An easy night for these mayoral candidates

Was it only 20 years ago that elections were so contentious in Glendale Heights they resulted in a melee that sent five people to the hospital?

Shortly after a mayoral candidate won on April 5, 1989, his jubilant supporters launched a victory caravan around town. The parade just happened to pass by the home of one of one of the vanquished candidates. A fracas ensued, and at least three of the injured people were treated for stab wounds.

How things have changed.

Village President Linda Jackson enjoyed a cakewalk to her second term Tuesday night, running unopposed, as did village clerk candidate Marie Schmidt and trustee candidates Sharon Fonte, Chester Pojak and Mary Schroeder.

Other mayors also enjoyed a hassle-free ride to re-election.

In Bloomingdale, Village President Robert Iden had a free run for the top elected post.

The rest of the Bloomingdale village board enjoyed a similar stress-free election night. James Gebis, Judith VonHuben and William Bolen ran unopposed for three trustee seats, as did Village Clerk Susan Bartucci.

Meanwhile, West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman was elected to his first four-year term. He was appointed to the job after former Mayor Michael Fortner was elected to the state legislature. Two years ago, Kwasman handily defeated his opponent to complete the remaining two years of Fortner's term. On Tuesday, Kwasman ran unopposed.

In Warrenville, voters also anointed the status quo. Candidates for mayor, clerk, treasurer and four aldermanic seats all ran without opposition.

It was Mayor David Brummel's second election to the city's top post. Four years ago he ran in a heated race, defeating three opponents to replace 20-year Mayor Vivian Lund.

Also elected without opposition were Emily Larson, clerk; Robert Johnson, treasurer; and Fred Bevier, William Weidner, Matthew Wiesbrock and Clare Barry to the city council.