New St. Charles leaders sworn in

St. Charles residents saw a host of new community leaders officially take their positions this week.

New city council and school board members were sworn in and will be in position to cast votes for the first time following the April election.

For the St. Charles City Council, seating the new aldermen also meant both the official and unofficial end of the extremely close 5th Ward race. Vote totals showed Maureen Lewis triumphing over Kim Malay by a mere two votes. Because of the slim margin, Malay delayed conceding the race until she explored all options.

“With the final canvass results from the election commission announced, I have chosen not to pursue a partial recount because I feel it is time to move on and move forward,” Malay announced in a written statement.

“I wish Mrs. Lewis and the other new members of the St. Charles City Council the best. I will continue as I have for many years to be involved in our community, and will continue to work hard to protect our quality of life in our neighborhood.”

Lewis takes her seat for a full term after being appointed by Mayor Don DeWitte to fill the unexpired term of David Richards. Ed Bessner, Jim Martin and Dan Stellato were also elected to new terms. Rita Payleitner and Ray Rogina, who are new to the city council, were also sworn in.

St. Charles Unit District 303 also seated its two new board members, Judith McConnell and Nicholas Manheim. Neither had contested races in the school board election. They replace outgoing board President Scott Nowling and Vice President Jim Chimienti.

The school board selects its own officers. Steven Spurling is the new board president. Kathy Hewell will serve as vice president. Mike Vyzral was selected as board secretary.