And they’re off!

DeKalb’s elections on April 20 are shaping up as candidates for the mayoral position, the 2nd, 4th and 6th Ward aldermanic seats and the city clerk position announce their candidacies.

Mayor Greg Sparrow has been joined in the race by Independent Harold Russie, a DeKalb resident for 40 years. Sparrow announced his decision to run for his fourth term in November.

Russie, a food administrator at Stevenson Towers, has worked at NIU for 28 years. He also is finishing his master’s degree in adult continuing education at NIU.

“I didn’t see any other names running, and I hoped it would spur someone to run,” Russie said.

ussie said the mayor’s office should strive for “total contact with people.”

“DeKalb needs a change,” he said. “We need to give a more positive attitude to the city.”

Another possible entry into the mayoral race is current 2nd Ward Alderman Mike Welsh. “I have been approached by some concerned people who want me to run for mayor, but I have not made that decision yet,” Welsh said.

Welsh announced in November he will not run for reelection in his ward.

Three candidates have announced intentions to run in the student-dominated 6th Ward. Incumbent Jamie Pennington has decided not to run for reelection.

NIU students Brad Strauss, K.O. Johnson and Eric Grice have announced their intentions to run for the empty seat.

The 2nd and 4th Ward aldermanic seats have only one candidate each.

Donna Johnson is running in the 2nd Ward, and incumbent Rita Tewksbury has announced plans to run for the 4th Ward position.

Currently, incumbent Peggy Hoyt is the only candidate for the DeKalb city clerk position.

In order to run for a city office position, a petition must be filed with the city clerk’s office between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. No petitions will be taken after 5 p.m. on Feb. 8. The last day to register to vote in the election is March 22.