Wayne Jett soars to victory in McHenry mayoral race

McHENRY – Local businessman Wayne Jett will be the next mayor of McHenry, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

Jett defeated former Mayor Steve Cuda by about 1,500 votes, according to the unofficial results.

Jett is the owner of Jett’s Heating and Air Inc. and Sideline Marketing and Sports Memorabilia. Jett, who has lived in McHenry for more than 25 years, has organized fundraisers through his businesses to give back to the community.

He will succeed Mayor Sue Low, who has been the city’s mayor since she was first elected in 2003.

Not a career politician, Jett said he is looking to bringing a fresh perspective to city government, and he plans to invest in the downtown area to try to revitalize the city.

“When I announced my candidacy six months ago, there were those who said this couldn’t be done,” Jett said in a news release. “I’m not a politician, public speaker and an insider. But I knew what I had to bring to the table: a tireless work ethic, a vision for our city and the support of so many friends and family who I knew would step up with me. It is because of you that we’re celebrating today.”

Cuda served as mayor from 1993 to 2001 before deciding not to run for another term. He also previously served as a member of the Fox Valley Freeway Citizens Advisory Committee and served for 10 years as a member of the McHenry High School District 156 Board, including four years as its president.

Cuda, who is an attorney at Hamer, Schuh and Cuda in Woodstock, ran on a platform of reducing the city’s share of the real estate tax burden.