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Politics & Government

City Contractors Prove Big Campaign Donors

Firms doing business with Highland Park donated as much as $5,000 to mayoral candidates.

As the cost of Highland Park’s mayoral campaign between and escalates, both candidates have been accepting substantial donations from people with business ties to the city. 

Olian received a $5,000 donation from Joseph and Ann Pasquesi of Lake Forest, former owners of . Steven Pasquesi, an employee of the company, gave Rotering $1,500, according to reports filed by both candidates with the Illinois State Board of Elections

In early 2009, the City of Highland Park entered into a one-year services contract with Pasquesi Plumbing. The agreement provides for three one-year renewals. In December, the agreement was extended through 2011. The contract was obtained by Patch through a Freedom of Information Act request. 

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Pasquesi Plumbing has been paid $31,108 under the contract through March 3, according to records from the Department of Public Works.

Olian has been a councilwoman during the entire time of the contact. Rotering joined the City Council in May 2009,  and has been a councilwoman while a majority of Pasquesi's work was done. 

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Rotering said she was unaware of the contract, and Olian, while aware of the pact, said it would have no impact on her actions on behalf of the city. 

“People know my integrity,” Olian said. “My decisions will always be in the best interest of Highland Park. This will not enter into my decision making. It never has and it never will.” 

Rotering was encouraged to see citizens like the Pasquesis engaged over the election, particularly when they are part of the business community. 

Rotering also received a $2,500 donation—her largest—from , the operator of Highland Park’s annual Port Clinton Art Festival. 

Amy Amdur, the company's operator, did not return calls to Patch seeking comment and did not respond to an e-mail. She is a longtime friend of Rotering. 

“Amy [Amdur] and I go way back,” Rotering said. “Her brother and I were in the same high school class. I appreciate the support of a friend.” 

In a campaign where the candidates hoped to limit their spending to $60,000 but may spend as much as $100,000, an  individual donation of $2,500 or $5,000—the maximum amount allowed by law—is significant.

Councilman Steve Mandel, , limited contributions he would accept from individuals when he ran for mayor in 2003.  He said he was distressed by the large donations, and that he would not take money from anyone who did business with the city or might in some way want to incur favor.

“A $5,000 contribution in an election in a town of less than 30,000 is obscene,” he said. He added, however, that his last unsuccessful run for mayor taught him that there's reason for accepting large donations.

“It [his 2003 loss to departing ] showed me you need to be on a par with dollars to get your message out.” 

Olian has received three donations of $5,000. In addition to the Pasquesis, Highland Park residents  Sheila and Joe Gutman as well as Cari Sacks gave the maximum amount, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. 

“She’s [Olian] an extraordinary public servant. I’ve known her for 22 years,” Sheila Gutman said. “She did a wonderful job on the [District] 112 school board and she’s great on City Council."

Sacks had no comment when contacted by Patch. 

Olian is pleased with the large donations in a campaign where the costs are rapidly escalating, but was quick to point out she has received numerous contributions for much less. She also aid she is equally happy with people who donate time when they have no money to give.

Both Olian and Rotering offer volunteer opportunities on their campaign websites.

Ed. Note: This article previously referred to Joseph Pasquesi as the current owner of Pasquesi Plumbing. He sold the company on July 30, 2009. We apologize for the error.

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