Bodganowski, Mulcahy, Ruzanski for Lake in the Hills

Incumbents Ray Bodganowski and Paul Mulcahy and newcomer Russell Ruzanski were elected to the Lake in the Hills village board Tuesday.

Newcomers Bill Dustin and Joseph Wright also ran for the three open seats.

Ruzanski, a sales manager, attributed his victory to “good, old-fashioned pounding the pavement.”

“I spent time walking in every district, knocking on doors and talking to people over the last four or five weeks,” he said. “It seemed like they were anxious to see someone on the board who was willing to meet with them.”

Bodganowski, who was elected to a fourth term, said he believes an e-mail newsletter he sends regularly to more than 300 people in the village has established his reputation among voters.

“I made a point to communicate with as many residents as I can,” he said. “I keep it very nonpolitical. I pass on information that I get as a village official.”

Keeping the village fiscally sound with its budget balanced was a top priority for both incumbents, who advocated making sure the village spends within its means without cutting services or increasing taxes.

Bodganowski and Mulcahy also underlined the ongoing need to improve drainage and water main systems.

The renovation of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills food pantry was among Ruzanski’s pet projects. He also emphasized the need to adequately staff the police department.

Wright and Bodganowski agreed more sidewalks are needed throughout the village, while Ruzanski wanted more street lighting.

Dustin focused on calling for improvements at the village’s recreational facilities, while Wright said he also wanted better maintenance of public parks.

The candidates had different views on the village’s lone red-light camera along Randall Road.

While Wright was skeptical of its usefulness, Dustin, Ruzanski and Bodganowski didn’t object to the camera as long as its cost is covered by fines and not residents.

Mulcahy was the only candidate who supported installing more red-light cameras.