Metanias Projected To Unseat Fleischer As Mokena Mayor

MOKENA, IL — Trustee George Metanias appears to have secured his place as the next mayor of Mokena, according to unofficial results.

With all precincts reporting, Metanias appears to have unseated incumbent Mayor Frank Fleischer, who sought his fourth term.

Metanias topped the Friends of Mokena slate, with trustee candidates Daniel Gilbert, Colleen Patrick-Lenart (candidate for the unexpired term), Melissa Fedora (incumbent) and Josh Bailey. Incumbent Village Clerk Melissa Martini also joined their ticket.

On his slate, Fedora, Bailey, and Gilbert all look to have won. Patrick-Lenart looks to have lost to Fleischer's candidate Nick Clancy—though the margin is incredibly tight with 1,312 votes cast for Patrick-Lenart, and 1,350 cast for Clancy.

Results are unofficial until certified by the Will County Clerk.

As of 10:30 p.m., with 100% of precincts reporting

• George Metanias: 1,508
• Frank Fleischer: 1,257

Fleischer headed up his Mokena's Future slate, with trustee candidates Nick Clancy (candidate for the unexpired term), Kimberly Huelsman, and James Roberts.

Metanias topped the Friends of Mokena slate, with trustee candidates Daniel Gilbert, Colleen Patrick-Lenart (candidate for the unexpired term), Melissa Fedora (incumbent) and Josh Bailey. Incumbent Village Clerk Melissa Martini also joined their ticket.

Patch provided a candidate questionnaire to all, and their answers are published in candidate profiles, linked below:

Mokena's Future

• Frank Fleischer
• Nick Clancy
• Kimberly Huelsman
• James Roberts

Friends of Mokena

• George Metanias
• Daniel Gilbert
• Colleen Patrick-Lenart
• Melissa Fedora
• Josh Bailey
• Melissa Martini

Longtime Mayor Frank Fleischer's platform focused on maintaining Mokena’s small-town charm while managing responsible growth, ensuring fiscal discipline, and keeping the community safe. He wants to hone in on fiscal responsibility, investing in law enforcement, and supporting commercial growth that aligns with Mokena’s character, bringing new businesses and amenities while protecting property values.

"I’ve successfully led Mokena with strong fiscal management, steady leadership, and a commitment to preserving our high quality of life," Fleischer said in his questionnaire. "My record speaks for itself—Mokena is one of the safest, most financially stable communities in Illinois."

Read more of his answers here.

His challenger and sitting trustee George Metanias said he wants to focus on the revitalization of Mokena's downtown business district and attracting new business development. He said that during his time in village government, he pushed for a comprehensive plan.

"As mayor, I'll make implementation of that plan — which includes the revitalization of Mokena's downtown and making our community more business friendly — the priorities they should be," he wrote. "I'll be proactive in marketing Mokena to quality business investments. By attracting more businesses, we can ease the tax burden on homeowners while securing more dollars for schools, infrastructure at no cost to families."

Read more of his answers here.