Democratic winning streak continues on Metropolitan Water Reclamation board

All nine of the seats on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board will remain in Democratic hands, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

With 3,587 of 3,673 precincts reporting, the three Democratic candidates - Cynthia Santos, Frank Avila and Tim Bradford - lead the pack for the three vacant seats on the board.

Unofficial totals show incumbent Santos with 635,697 votes, or 22.4 percent; incumbent Avila with 567,453 votes, or 20 percent; and Bradford with 544,716 votes, or 19.2 percent.

"I'm very appreciative to voters for supporting my candidacy," Santos said after voters elected her to a fourth 6-year term Tuesday night.

She said the board is planning to spend $300 million next year with local communities stormwater management projects that will make a significant difference in the lives of people in the district.

The board is tasked with overseeing Cook County stormwater management and flood prevention, water quality, protection of the Lake Michigan water supply, collection of wastewater and discharge of treated water.