D-158 winners: ‘priorities voters cared about’

HUNTLEY — The four winners in the Huntley District 158 School Board election, Michael Thompson (two-year term); and Laura Murray, Gina Galligar, Andrew Bittman for four-year terms, issued a statement to My Huntley News April 6. Results are unofficial until the election is certified on April 25.

“The four of us, (Michael Thompson, Laura Murray, Andrew Bittman and Gina Galligar) ran as the “Common Sense Candidates” for D-158. We knew that the issues we were bringing to the table were ones that the majority of the people in our community were concerned about. Throughout this campaign we have held numerous public events where anyone could come and talk with us, raise issues and ask questions. We knew that our message resonated with the majority of voters.

“Going into such a heavily-contested race, we were aware that things could get uncomfortable with political mudslinging and there was certainly some of that. However, it’s wonderful to see that so many people felt that our campaign platform’s message resonated with their own beliefs of how this board should operate.

“The parents and taxpayers of District 158 sent a clear message to the board that change is needed. They are not happy with the way that this board has operated, both financially and academically. With this election, turnout was up, and almost 80% of the votes were cast to candidates who were challengers.”