ELECTION 2013: Cunningham-Picek honored to be chosen as new Woodridge mayor

WOODRIDGE – For the first time in more than 30 years, residents in Woodridge have a new mayor, and her name is Gina Cunningham-Picek.

Cunningham-Picek finished first in the Tuesday consolidated election among three other candidates who were vying for the seat of Mayor Bill Murphy, who is retiring after serving as mayor since 1981.

In unofficial results, with 100 percent of precincts reporting in DuPage and Will counties, Cunningham-Picek had 1,395 votes, Greg Abbott had 922 votes, Mike Krucek had 881 votes and Ferenc Vandor garnered 151 votes.

Cunningham-Picek has served on the village board since 1999, and she is ready to begin serving the village as mayor.

"I am so thankful to the residents for their vote of confidence," Cunningham-Picek said. "This is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am very proud to serve Woodridge and be the next mayor."

Cunningham-Picek said she and the new board are expected to be inaugurated the first week in May.

"I believe in working together with everyone, and as long as we work together, it will work out," she said.

Abbott, who ran a campaign on holding the line on taxes, said he worked hard on the campaign, and it just didn't go his way. He still has two years remaining on his term as a Woodridge village trustee, and plans on continuing to fight for the people of the village.

Krucek congratulated Cunningham-Picek, and said he will be there to assist her in any way he can in her new role as mayor.

"Now that this is over, we can all go back to being friends and neighbors again," Krucek said.

Vandor could not be reached for comment. He was a big supporter of term limits for elected officials and financial accountability.

All results are considered unofficial until they are verified by the county clerk and absentee ballots are tallied.