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Spande victorious in Winfield

Erik Spande will make the transition from Winfield trustee to village president.

With all of Winfield's 13 precincts reporting, Spande defeated newcomer Rob Hanlon in a race that changed which political faction will control the village board.

Spande received 1,756 votes while Hanlon got 1,359 votes, according to unofficial results.

In addition, Spande's three running mates — Philip Mustes, James McCurdy and incumbent Jack Bajor — appeared to win the three 4-year seats on the village board. They defeated Tom Blackburn, Charles Jacques and incumbent Jay Olson.

Spande said he and his running mates were successful at the polls because residents are unhappy with the behavior of the existing village board.

“They are not happy with some of the decisions that have been made,” he said. “They were looking for folks who would, hopefully, do a better job and behave in a more professional and civil manner.”

The village president seat was up for grabs because incumbent Deborah Birutis decided not to seek re-election after one term.

During the campaign, Hanlon portrayed himself as an outsider intent on getting the town's opposing groups working together.

While Spande and his political allies will be the majority on the village board, he said he plans to reach out to the three other trustees and let them know that everyone will be treated fairly.

“I want to make sure they completely understand that I will be more than happy to let the items they think are important be on the agenda,” he said.

Spande was backed by Winfield United for a Better Community, the group that supported Birutis four years ago. He thanked all the volunteers who helped him and his running mates during the campaign.

“We've been campaigning nonstop since January,” he said. “Overall, it's been an extremely positive experience.”

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