Deegan Defeats Goehringer in Park District Election

voters re-elected Commissioner Nick Deegan to another three-year term over former Commissioner Gerard Goehringer on Thursday night.

In a vote of 453 to 289, Deegan defeated the 31-year park district veteran. This is Goehringer's second loss in consecutive attempts. Last year, Goehringer ran against Charles Zaloom and lost. In 2007, Goehringer did not seek re-election to spend more time with his family.

In an at times, Deegan admitted this election caused tension and angst between both parties. He said he was relieved it was over and was pleased with the high voter turnout, which will allow him to continue with the programs and reforms he has been a part of for the last three years.

"It's nice to be able to move forward and keep our programs in place. I really enjoy working with everyone," Deegan said.

Deegan was already busy doing park district work on Friday and was checking up on some of the district's ongoing projects, including the $92,000 being spent on the Love Lane bulkhead project. He said he is looking toward the future and hoping to start an education program to encourage residents to reduce litter at district facilities.