Rakow, Duffy, McCreary win in Elgin Community College Board race

In the race for three 6-year terms on the Elgin Community College board, human resources director Jennifer Rakow of St. Charles, longtime incumbent John Duffy of Elgin and Poplar Creek Library Board President Candace McCreary of Streamwood won election Tuesday.

Unofficial results with all precincts in Cook and Kane counties counted, and a majority of DuPage County and partial McHenry County precincts reporting show, Rakow leading with 17,400 votes, Duffy with 13,822 and McCreary with 11,616.

More than 1,000 votes behind were financial aid adviser Shane Nowak of Elgin with 10,194 votes, and ECC Foundation Board member Roger Ramey of Bartlett with 9,656 votes.

During the campaign, the candidates said uncertain state funding poses many challenges with keeping the institution viable.

Rakow, 49, said ECC needs to focus more on strengthening career pathways for high school students.

Duffy, 82, has served on the ECC board for 42 years. He blamed the state's spiraling financial situation for cuts to programs and staffing.

McCreary, 62, a college instructor, would like the ECC to maintain at least a year's worth of operating expenses in reserves to bolster against funding shortfalls. She previously served as a Streamwood trustee.

Nowak, 36, a 2002 ECC graduate, said the college should expand its online course offerings.

Ramey, 69, a retired ECC professor, suggested the college board could consider retirement incentives to reduce costs.