City elections are approaching! Do you know who you’re voting for?

This is the second part in a series of brief biographies on the candidates running to represent their neighborhoods in the Evanston City Council. Polls open April 7.

Elliot Dudnik

Elliott Dudnik (PhD 1983) said he would bring unique experience to the Evanston City Council.

The 65-year-old architect and longtime University of Illinois at Chicago architectural professor made a name for himself by working on dozens of architectural projects during his 35 years in the city. His work includes the police and fire department headquarters, the Evanston Art Center and the Mason Park Field House.

“Having worked with the city, I have a very good understanding of both the good and bad features of how the city government is working right now,” he said.

Dudnik, an active participant in the fight to save the Civic Center, said that as an alderman, he would carefully weigh the value of development against the effect on the “nostalgic version of Evanston.”

He said he also would work to find creative solutions to solve the city’s budget crisis, which he said will be a “problem for a long time.”

Howard Hartenstein

Howard Hartenstein said he doesn’t have one “big issue” in his bid for alderman. Instead, he’s hoping his campaign will increase citizen influence on city government.

The 46-year-old construction worker and architect, who has never before sought public office, said he decided to run after being inspired by President Barack Obama.

“This is a critical time for Evanston,” he said. “Our ward felt that we really wanted to have kind of more of a grassroots representation on the City Council.”

Describing himself as a “generalist,” Hartenstein said his goal is maximizing citizen input in government.

“I really want to have the people of our ward be more involved in the process of decision-making that goes on in the City of Evanston,” he said.

The 41-year Evanston resident is married with three children.

Donald Wilson

Donald Wilson views serving on the Evanston City Council as the next logical step for him to expand his role in the community.

Previously, Wilson has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and on the board of directors for the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, Inc., 2200 Main St.

The 43-year-old business attorney and 14-year Evanston resident is calling for fiscal responsibility and economic development.

“You start with controlling your spending,” Wilson said. “Then you invest in things that can generate revenue, and you seek economic development.”

He said his main goal was to “build community and maintain the community we enjoy.”

Wilson has contacted the other candidates to suggest limiting candidate yard signs. His Web site urges donors to consider giving money to a local charity instead of to him.

“I expect it will be a constructive and issue-based election,” he said. “It shouldn’t be a spending contest.”