Former Chicago Bear Steve McMichael said today that he intends to run for mayor of southwest suburban Romeoville.
He announced his mayoral plans this morning on 1340 WJOL, a Will County talk radio station, and later confirmed his political intentions when contacted by the Tribune.
“I am dead serious about this,” said McMichael, a member of the 1985 Super Bowl champion Bears who has lived in a townhouse in Romeoville since April. “I am not a politician. I am someone who will not delegate over the people. I will listen to them and act on what they want to see in the community.”
McMichael, owner of Mongo McMichael's restaurant and sports bar in Romeoville, said he was encouraged to run by his customers.
McMichael said many of his customers are unhappy with various issues in the village including a lack of businesses and empty store fronts, especially on the east side of town.
McMichael said he has a plan to spruce up the town but did not want to share specifics yet. He plans to seek signatures in October to be on the mayoral ballot and expects to run against Mayor John Noak in the April election.
Noak defended the east side of the village, saying there are plans to build a new downtown area and community center.
"Good things are happening in the village," Noak said.
As for McMichael, Noak said everyone has a right to seek elected office. Noak, who has been mayor since 2008, said he will make a statement in the coming months about whether he plans to seek re-election.
McMichael, who has a 4-year-old daughter, said he used to live in a condo in downtown Chicago but moved to Romeoville so his daughter can grow up in a small town environment.
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