BERWYN – Mayor Robert Lovero is looking forward to continuing to work for the citizens of Berwyn, after winning the primary mayoral race Feb. 28, defeating 6th Ward alderman Ted Polashek, who was running on the Berwyn United ticket.

Lovero took about 54 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election results from the Cook County Clerk's Office. He does not face a challenger in the April 4 general election.

“I’m very happy that the residents felt I’ve been doing a great job for the past eight years and that they’re allowing me to serve for the next four,” he said. “I’m looking ahead to moving forward with some infrastructure projects in the city, including the Depot District.”

Polashek said he’s a “little disappointed’ with the results, but he couldn’t be prouder of the Berwyn United team.

“We took four alderman seats, the city clerk and the treasurer. This is a grassroots organization, and the people from our community pulled together,” he said. “Our team did great, and they will carry out our message and fight for transparency in our government. We have a great group of people who want to make Berwyn better, and I’m proud of everyone who ran with me and all of our volunteers.”

Incumbents Tom Pavlik and Joseph Kroc, who ran on the Democratic Citizens of Berwyn ticket with the mayor, lost their bids for re-election for city clerk and city treasurer, respectively. Berwyn United’s Marge Paul, the city's 3rd Ward alderwoman, won the city clerk race, while Cynthia Gutierrez won treasurer. Neither faces a challenger in the general election.

Lovero said the city lost two “dedicated public servants” in Pavlik and Kroc, but he is committed to working with Paul and Gutierrez going forward.

“Those two gentlemen were so dedicated to the city of Berwyn, and it will be hard to move forward without them, but I know both will still work for what’s best for the city in any capacity,” he said. “I believe [Paul and Gutierrez] will work in the best interests of the city. I’ve worked with people who’ve opposed me for many years, and I’ve worked well with them and will continue to do so.”

Kroc said he’s disappointed with the results but will work with Gutierrez as she transitions into the role of treasurer.

“The citizens made their choice, and I respect that,” he said. “It’s tough, and it’s extra difficult when a team works together for so long on a campaign and not everyone on that team wins. But I believe in the mayor and in his vision for the city, and I hope the new council works in the best interests of the residents.”

Gutierrez said she’s “honored and excited” to serve as treasurer for the next four years. She said she is the first Latina to hold elected office in Berwyn.

“The community has spoken, and now it’s time to get to work. I look forward to representing our community,” she said. “I’m passionate about financial literacy, and I want to educate and empower our community. I’m committed to this community, and we all want to see Berwyn move in the right direction.”

Multiple attempts to reach Marge Paul were unsuccessful. Tom Pavlik declined to comment for this story.