Andresen, Wood, Selep win seats on East Dundee village board

Challenger Scott Andresen and incumbents Dan Selep and Kirstin Wood were victorious Tuesday in the race for three seats on the East Dundee village board, according to unofficial results.

They beat out incumbent Rob Gorman, who had been on the board since 2005, as well as newcomer Cindy Comstock.

With all four precincts reporting, Andresen received 261 votes, Selep had 213 votes, and Wood had 210, unofficial tallies show. Gorman garnered 198 and Comstock had 130.

Andresen, a lifelong resident, said he promises to "make good business decisions" that will help the village grow economically. He fully supports the village's downtown redevelopment plans but says officials also need to focus on filling vacant storefronts elsewhere in town and luring a grocer.

"I think (voters) believe in my vision for the village," he said. "They believe the village needs a new voice, and I think they've got confidence in me to be that voice."

After his victory, Andresen also congratulated Wood and Selep on Facebook and said he's looking forward to working with the rest of the board.

Gorman, who aimed for fiscal responsibility through various funding mechanisms, said the village has made great progress during his tenure. Though surprised by Tuesday's outcome, he said, he felt all the candidates had strong ideas that aligned with the village's vision.

"We're in a great position in the community in terms of what we've done," Gorman said. "I'm confident they'll do a good job."

One-term incumbent Wood wants East Dundee to become a destination town. In addition to more events and community involvement, she'd like to focus on beautification efforts and residential development downtown, where officials are trying to create a culinary district.

Selep, a one-term trustee, wants to offer more incentives to entice developers. He also says the village should repair and build relationships with private investors.

Comstock's priorities included improving walkability and adding sidewalks throughout the village, as well as creating a riverwalk.