Soto upsets Geils in Bensenville mayor race

The second time proved the charm for Frank Soto who, in a stunning upset, brought John Geils' powerful reign as Bensenville village president to a dramatic end.

With all 14 precincts unofficially reporting, Soto trounced Geils by a 2-to-1 ratio with 2,273 votes, compared to the incumbent's 1,116.

Soto's "Change 4 Bensenville" slatemates - Morris Bartlett, Oronzo Peconio, Martin O'Connell, Henry Wesseler and clerk candidate JoEllen Ridder - also emerged victorious.

Soto, a 43-year-old attorney, challenged Geils on village spending, debt and lack of transparency. Soto pledged to lead a more open government.

Geils, 58, unsuccessfully sought his seventh term. Soto said Geils called him Tuesday to concede the race and offered village help for a smooth transition.

"It was a clear mandate from the residents of Bensenville that they are looking for change and an administration that's more cooperative," said Soto, who noted his slate and supporters walked precincts seven days a week for more than three months. "It feels amazing."

The candidates opposed O'Hare expansion and construction of a southern runway, but differed on how to deal with the issue. Soto criticized Geils for costly legal fees to fight Chicago for what the challenger considered, in part, a lost battle. Rather, Soto promised voters he'd fight to protect the village from negative impacts of expansion while securing maximum financial benefits and new jobs.

Geils, village president since 1985, was thought by many to be unbeatable. His "Home Town Party" slate criticized Soto's stance on O'Hare, suggesting the challenger was "throwing in the towel" rather than standing up to fight.

Geils listed community redevelopment, a reduced local crime rate, and maintaining village services amid difficult financial times among his accomplishments.

The two men first squared off eight years ago. Soto was successful then in removing Geils from the ballot after challenging his nominating papers. However, Geils ran a successful write-in campaign and won his fifth term in 2001.

In this election, Geils staved off another ballot challenge. He could not be reached for comment.