Geneseo alderman Linda Van Der Leest defeated incumbent mayor Patrick Eberhardt in the Feb. 2 election. Eberhardt has served as Geneseo mayor since 2005.

Van Der Leest received 989 votes with Eberhardt receiving 523 votes. Fellow mayoral candidate John McCracken received 417 votes.

Van Der Leest said she was “speechless” when she learned of her win. “There were no words to express how delighted I was and honored to be blessed with so much support. After it set in, I was very excited to start my work.”

She said she plans to start her term as mayor by focusing on communication, collaboration and fiscal responsibility.

“During a time of economic struggles for many members of our community, we need to challenge each entity of city hall to be accountable and conscientious stewards of the finances,” explained Van Der Leest.

“There is no ‘I’ in team. The success of the city will be measured in part with a cooperative between all engaged members,” she said.

Four aldermen also were elected to the Geneseo City Council. Each ran unopposed. Incumbent First Ward alderman Ed Deener received 331 votes. Robert Wachtel, who ran for the Second Ward seat vacated by Van Der Leest, received 308 votes.

Third Ward incumbent alderman Keith Kennett received 472 votes, and first-time candidate Joshua Pierce received 413 votes in the Fourth Ward election. Pierce will replace alderman Kevin Peterson, who did not seek re-election.

At the polls, Geneseo voters were against a bond issue which would have funded a turn-lane for a proposed Mel Foster subdivision.

The issue failed with 1,237 voters saying “no” to the bond and only 669 voting “yes.”

All election results are unofficial until certified by the county clerk.