3 new faces on Geneva council
Geneva voters chose three new people Tuesday to serve on the city council, sending a 20-year incumbent packing.
Jeanne McGowan amassed 825 votes compared to 615 for Ron Singer to knock him out the Fourth Ward seat he had held since 1997, according to unofficial results.
McGowan said she was honored and grateful for an opportunity to serve.
"It's really been a humbling experience. I really got to hand it to just everyone whose come together, helped me along the way and encouraged me," she said. "I have great respect for Ron Singer. He's been a longtime alderman. It's an honor to run against such an esteemed individual."
Challenger Becky Hruby bested incumbent Mary Seno 551 votes to 363 votes for the Third Ward seat.
And Robert Swanson grabbed 688 votes to win the Fifth Ward seat over Douglas Warlick, who finished with 398 votes. Incumbent Tom Simonian ran for mayor against Kevin Burns instead of another aldermanic term in the Fifth Ward.
Incumbent Mike Bruno defeated challenger Michael Olesen 659 votes to 609 votes to keep the First Ward seat, according to unofficial results.
In Ward 2, incumbent Richard Marks secured another 4-year term with 654 votes compared to 536 for challenger Michael Clements, according to unofficial results.
McGowan said she's lived in the city for more than a decade and people have seen her good qualities and character.
As an alderman, McGowan wants to keep residents better informed through use of more social media and to keep city fiscally solid and its services strong.
She also said she brings a fresh perspective to the council.
"You do reach a lot more people using as many communication venues as possible," McGowan said.
"I look forward to working with all members of the city council and moving Geneva forward. We have an amazing city."