Walter wins Elburn president race

Jeff Walter will be Elburn's new president.

Walter, who has served eight years as a village trustee, received 357 votes, or 51 percent, according to unofficial returns.

Opponents Chris Mondi and Trustee David Gualdoni received 195 votes and 139 votes, respectively. That's with three of three precincts counted.

Walter will succeed David Anderson, who did not seek re-election. Anderson has served two terms.

"I am super-excited for sure," Walter said, and he looks forward to leading Elburn in to "a new phase of growth."

The town is poised to resume growing, after stalling during and after the recession. It needs to focus on economic growth, Walter said.

"How do we make this place just that much better?" he said.

Walter said he would keep administrator John Nevenhoven and police chief Nick Sikora. One of his first tasks will be finding a public works director.

All three candidates criticized Anderson for not consulting with trustees more before appointing village administrators and department heads. Although a village president has the right to appoint someone, they need the "advice and consent" of trustees.

Walter promised to increase communication with the board.

Gualdoni has two years left as trustee.

This was Mondi's first run for public office.