Maladra survives challenge from Simonian in Geneva's 5th Ward

Geneva 5th Ward Alderman Craig Maladra has handily defeated challenger Tom Simonian, according to unofficial results.

With all six precincts reporting, Maladra had a little over 61 percent of the vote.

"My campaign was my experience and my approach. That sets me apart from my opponent," Maladra said. He added Geneva is in a strong position because of aldermen working together.

Simonian had advertised nine positions he disagreed with Maladra on, including votes about the budget, the hiring of an assistant city administrator, historic preservation laws, increasing the town's sales tax, even a vote on paying a company to take an inventory of Geneva's parkway trees.

Those ads "absolutely" were correct about how Maladra voted, Maladra said. But they didn't include the reasons for his votes. "So when I was able to talk to voters and explain my votes, I think my message resonated," he said.

Maladra has been on the council since 2003.

Simonian served as a 5th Ward alderman, appointed in 2013 and elected to a two-year term in 2015. He ran for mayor against Kevin Burns in 2017.

In the 2nd Ward, Alderman Michael Clements was re-elected. Voters in the 4th Ward chose Gabriel Kaven to replace the retiring Jim Radecki.

Alderman Tara Burghart in the 1st Ward and Alderman Dean Kilburg in the 3rd Ward ran unopposed.