Former Bear McMichael files to run for mayor of Romeoville - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Former Chicago Bear Steve "Mongo" McMichael, a member of the 1985 Super Bowl champions, made his run for Romeoville mayor official Wednesday when he filed the petitions needed to become a candidate.

McMichael and former Mayor Fred Dewald will challenge incumbent John Noak in the April 9 election.

The threesome should offer an interesting mix of candidates. McMichael, who remains a sports radio personality in Chicago, adds celebrity appeal to the campaign. Dewald will try to regain the seat he resigned in 2008, just months after pleading guilty to a drunken driving charge. Noak, a village trustee at the time of Dewald's resignation, was then appointed the new mayor and has won re-election.

Showing he's not depending on his name alone in the April election, McMichael filed his petitions at village hall with his campaign chairwoman — Gail Raucci, who ran unsuccessfully for Romeoville mayor against Noak in 2009.

"I've always relied on the counsel of the people who have been there before me," McMichael said.

McMichael began renting a condominium in Romeoville in April, giving him the one-year residency required to run in the April 2013 election. He has been a presence in Romeoville for two years since Mongo McMichael's Sports Bar opened on Route 53.

The bar could become an issue in the campaign since the Romeoville mayor also serves as liquor commissioner and regulates liquor license holders.

McMichael, however, said he has no ownership in the bar and derives no income from the business. He said he let friends use his name to open the restaurant and only enjoys free food and drinks while there. But he said he would appoint someone else to be liquor commissioner if the public demanded it.