Incumbents easily turn back challengers in Arlington Heights trustee race

With several large, expensive projects looming, voters opted to keep the status quo on the village board in Arlington Heights Tuesday.

Incumbents John Scaletta, Mike Sidor, Carol Blackwood and Robin LaBedz racked up substantial wins in a six-way race for four seats.

"I think Arlington Heights got it right," Sidor said.

With all 65 precincts reporting in the unofficial tallies, Scaletta garnered 3,970 votes, Sidor 3,909, Blackwood 3,865 and LaBedz has 3,813.

Newcomer D. Court Harris collected 2,815 votes and Tom Schwingbeck 2,181.

"When you look at all our individual positions, we all act independently. But we find a way to work together and that's what means a lot to the residents," Scaletta said of the re-elected trustees.

The biggest issues facing the village are related to infrastructure, including flooding, roads and a new police station. The board also must decide the future of its relationship with Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.

"It's going to be challenging, but with the same composite of the board, there will be collaborative efforts on all fronts and we're going to get through this," Blackwood said.

LaBedz was elected to her first full term on the board after being appointed in 2013.

"I'm thrilled," she said. "Now, we have a number of big things ahead of us."

Shortly after conceding the race, Harris, son of State Rep. David Harris, said, "I knew it would be an uphill battle and that incumbency is tough to beat. But competition is beneficial to all of Arlington Heights."