Offerman files to run for mayor of Minooka

A single candidate filed to run for mayor of Minooka in the April municipal election.

Ric Offerman, a sitting village trustee, filed a petition to be on the ballot for the April 6 election.

Offerman was appointed last year to fill a vacancy on the Minooka Village Board. He said he had also served on the Village Board for eight years in the late 1980s and early 1990s and has lead other community organizations.

“I know I can run a meeting,” he said. “The rest of it, we’ll see.”

Offerman also taught in the Channahon School District 17 for about 34 years, he said. He is the father of Nick Offerman, an actor best known for his role on the sitcom “Parks and Rec.”

The incumbent mayor, Pat Brennan, chose not to run for reelection after 12 years in office.

“I think it’s time for somebody else to take over and do a great job,” he said.

Brennan said he started his public service in the village in 1998 when he was on the Park Committee. He also served as a village trustee from 2001 to 2005.

Both men said the main issue that village government needs to address in the coming years is continued growth and economic development.

Brennan said the village has a lot of room to grow, especially with its population of only about 11,000 residents. Specifically they said the village is in the process of planning to extend its sewer and water lines to the Kendall County portion of the village so that new businesses and housing can be built there.

Offerman added that it’s important for the village to balance its growth with quality of life, especially as more warehouses are built and more trucks are added o the roads.

They also touted the building of a new park and bike paths for residents.

Offerman praised Brennan for his service to the village as he enters his final months.

“There’s no way I’m going to replace him, but I’m going to give it a try,” he said.

Only two individuals filed to run for the Board of Trustees including incumbent Terry Houchens and Gabriela Martinez.

The election is set for April 6.