Only Competition In La Grange Election Disappears

LA GRANGE, IL — La Grange had only one competitive race in the April 6 election. Now, it has none.

Over the weekend, candidate John Janowski, who was running for the two-year unexpired trustee term on the Village Board, told Patch he has withdrawn.

Because of unforeseen work and family obligations, Janowski said he did not believe he could give "the amazing Village the attention it deserves."

Janowski was running against Shawana McGee, who filled a vacancy last spring after Village President Mark Kuchler was appointed village president upon the resignation of Tom Livingston.

In his message to Patch, Janowski said economic and social diversity are important to him, saying that was why he backed McGee. He also said McGee shared his "mindful approach to change." He urged his supporters to back her as well.

Janowski said his supporters agreed with his views and values, namely that "having a flexible approach to leadership is key during pandemic times and beyond."

McGee is a third-generation La Grange resident. She is a spiritual leader with the La Grange-based Caring Place Foundation.

Janowski is a technical project manager who consults with industries, according to his LinkedIn page. His page also says he has a master of science in administration from Central Michigan University, specializing in information resource management.

Also, Janowski was a member of the Citizens Council of La Grange from 2016 to 2019. He was elected in 2017 as the group's secretary for a two-year term.

In December, Janowski posted to the local Facebook page, "La Grange Area Restaurant Take-out & Delivery Group," in which he said La Grange has many advantages but that "positive change/progression is still the key ingredient in maintaining destination status." He said young families are "marching out of the city and picking the cool suburbs..."

The post drew more than 90 comments and encouragement for him to run for office. Residents collected his petition signatures for Village Board.

That happened after the Citizens Council of La Grange had already endorsed McGee. The other endorsed candidates, all unopposed, are Kuchler for village president and incumbent Lou Gale and newcomers Peggy Peterson and Michael Matteucci for the three four-year trustee positions.

Trustees Bill Holder and David McCarty are not running again.