LOCKPORT — Economic development is a key issue for two candidates running for Lockport City Council First Ward.

Jim Petrakos, 43, and Michael Bonomo, 49, both want to see Lockport thrive and attract more businesses. Both offer different ideas on how to achieve this. They are competing for a seat left vacant by First Ward Alderman Pete Colarelli, who is not seeking re-election.

Jim Petrakos

Petrakos, an architect with Tria Architecture, said he's lived in Lockport for years and loves it. Now that the city is emerging from the recent recession, he sees opportunity for residential, commercial and retail development, he said.

“The biggest [issue] as a resident I know, it’s kind of been echoed with meeting with all the neighbors and my ward, is development,” Petrakos said.

Petrakos counts his experience as an architect and engineer as one of his strengths, saying he understands urban planning. He said he would bring a “nice, solid professional voice” to City Council on development issues.

Development will have to be done “almost as a chess game,” Petrakos said, because the city has to balance building homes and attracting businesses.

Some developers research Lockport and think it’s not a good place for business because of the number of homes or the residential income, he said. The city would have to build more homes, he said.

The City Council that existed before Mayor Steven Streit took office was marred by fighting, Petrakos said. He said he knows developers will shy away from cities where City Council members fight among each other.

“I think the council is on the right track right now,” he said. “With Colarelli stepping down, it’s an opportunity to bring my background to this.”

According to Petrakos' campaign website, he's received endorsements from Colarelli and Streit. His candidacy committee "Citizens To Elect Jim Petrakos," has $4,465 as of March 23, according to state records.

Michael Bonomo

Bonomo, a sales and marketing employee, said his main reason for running for the First Ward is to help people. He said he wants to be a "go-to person" for people in the community and improve the city's quality of life.

Bonomo said his 30 years in sales and marketing gives him the talent to attract businesses to Lockport.

“When I live in a community, I like to find out ways to make it a better place for everybody,” he said. “In my opinion, being on the outside is different from being on the inside. I’d like to be on the inside and be part of the decision making.”

Some of the key issues Bonomo sees for Lockport include good financial health, commercial and residential growth, communication and water services.

With Gov. Bruce Rauner announcing proposed cuts to state funding for municipalities, Bonomo said it will be important for Lockport to "look at everything line by line" and ensure money is being managed wisely. While other services such as police, fire and water cannot be cut, there may be other areas Lockport would have to tighten its budget, he said.

Bonomo said Lockport needs more development, but city officials should ensure responsible development that doesn't negatively impact residents.

“We need to create a balance for Lockport to maintain its identity and give people a reason to live here,” he said.

Bonomo previously ran for a seat on the Homer Glen Village Board in 2009. He was one of three candidates endorsed by Homer Glen Mayor Jim Daley. He’s also been a two-term Homer Precinct Committeeman.

According to Illinois State Board of Elections records, there is no candidacy committee in Bonomo's name.