Rzeznik, Poynton, Ernst win in Lake Zurich

A mix of familiar and new names won election to Lake Zurich’s village board Tuesday.

Incumbents Dana Rzeznik and Tom Poynton and newcomer Mark Ernst won spots in the five-way race.

With ballots in all 17 precincts counted, unofficial results showed: Rzeznik led with 1,143 votes; Ernst was second with 1,058 votes; and Poynton was third with 1,026 votes.

Rounding out the pack, newcomer Jenny Talley was fourth with 997 votes and former trustee and mayor John Tolomei was fifth with 951 votes, unofficial results showed.

All three seats carry 4-year terms.

Ernst, Rzeznik and Talley ran together as a slate. Tolomei and Poynton ran as independents.

The village’s financial condition was a top concern for the candidates. Lake Zurich is among the towns that have had to lay off employees during the weak economy.

Deciding what to do with the long-stagnant downtown development was a point of debate for the candidates. Some advocated pushing forward with commercial development, while others believe the area should be used for housing or recreational space.

Ernst was critical of the prior retail-heavy plan and is eager to move forward.

The first step, he said, is to examine the work now being done by Village Administrator Bob Vitas.

“I think we recognize what doesn’t work,” Ernst said Tuesday night. “Let’s take those lessons and (go in) a new direction.”