Alvaerz, incumbents win in Water Rec. District race

Incumbents Barbara McGowan and Mariyana T. Spyropoulos and newcomer Michael Alvarez led a crowded field for three seats on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board early today.

With 4,251 of 4,426 precincts counted, unofficial results showed Spyropoulos, a Chicago attorney, had 172,667 votes, McGowan, a former district employee from Chicago, with 170,358 votes, and Alvarez, a Chicago public affairs consultant, with 150,392.

Newcomer Alvarez says he has been campaigning for a year with a message of transparency, budgeting efficiency and accountability. "Everyone is hungry for that right now," he said.

Other contenders include Kathleen O'Reilley of River Forest with 106,049 votes, and Chicago residents Kari Steele with 134,111 votes, Todd Connor with 124,879, Maureen Kelly with 118,197, Stella Black with 92,460, and Wallace Davis with 92,137.

The winners of the Democratic primary will serve three, 6-year, part-time positions. They will be paid $70,000 a year, receive a vehicle and two staff members. The winners will be faced with decisions on projects to reduce flooding.

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<li><a href="/news/politics/elections/2010/primary/race/?id=151">More on Metropolitan Water Reclamation District race </a></li>

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