Will County Gazette

Will County reports indicated that Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk has conceded to opponent Terry D'Arcy.

O'Dekirk had been running for a third term as Joliet mayor.

D'Arcy's community plan aims to improve the quality of life in Joliet by supporting local law enforcement, addressing traffic congestion and pollution, and diversifying housing; his website said.

"I think we had a really good team," D'Arcy told Joliet Patch. "A really strong message and I knocked on a lot of doors. I heard what they said. I want to help."

D'Arcy went further in an attempt to explain his appeal with voters.

"They wanted a better attitude for the city," he told Patch.

The mayor-elect's plan also seeks to improve resource allocation by advocating for equal investment in all neighborhoods, pursuing additional grant funding for major projects, and eliminating unnecessary expenditures. Additionally, D'Arcy intends to improve the city's image by collaborating with business and government leaders on regional issues, investing in neighborhood beautification projects, and addressing abandoned properties.

Polls showed D'Arcy leading before the race back in March. The election was nominally known as a consolidated election, and the results will not be official until April 25, despite O'Dekirk's concession.

D'Arcy consistently led the race by double digits in preliminary polls, according to a report from The Southland Journal. But despite the large lead, he reported that he did not slow down his campaigning. A large number of undecided voters, ranging from 30-50%, were also shown during the race's preliminary polling. They apparently voted for D'Arcy on election day.

D'Arcy enjoyed support from all political parties, with polls showing him having big leads amongst independents and Democrats, as well as a narrow lead with Republicans; the Journal report said.

The mayor-elect's victory party following the concession was held in a barn at Inwood Golf Course.