Manhattan Mayor Declares Victory, Secures Second Term

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen has declared victory in his pursuit of a second term, and is projected to win over longtime trustee and challenger David Beemsterboer.

Adrieansen and his unnamed slate took on Beemsterboer's Manhattan First slate in the April 1 consolidated election, with Adrieansen's slate appearing to have swept for all spots.

"I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their support of my re-election," Adrieansen said in a statement to Patch. "I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Manhattan for another four years. A special thank you to my wife and kids for standing by me throughout this campaign."

Adrieansen headed up a slate with current trustee Justin Young and joined by newcomers Jennifer Bahena and Clint Boone for trustee, and Becky Bouck for clerk. All won election.

"I also want to recognize my incredible team—Becky Bouck as Clerk, and Justin Young, Jennifer Bahena, and Clint Boone as Trustees," Adrieansen said. "Your dedication and hard work have been invaluable, and I’m excited about what we will accomplish together. I also want to thank Dave Beemsterboer for running a spirited campaign and for his many years of dedicated service to the village.

"While the election is over, our shared goal remains the same—to keep Manhattan a great place to live and raise a family. I appreciate Dave Beemsterboer’s commitment to our village, and I encourage everyone to come together as we move forward, no matter who you supported in the election."

Follow along as vote totals come in. Results are unofficial until certified by the Will County Clerk.

As of 9:33 p.m., all precincts reporting

• Mike Adrieansen: 1,253
• David Beemsterboer: 369

Adrieansen headed up a slate with current trustee Justin Young and joined by newcomers Jennifer Bahena and Clint Boone for trustee, and Becky Bouck for clerk.

On slate "Manhattan First," current trustee Dave Beemsterboer topped the ticket in his bid for mayor, with new face Paula Gibbs running for trustee. Former trustees Mike Naughton and Tom Biscan sought a return to village government, also vying for trustee seats. The slate did not include a clerk candidate.

Candidates were provided with a questionnaire. Their answers were published in candidate profiles, linked below.

Adrieansen's slate

• Mike Adrieansen
• Justin Young
• Clint Boone
• Jennifer Bahena
• Becky Bouck

Manhattan First

• Dave Beemsterboer
• Paula Gibbs
• Michael Naughton
• Tom Biscan

Seeking his second term, Adrieansen said one of the most pressing issues facing the town is the Northpoint development. He touts that he has helped bring in businesses, and continues to work to improve public safety. He would seek to continue updating long-awaited plans such as the comp plan and downtown design guidelines, as well as enhance water and road infrastructure.

"I have a proven track record of successfully handling important initiatives," he wrote in his questionnaire. "For example, I implemented truck enforcement using portable scales, added school resource officers, introduced Manhattan's first K-9 unit, and implemented the use of a drone for enhanced security. I also worked with Dunkin', McDonald's, and Arrowhead to bring them to Manhattan, boosting our local economy. Additionally, I have focused on creating transparency in our local government through initiatives such as summarized board meetings, an E-newsletter, a quarterly newsletter, and video-recorded meetings. I also collaborated with Metra and the Park District to bring Manhattan's first dog park to the community."

Read more of his answers here.

His challenger Dave Beemsterboer said the most pressing issue the Village faces is the border agreement with the City of Joliet which expires in 2026 and Northpoint planning on building on Manhattan's side of the current border agreement area. He says he will also seek to freeze or lower the dollar amount of the Village's portion of the tax levy for 2 years. He also wants increased transparency and cooperation among Village leadership.

"My experience as a Village Trustee for the past 24 years, and my ability to work with all other government entities, has allowed me to secure $50 million in grants for various projects in Manhattan such as the Metra, Round Barn Farm and many street and infrastructure improvements," he wrote in his questionnaire. "I have been instrumental in attracting many businesses into the Village. I work well behind the scenes for the betterment of the Village while never asking for the spotlight."

Read more of his answers here.