Wilmette Park Board incumbents earn convincing election victory

Park Board incumbents left no doubt on election night in Wilmette.

Kara Kosloskus, Patrick Duffy and Allison Frazier cruised to victory Tuesday, according to unofficial results from the Cook County Clerk’s Office, securing more than 19% of the vote apiece with all precincts reporting.

Challengers Anastasia Royal, Paul McKinley and Nancy Johnson collected 10.3%, 14.23% and 11.48% of the vote respectively.

Frazier, who was the top vote-getter with 2,474 votes (23.26%), said she felt relief on election night — for both her and her fellow incumbents.

“I’m feeling absolutely thrilled and … a ton of relief,” she said. “I think this board has faced a bunch of tough decisions … and we’re ready to get back to work frankly.

She added, “I think the three of us (incumbents) have proven that we put in the time and know our stuff. We have a lot of work to do and are committed to making hard decisions and listening to residents of Wilmette to make a difference.”

Kosloskus, the Park Board president, echoed Frazier’s sentiment.

“We have a lot of work to do and I am glad this is behind us,” she said. “I am thankful to Wilmette for the continued and vote of confidence. I am thankful people are continuing to trust us.” 

Royal, McKinley and Johnson each opposed the Park Board’s 2024 decision to change operations at Gillson Park Beach’s south beach. The change resulted in a dune fence and paid entry as the space pivoted to a swimming beach.

McKinley gave credit to the incumbents, whom he called hard-working commissioners, and said he is glad he ran.

“It was a humbling experience and a good experience and I’m glad I did it,” he said. “I met a lot of wonderful people and am thankful for the people who supported me. I feel pretty good about it. I think we did the best we could.”

Frazier, Kosloskus (the Park Board president) and Duffy (the board’s vice president) will be reseated on the board later this spring.

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