Seventh Ward: Kevin O’Connor

Kevin O’Connor is hoping to bring new ideas and an outsider’s perspective to the Seventh Ward.

With a background in sales, insurance, real estate and property tax, O’Connor is focused on city finances. Hoping to weigh in on the city’s fiscal management, he has attended several City Council meetings to comment on the budget and the use of tax increment financing.

O’Connor’s decision to run for alderman was also fueled by what he calls “bad development” near his home and his ensuing urge to get involved.

In terms of the city’s relationship with NU, he says he is more interested in going after intellectual capital than a financial contribution.

Seventh Ward: Jane Grover

In her 15 years as an Evanston resident, Jane Grover has dedicated herself to a number of community organizations and programs.

In addition to working as an attorney, Grover served on the Evanston Mental Health Board for eight years. She also took part in Leadership Evanston in 2004, as well as the Citizen Police Academy in 2007.

Grover is a member of the Seventh Ward’s Central Street Neighborhood Association and is actively involved in the Evanston schools her three sons attend.

She plans to use her community experience to tackle issues such as improving the budget, creating jobs and building a stronger relationship with NU.

Seventh Ward: John Zbesko

In his bid for alderman, John Zbesko is focused on maintaining and enhancing city services, representing the Seventh Ward and using his vision to improve Evanston.

In addition to working on issues such as keeping the Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Ave. and redistricting the Seventh Ward, Zbesko has participated in Leadership Evanston and is the former president of the Democratic Party of Evanston.

Currently a senior equity researcher at Charles Schwab, he is looking to use his background in finance to work on the city budget.

Zbesko has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago.

Eighth Ward: Ann Rainey

Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) is running unopposed as the ward’s longtime council member.

In her 21 years as alderman, Rainey has overseen the Howard Street developments and has championed the cause of affordable housing. She has also called on Northwestern to make financial contributions to the city.

In 1993, Rainey ran for mayor of Evanston, but current Mayor Lorraine Morton defeated her.

Rainey keeps up with her constituents through the message board on her Web site, annrainey.com. She also helped organize last October’s Bike the Ridge, which celebrated the repaving of Ridge Avenue.

Recently, Rainey voted to establish a central core as part of the city’s Downtown Plan.