LOWELL | Middle school principal and former town Police Commissioner John Alessia will go up against Beecher police officer Andrew Le Roy in the race for the 3rd Ward council seat Tuesday.

Le Roy, a Republican, is actually an incumbent of one month after his appointment to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Councilwoman Polly Roberts.

Le Roy, 35, moved to Lowell in January and said he feels he can bring his two years experience as a village trustee in Sheldon, Ill., to the council. He said he would like a newsletter or similar material to increase communication between the council and residents.

"I also want the small-town values to stay. That's what we're trying to do in Beecher right now," he said.

Le Roy said he also wants to be certain that "first-responders get better training." He said he recognizes there are fiscal constraints.

Alessia, a Democrat who has lived in Lowell since 1995 and has been a Tri-Creek School Corp. employee for 15 years, agreed.

"I am proud and feel blessed to be able to raise my own children in a community that cherishes small-town values," Alessia said.

In fact, Alessia said his opposition to the proposed Illiana Expressway is based on that.

"One of the many reasons I choose to live in this community is because of its small-town appeal. ... The toll road would rob us of what we cherish on a daily basis," he said.

If elected, Alessia said he will work with his fellow councilmen to "clearly communicate" to local, state and federal lawmakers that the project is ill-conceived and shortsighted.