With a bigger turnout than the previous two consolidated elections, just over 20 percent of the 4,100 population of Peotone came out to vote. This time, the residents elected a new mayor, Chris Vieaux.
Vieaux had never set foot into the political ring until now but was inspired to run. A 20-plus-year resident, member of St. Paul’s, and former contractor, Vieaux had a vision and thought as village president he could make it happen.
Vieaux said, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been elected as Peotone’s next Village President. I want to thank the residents for placing their trust in me, and I’m truly grateful for the support, conversations, and encouragement throughout this campaign.
This experience has given me an even deeper appreciation for the people of Peotone – their pride in this village and their hopes for its future. I’m excited to get to work and will approach this role the same way I’ve approached every challenge in my life – with dedication, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to doing things the right way.”
Incumbent Village President Peter March was running for a second term. His first term he ran unopposed after manning the helm after former Village President Steve Cross resigned. March ran a successful social media campaign, with many endorsements from current trustees, but it wasn’t enough to secure a second term.
March’s accomplishments were noticeable, starting first with the downtown streetscape design that was awarded a $2.5M grant to help defray the cost. The streetscape was in the design process throughout most of March’s term and was completed late last November.
March also celebrated the completion of the long awaited Peotone Travel Center and a nice list of accomplishments he shared on his social.
He said, “I’ve been honored to serve my fellow residents of Peotone for the last five years, and I look forward to the continued progress led by the new mayor and board.”
Complaints about the water switch to Aqua continued in the weeks up to election and had been continuing since the switch last September. Concerns of cost and problems with payments prompted outraged voters straight to the polls to produce a record turnout for a total of 1,015 votes – with Vieaux receiving 666 and March receiving 349.
Three trustee seats were up for reelection, both Nick Strba and Jackie Richards. Since there was no contest, both retained their seats, but Nick Strba garnered the most votes with 661. Richards had 432, and former trustee Pat Bowden, who decided to return for the empty seat Trustee Shelley Marevka leaves and was uncontested, obtained 467 votes.
The Peotone School Board also will see change with two new incumbents, Mark Jones, and Ashley Stachniak being elected to the board.
Recent graduate Mark Jones received the most votes with 1,317, and incumbent Tim Stoub was second with 1,160, and Stachniak was third with 1,051, while incumbent Dawn Love received 967. This means long-standing school board member Tara Robinson was not re-elected.
Jones said, “It has been a true honor to receive such amazing support during my campaign. Focusing on the issues that affect everyone, regardless of whether they have children, seemed to really resonate with the community. While door knocking and engaging with others on social media, I was able to talk with residents and hear their concerns.”
Stoub also added, “I’m grateful for the community’s support and the strong voter turnout in this election. The results show a clear desire for accountability, collaboration, and a school board that works for everyone. I remain committed to ensuring transparency, responsible financial stewardship, and a school culture that values all perspectives. There are important challenges ahead, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members, administration, and the community to make Peotone CUSD 207-U the best it can be for our students, teachers, and families. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me.”