Smith tops Porada in Des Plaines; Chlebek, Mastalski separated by 4 votes
Des Plaines City Council member Patsy Smith appeared headed to victory over challenger Bob Porada in the race for the 7th Ward seat Tuesday night.
The contest was one of four aldermanic races on Des Plaines ballots. Contests also were decided in the 1st, 3rd and 5th wards.
With ballots in all six precincts counted, Smith was ahead of Porada 560 votes to 298 votes, unofficial results showed. It was Porada’s third run at the seat.
Porada ran a largely negative campaign, criticizing Smith’s business skills, attendance habits and other traits. Smith stayed positive and addressed issues such as downtown redevelopment and infrastructure needs.
In the 1st Ward race, newcomer Margaret Chlebek was ahead of current City Clerk Jessica Mastalski 335 votes to 331 votes Tuesday night with ballots in all seven precincts counted, unofficial results showed. Incumbent Mark Lysakowski, Chlebek’s partner, was unable to run again because of term limits.
Chlebek touted a pro-business attitude and supported downtown redevelopment efforts. Mastalski criticized her opponent’s lack of political experience and her connection to Lysakowski.
Mastalski also blasted the municipality’s financial relationship with a credit union based in city hall. Mastalski was fired from her job the credit union shortly after she was elected clerk in 2021, and later sued it and the city. The case against the city was dismissed and she settled with the credit union in 2023.
In the 3rd Ward, incumbent Sean Oskerka led Debra Lester 648 votes to 546 votes Tuesday night with ballots in all seven precincts counted, unofficial results showed.
They differed notably regarding the downtown district. While Oskerka solidly backed the city’s plans and projects, Lester expressed concern about the cost of buildings the city has purchased for future redevelopment, as well as their maintenance costs.
In the 5th Ward showdown between two newcomers, Thomas A. Merlin led Michael Hardiman 373 votes to 166 votes, unofficial results showed.