May 04, 2025
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Sapienza leads in Peru Third Ward by 106 votes

Alderman said he would like to see infrastructure work continue

By Jayce Eustice
In the third ward voters will decide between Incumbent Mike Sapienza and Challenger Aaron Pinter during April 6th's election.

In the closest of the three contested aldermen races, Incumbent Mike Sapienza currently holds a 106 vote lead in the race to be the Third Ward Alderman. This result is unofficial as all numbers from Tuesday evening are considered to be unofficial at this time. The results are based purely off of projections. (Jayce Eustice)

In the closest of three contested aldermen races, incumbent Mike Sapienza holds a 106-vote lead in the race to be the Third Ward alderman.

Sapienza leads his opponent, challenger Aaron Pinter, by a vote count of 365 to 259 with all precincts reporting. With the maximum of 119 mail-in votes possible if mail-in ballots are returned to the county clerk’s office within two weeks with the proper postmark, Sapienza should retain his lead.

Leading up to Election Day, Sapienza and Pinter interviewed with Shaw Media to provide insight on why they decided to run for office and what they hope to accomplish moving forward for the next four years.

Sapienza has gathered many accomplishments while serving the city such as organizing past Christmas tree-lighting festivities, bringing free swimming lessons to the YMCA and constantly allocating funds to service sidewalks, curbs and streets.

If re-elected, he would look forward to continuing to organize future events along with the help of volunteers.

Sapienza wants to see the city continue looking forward instead of focusing on the past. He believes it is important to emphasize what people see when they look out their doors, such as the city’s infrastructure.

He would like to see infrastructure continue to be addressed, but understands that it needs to be done while maintaining excellent fiscal status. Sapienza said that with any budget, every dollar out has to have one coming in.

Pinter decided to run for office because he wanted to help people and make a difference in the city that he lives in, and he’s thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent the Third Ward.

Pinter wants to focus on bettering Third Ward streets that in many areas rank the worst and oldest in the city.

He also wants to work on having better communication among the citizens and government leaders, continue to improve parks and cut back on the city’s wasteful spending.

With the race leaning Sapienza but some mail-in ballots still in the air, neither opponent was confident enough to declare a winner at this time.