Moore wins in primary for Grafton supervisor
With absentee and provisional votes still uncounted, Linda Moore was ahead of incumbent John Rossi by just 30 votes in the Republican primary for Grafton Township supervisor.
Newcomer Gerry McMahon, who ran on Moore's slate, was one of the top four vote-getters in the primary for four township trustee seats, according to the vote totals, which did not include early or absentee votes.
Incumbent Trustees Rob LaPorta, Barbara Murphy and Betty Zirk also appeared to win spots on the April ballot, although Trustee Lois Brothers finished only 62 votes behind LaPorta in fifth place.
Challenger Don Glogovsky, who was also running on Moore's slate, did not appear to survive the primary.
Current road commissioner Jack Freund prevailed over challenger Mike Romanelli by a wide margin, according to unofficial totals.
Moore campaigned on a promise to not spend $3.5 million on new township offices.
"To me, this would say they have voted down building a new township hall," Moore said before early votes were counted and she had a broader lead. "Now, it's time to come together and address the issues that have come to light in this election."
Rossi and the incumbent trustees said the township hall is needed to meet an increased demand for township services like the food pantry and the senior transportation program.
Moore, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Huntley Unit District 158 school board in 2007, criticized the project as too costly and said it would lead to higher taxes.
Rossi and other township officials said the loan for the township hall will be paid off over 20 years out of the township's annual budget.
Grafton Township residents have filed a petition asking the township to halt construction of the new hall until a special meeting is held for residents to discuss the issue.
The building is slated to be built at Grafton Farm Drive and Haligus Road near Lake in the Hills. Township officials expect to start construction next month and move into the building in November.