Smolinski wins fifth term in Roselle

Staving off a challenge from a write-in candidate, Roselle Mayor Gayle Smolinski seems to have sailed to victory at the polls Tuesday.

With all precincts reporting, unofficial totals show Smolinski with 1,368 votes, out of 1,581 ballots cast in the part of the village that's in DuPage County. She also garnered 112 votes from Cook County residents. The total number of votes was not available for Cook County.

The DuPage County Election Commission will not have vote totals for write-in challenger Sean Lindsey for several weeks.

Smolinski said she never took re-election for granted.

"I'm just grateful the people came out and wanted to bring me back for another four years," she said. "I really do appreciate it.

As she starts her fifth term, Smolinski said she hopes to tackle three goals: A budget that's "as trim as possible" to keep the village on sound footing in a tough economy, continued economic development and improved communication with village residents.

She also wants to create a street scape along Irving Park Road that creates a bold presence for Roselle.

"I really want to make sure that when people come to Roselle the village has a strong identity," she said.

Lindsey, who has never held public office, also called for better communication between village officials and residents, as well as speedier downtown development.

Smolinski also said her seasoned leadership will be key.

"I am now the longest serving member of the board, carrying its institutional memory. We (now) have a new village clerk, and two new trustees - all without local government experience," she said. "Practically, I will be the glue that holds it all together, which is critical during these demanding times.