Saccomanno out as Wauconda village president

Salvatore Saccomanno's attempt to win a second term as Wauconda's mayor came to an abrupt end Tuesday when Trustee Mark Knigge pulled an upset victory. With ballots in all 12 precincts counted, unofficial totals showed Saccomanno had 870 votes to 949 votes for Knigge in an election that saw Saccomanno and his allies swept out of office.

"I'm proud of the four years our administration had," Saccomanno said. "We moved Wauconda to the forefront of Lake County. But all good things come to an end. I am prepared to become John Q. Public once again."

Knigge praised his opponents.

"We had a great group of trustee and clerk candidates, Knigge said. "I appreciate every candidate who ran. I really mean that. Our town had a real choice."

Knigge said he planned to meet Wednesday with village administration and staff.

"We have a lot of things to consider with the current economical situation," Knigge. "We need to prioritize and see where we go from there."

In the village clerk's race, Ginger Irwin defeated Linda Lochmayer 874 to 748 (unofficial total).

In the crowded village board race, candidates Lincoln Knight, John F. Barbini and Pamela Wahl won three trustee seats, each with 4-year terms. Knight and Barbini both won 898 votes; Wahl had 859. Incumbent Cathy Scott finished with 719 votes. Mark Kwasigroch earned 610 votes. Danielle Zimmermann garnered 561 votes.

Two other mayoral contenders, Roger Wojcicki and Thomas F. Larkin, recorded 247 and 159 votes respectively.

The Wauconda board hopefuls were split into two slates but also were divided about comments Kwasigroch made during the campaign. When Knight suggested printing the village newsletter in English and Spanish, Kwasigroch said Hispanic residents must learn to read English if they want to live in Wauconda. The comment was criticized by some candidates and residents, but supported by others.