Posted5/4/2021 5:30 AM
A new era began Monday night in St. Charles with the swearing in of Mayor Lora Vitek, four new aldermen, a new city clerk and a new treasurer.
The first city council meeting for the group featured the approval of Finance Director Chris Minick as the interim city administrator to replace retiring Mark Koenen, who provided one of the many emotional farewell speeches of the night. Minick s appointment becomes effective May 15.
Vitek, who served one term as Ward 4 alderman, becomes the second female mayor in St. Charles history after Sue Klinkhamer served from 1997 to 2005. I m honored to be elected as the mayor of St. Charles for many reasons, she said. As only the second female mayor of the city, I m hoping I can set a good example for other women to develop confidence, drive and fearlessness to take a risk when it comes to seeking political, community or other leadership positions. I support you and welcome you to explore opportunities available throu
Newcomer Ryan Bongard ousted longtime incumbent Art Lemke in last week s race for 2nd Ward alderman in St. Charles by claiming the most votes of any of the 12 candidates who ran across five wards.
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Contested races for the mayor s office and five City Council seats drew more St. Charles voters to the polls in 2021 than in 2017. (Mark Konkol/Patch)
ST. CHARLES, IL Voter turnout in St. Charles was higher in this spring s local races than the 2017 election, thanks in part to the contest for the mayor s office at the top of the ballot.
Ald. Lora Vitek defeated fellow Ald. Maureen Lewis last week in the race to replace outgoing Mayor Raymond Rogina, unofficial election results show. That matchup, as well as contests for five seats on the City Council, led to a small increase in voter turnout in 2021 compared to 2017.
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