Robert Hasty, photo provided by the candidate
When we say Ottawa voters made a Hasty decision after four Aussem years, that’s not commentary on the top two mayoral candidates. The city’s next mayor will be insurance agent Robb Hasty. He led the race against incumbent Dan Aussem and challenger Leonard Newell. Ottawa voters are keeping commissioners Marla Pearson, Wayne Eichelkraut, and Tom Ganiere. Brent Barron will replace James Less. Aussem says he’s not sure what he should have done differently. But he says the voters have spoken.
Jason Curran won the mayor’s race in Oglesby over former mayor Don Finley and fellow city commissioner Jim Cullinan. Tom Argubright will leave the council. Terry Eutis will stay. Gregory “Mac” McDermott, Richard Baldridge, and Tony Stefanelli will join it. Curran will be the most experienced person on the council.
In Marseilles, Jim Buckingham and Bobby Kaminski stay on the council. Michael Scheib and Melissa Small will join it. Gary Lewey will leave. Mayor Jim Hollenbeck ran unopposed.
Streator Mayor Tara Bedei
Tara Bedei will stay mayor in Streator after outperforming Brian Crouch in the vote count. Timothy Geary is staying on the council and will be joined by David Reed and David “Moose” Conner. Bedei became the appointed mayor after Jimmie Lansford resigned for health reasons. She’ll continue working on her goals as an elected mayor.
Grand Ridge trustees elected to four-year terms are Dennis Rockey, Cynthia Koetz, and John Hettel.
Taunya Eckman won the mayor’s race in Leland over Patrick Torman.
Seneca village commissioners for the next term will be Mark Victor, Scott Peddicord, Kent Weber, and David Higgins.
Tonica voters elected David Wiesbrock, Stephen Ebener, and Michael Supan Jr. to the board of trustees.
Troy Grove voters chose Marlene Melau, Ben Ross, and Gelan Eich.