Park Ridge Alderperson Richard “Rick” Biagi had decided not to seek reelection to be 6th Ward leader, creating a contest to replace him where, according to unofficial vote totals from the election Tuesday, Lauren Rapisand appears to have prevailed.
“Having held elected office in Park Ridge for the past 16 years, I believe it is my time to step aside and make way for new faces and new voices,” Biagi told Pioneer Press via email ahead of the April 1 Consolidated Election.
Rapisand ran against Joseph Iacullo for the City Council seat.
Biagi backed Iacullo. But Iacullo, who was appointed last year to the city’s Liquor License Review Board, got 42% of the vote to Rapisand’s 58%, according to the unofficial vote count from the Cook County clerk’s office.
Ballot results are unofficial until the county clerk certifies the results in the coming weeks.
A self-described seasoned communications and branding professional, Rapisand, 47, has been a Friends of the Park Ridge Public Library Board member since 2024 and on the Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 Parent Advisory Board since 2023.
“I got into the race to help my neighbors. Enough of my neighbors were coming up to me saying they were struggling to find information they needed or who to contact with issues and problems,” Rapisand told Pioneer Press about her decision to run for alderperson.
She said her priorities as ward leader will include finding out what the city’s O’Hare Airport Commission is working on and addressing parking issues – such as behind Maine South High School and for guests of residents in restricted zones.
Rapisand said she and her husband, Jason, moved to Park Ridge from the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago in 2013 looking to start a family. Their children, fourth-grader Maxwell and first-grader Reese, attend Washington Elementary School.
“One of the things I pride myself on is being able to listen,” Rapisand said. “I thought this would be a good way to give back to the community.”
She was on the Park Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees from 2018 to 2024, including two years as president.
Rapisand has also been involved in the Park Ridge Newcomers Club since 2014, has co-chaired the Washington Walkathon since 2022, co-founded and co-chaired the Washington Wildcats Giveback Initiative since 2022 and been Girl Scouts Daisy troop assistant leader since 2023.
“I know a lot of folks in the community and I feel like I can help them. I feel like you have to be involved in the community to represent your community,” she said.
Iacullo did not respond to Pioneer Press attempts to reach him.
But according to Iacullo’s campaign website, he is director of capital finance for the Chicago Transit Authority and also manages a law practice where he focuses on commercial and residential real estate. He is a married father of three.
“I am dedicated to addressing the issues that directly impact our community’s quality of life,” Iacullo stated on the website. “I believe addressing these issues through collaborative efforts and continued engagement with residents are essential for the continued growth, safety and prosperity of Park Ridge.”
The website explains that he volunteers for school and sporting events for his children, and assists with organizing other sports and activities with the athletic committee of Mary, Seat of Wisdom church and school.
As alderperson, he had plans for public safety that included making sure law enforcement has necessary resources, and fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents, the campaign website states.
He had also planned on implementing stormwater management systems to reduce flooding, and economic development such as making Park Ridge more business-friendly.
Biagi exits the City Council with a lengthy public service record.
Elected in 2021, Biagi chairs the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and is a member of the mayor’s advisory board.
He was previously on the Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 board where he was president from 2017 to 2021. Additionally, he was a city Recreation and Park District commissioner from 2009 to 2017.
Rapisand will be sworn in at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer. Pioneer Press staff contributed.
