Cronin Narrows Field For District 4 Appointee

William Bedrossian of Wheaton and Chris Levan of Winfield are the final two candidates in the running for the appointment to the open District 4 seat on the DuPage County Board.

County Chairman Dan Cronin narrowed his selection down to these two candidates Friday afternoon. Initially, Cronin expected to have a final candidate to submit to the county board for approval, but Cronin said he wanted to interview the two candidates separately before making a final decision.

Cronin chose the two from a field of 11 applicants who applied to finish the unexpired term of Debra Olsen, who in December, her position on the board to helm the DuPage Homeownership Center.

Cronin said he selected the two because of their “extensive professional experience, community involvement and their willingness to help advance our reform agenda to make DuPage County a smarter and more efficient government.”

Bedrossian owns Bedrock Earthscapes, LLC in Wheaton. He serves as a board member of the Evangelical Child and Family Agency in Wheaton. Bedrossian has also served as a volunteer on several community service organizations.

In his application letter, Bedrossian said he can contribute in the areas of administration and environmental stewardship. He said he was familiar with many of the concerns facing the county, including housing, transportation and flooding.

Levan, a partner and securities trader with TLG Ltd. in Winfield, said he wanted to serve out the remainder of Olsen’s term to assist Cronin in moving his agenda forward.

“I believe my appointment will give you a strong ally on the county board. I am a person who understands how to be a team player and accomplish objectives without acrimony and bitterness, ensuring the goals of the district and county are met,” Levan said in his application letter. 

Levan served eight years as a trustee for the Village of Winfield. He also serves as chairman of the Winfield Fire Protection District.

During , both Bedrossian and Levan said they would “strongly support” Cronin’s plan to consolidate government services in DuPage County.

“I don’t understand why we have had so many government overlaps. Chairman Cronin is right in his efforts to combine those services … We’re heading in the right direction and I want to be part of that move,” Bedrossian said.

Levan, who said he was part of the creation of Winfield’s first Tax Increment Financing District, said smaller government is more responsive and better suited to care for the needs of the people.

Johnna Kelly, a spokesman for Cronin, said the chairman plans to submit his appointment to the board in time for the Feb. 14 meeting. The appointee will only serve the remainder of Olsen’s term. Neither candidate will be eligible to run for re-election in November.

By statute a candidate appointed to the board to finish a previous board member’s term must be a member of the same political party as the outgoing member. Olson is a Republican.