Saverino wins second term in Carol Stream

Carol Stream Village President Frank Saverino won a second term Tuesday, holding off a challenge from sitting Trustee Rick Gieser.

Saverino defeated Gieser 2,253-1,834, with all 27 precincts reporting, according to unofficial results.

Saverino, 66, who is completing his first term as village president, campaigned on a pledge not to implement a village property tax, defended the installation of red-light cameras, and pointed to his business leadership experience. He owns and operates his own sales and marketing firm in the village.

On Tuesday night, Saverino said he knew it would be a close election, but thinks those who voted for him recognized how he pushed DuPage County for flood-control funding.

But he still had kind words for his opponent.

“The sad part about this is I’m losing Rick. Eight years he sat next to me,” said Saverino, who was a trustee before becoming village president in 2007.

Gieser, 47, who gave up his position on the village board to run against Saverino, said he would continue to remain involved in the community, and might consider a run for trustee in two years.

He expressed concern at low voter turnout figures that were below 20 percent.

“People are always talking about wanting to be involved in their communities,” Gieser said. “I’m disappointed more people didn’t take the time to exercise what I think is their civic duty. It doesn’t matter if they would’ve voted for me or not.”

Gieser, who grew up in Carol Stream, campaigned on a platform of improving communication with village residents.