Mayor Michael O’Connor’s bid for reelection remains alive after he defeated John Meshek in the Feb. 24 Independent Voters of Berwyn primary.
Meanwhile, 2nd Ward Alderman Santiago “Jim” Ramos’ hopes for reelection fell short as Jeffrey Boyajian defeated Ramos in the Democratic primary.
“We’re very happy with the numbers,” O’Connor said. “Obviously with this kind of margin, it’s a successful campaign, and we’re looking forward to the completion of this campaign coming up on April 7.”
The victory means O’Connor will move on to face Democrat Robert Lovero, Republican Anthony Castrogiovanni, and independent Alex Bojovic in the April 7 general election.
“It’s going to be a grueling six weeks with four opponents,” O’Connor said. “It’s always easy to take potshots at someone who’s in office rather than someone who’s not, but I think our record speaks for itself, and the (IVB) and our administration has had an awful lot of successes.”
Meshek, who had never ran for public office, said he was disappointed with the results, but said this likely will not be his last venture into politics.
“Maybe I’ll go to Vegas and relax for a couple days,” Meshek said. “I’ll be back.”
Out of the seven precincts in the 2nd Ward, the only one Ramos won a majority of the votes in was the fourth, his home precinct.
“I’m in a bit of a shock because I thought in my four years as aldermen that I tried to reach out to the people, and I thought I would be rewarded with their confidence,” Ramos said.
Ramos won election as alderman in 2005 as a member of the Independent Voters of Berwyn. After failing to gain their endorsement this year, Ramos ran as an independent democrat. He had previously served as a Berwyn Park Board commissioner.
After decades in local politics, Ramos, who turns 60 this year, said he is ready to retire.
“I’ve been involved in politics since I was 7 years old,” Ramos said. “It’s be time to let the younger generation step in and take over.”
Shortly after the votes were tallied, Boyajian congratulated Ramos on a well-run, clean campaign. He also thanked his fellow Democratic Citizens of Berwyn candidates and supporters, and his family.
“I’d really like to thank my family for their help and assistance to get me through this and putting up with me,” Boyajian said.
Boyajian will now go on to face Independent Voters of Berwyn candidate Steven Shonder in the April 7 election.
“It was a long, hard race,” Boyajian said. “But I feel pretty good, really good.”
