Dulkoski, Kubiak, Hirschbein prevail in Pingree Grove
Patricia Dulkoski, Amber Kubiak and Joe Hirschbein were the top apparent winners in the race for Pingree Grove trustee in Tuesday's election, while Raul Lemus and Kevin Allen appeared to come up short in the race for three open seats.
Dulkoski had 390 votes, while Kubiak had 380 votes and Hirschbein had 301 votes, with both precincts reporting, according to unofficial results. Lemus had 232 votes and Allen trailed with 172 votes.
There are 4,215 registered voters in Pingree Grove, where the turnout was 14.38 percent, according to Kane County data.
Trustees Chuck Pearson and Ray LaMarca did not seek re-election, and former Trustee Nick Campbell moved to Florida in January.
"I'm excited about being a trustee," Dulkoski said. "The results turned out the way that I had hoped. The other two trustees that were elected are the ones I voted for as well."
Kubiak and Hirschbein serve on the village's community events committee.
Kubiak said she wants to foster economic growth to fund village expenses, such as upcoming road repairs.
Hirschbein said he'd like to encourage retail businesses to come in and create more of a "downtown feel."
Dulkoski, an assistant business manager, objected to plans for another truck stop across the street from Starks Corner at routes 72 and 47. She also said the village board should have raised water and sewer rates years ago, which would have prevented a 50 percent rate hike in September 2015.
Lemus, an academic administration manager, said he wanted to look for grant opportunities to hire economic development consultants.
Allen, a real estate broker and sales manager, said the village needs a CVS or Walgreens, especially for seniors who need regular prescriptions refills. Village hall needs to communicate better with residents, he also said.
All five candidates said the village needs an administrator to oversee operations and manage department heads.