SYCAMORE | Rich Neubauer will be the new 1st Ward alderman, ousting 15-year incumbent Cheryl Maness in Tuesday’s election.

Neubauer won 447-221.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the citizens,” Maness said. “I’m sure Mr. Neubauer will do a fine job, and I think the model we have, ‘Life Matters More in Sycamore’, will continue to be true.”

Maness said she will probably find “another avenue to serve the citizens of Sycamore.” She has no plans to run in any future elections.

“First off, I would like to congratulate Cheryl on a great campaign and her 15 years of service to the city of Sycamore,” Neubauer said. “I’d also like to thank all the people who helped and worked so hard on my own campaign.”

Neubauer looks forward to working with the council and representing his ward. His two main areas of focus are setting impact fees and helping control growth within the city.

In a close race against 3rd Ward candidate Joyce Smith, Greg Taylor won 244-210. Willie Murphy, a former 3rd Ward candidate, still appeared on the ballot. Murphy received 4.8 percent of the votes.

“Now the real work starts,” Taylor said. “I made a commitment to make intelligent and sound decisions, and I intend to follow through on that. It’s really about managing the growth and continuing the momentum the city already has.”

Smith chose not to comment on Taylor, but said Neubauer will be an “asset to the council.”

“He goes along with some of the ideas of the council,” Smith said. “Among other things, he’s in favor of slow growth.”

Smith does not intend to run in any future elections.

“That’s two that I’ve lost really close,” Smith said, “However, I would like to say thanks to all those who supported me.”

Incumbent 2nd Ward alderman Chuck Stowe and 4th Ward incumbent Terry Kessler ran unopposed in their districts. Stowe said while the council has faced differences, it has always been able to work through them.

“It will be interesting to see what the shape of the council turns out to be,” Stowe said. “All in all, I think it always turns out for the best for the people of Sycamore.”