Blecker claims 'mandate' in Campton Hills sweep, ousts Smith for president

In the months leading up to Tuesday's election, Trustee Harry Blecker touted himself as the right person with the “finesse” needed to unite the Campton Hills Village Board and move the community forward after Village President Patsy Smith fought for incorporation years ago.

Voters overwhelmingly agreed with Blecker, electing him to a 4-year term as president and ousting the only president Campton Hills has ever known.

According to unofficial results, Blecker had an 826-vote lead Tuesday night with all precincts reporting. Blecker tallied 1,459 votes compared to 633 for Smith, who ran as a write-in candidate, according to unofficial results.

The Kane County Clerk's Office said 2,193 votes were cast in Campton Hills, meaning only 101 write-in votes, plus absentee ballots, were left to be counted.

“I think (voters) realized it was time for a change, time to put some sunshine in the village and change the way things were running. It's as simple as that,” Blecker said. “More openness, more transparency in the village.”

Blecker's slate also won all three trustee seats up for election. According to unofficial results, Michael O'Dwyer had 1,354 votes while trustees Susan George and Laura Andersen were re-elected with 1,299 and 1,271 votes, respectively.

They defeated a slate assembled by Smith that included Steven Galloway, Mike Turgeon and Don Sheluga.

Nicholas Girka, the final member of Blecker's slate, also won the village clerk's seat, according to unofficial results.

“We do have a mandate and we're going to try our darndest to do what the people expect from us,” Blecker said. “We're going to be open, transparent and fiscally responsible.”

Smith and a board majority led by Blecker clashed over numerous issues, such as the continued employment of the village administrator and police chief, as well as whether a trustee who moved out of the village should continue to serve on the board. A trustee majority even voted to retain a legislative law firm because they were unhappy with legal opinions from the village attorney.

Blecker said he plans to keep Village Administrator Jennifer Johnsen, Police Chief Dan Hoffman and cut the village's legal costs in half.

Smith, who led the fight for incorporation in 2007, could not be reached for comment.

Blecker said he expected the race to be closer.

“I know Patsy is well liked by some influential people in the community,” Blecker said. “I am surprised we won all 12 precincts.”