there,” Povlsen said. “Its a very rewarding experience.”