After squeaking out a win last election for his current role as Park Ridge city clerk, Sal Raspanti was on pace Tuesday night to be decisively defeated in his bid for mayor, with incumbent Martin “Marty” Maloney appearing to breeze into another term.
Michael Lupo, however, captured 56% of the vote to replace Raspanti as city clerk, according to unofficial vote totals from the Cook County clerk’s office.
The 44-year-old Lupo edged his challenger, long-serving Park Ridge civic leader Marion Joan Mattingly. She got 44% of the vote, according to the unofficial tally.
It was one of a few contested municipal races in the north suburban area that includes Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles and Norridge.
Shortly after polls closed Tuesday night and ballots were quickly counted in the low voter turnout Consolidated Election, Lupo thanked his competitor and “everybody for everything.”
“I’m honored and proud to be in the position I am right now. Honored to have been elected by the residents of Park ridge, and proud for the opportunity to be their next City Clerk and represent them and the very town I grew up in,” he stated in a text to Pioneer Press after claiming victory.
Mattingly, 73, is a former architect who served on the library board for 21 years, as well as on the Youth, Historic Preservation and, most recently, the Appearance commissions – as well as many other local clubs and organizations.
“I want to thank my family and the many friends and neighbors who encouraged my run for office and who voted for me. My first run was a positive experience,” she told Pioneer Press. ”I want to congratulate Michael on his win and wish him success as he embarks on this new role serving the community of Park Ridge.”
City clerk is a part-time position that pays an annual stipend of $9,000. The role is a four-year elected term and is primarily administrative.
The city clerk is responsible for taking roll during City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings, reviewing meeting minutes, administering oaths of office, managing city records, reporting on local election results and managing voter registration outreach to the community.
Raspanti, who won’t be mayor or, now, city clerk, served only one term after being first elected in 2021.
Pioneer Press staff contributed.
