THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2008

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Former Alderman Back Into Politics

By TODD WESSELL

Journal & Topics Editor

A name from Des Plaines' political past has resurfaced in the tiny far west suburban community of Garden Prairie.

John Dini, a 6th ward alderman from 1981-85, said this week he intends to run for village president of the small town in the April 2009 election. It will be Garden Prairie's first ever municipal election following its recent incorporation as a community.

The political "bug" has not only bitten the former Des Plaines aldermen, but also his 24-year-old son, Anthony, who is a Republican candidate for the Boone County board from District 2. The younger Dini is running in the November general election for a two-year-term. Dini has been a resident of Garden Prairie since February 2000 after moving from Des Plaines. He was on the committee of Garden Prairie residents several months ago that worked to place a referendum question to incorporate a new community on the local election ballot. Voters agreed and the first election will be held next spring.

According to Dini, there are only 225 voters in Garden Prairie, which spans a total of about one square mile in size.