David Bogdala declared winner in race for Kenosha mayor
KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- David Bogdala was declared the winner in the race for Kenosha mayor Tuesday night. The present-day alderman defeated his opponent, Lydia Spottswood, a former Kenosha alderwoman, with 53% of the vote.
Bogdala delivered his victory speech around 9:30 p.m., a little more than an hour after the polls closed in Wisconsin. Bogdala took the podium at the Italian American Club, thanking people who had helped his campaign, calling them by name one by one. His final thank yous were expressed to his wife, children, grandfather, and father in-law, who had also served his community as mayor.
Bogdala ran a campaign supportive of the Hard Rock Casino, that was approved by both the city and county and is awaiting federal approval now, saying he helped negotiate the deal, while his opponent, Lydia Spottswood, had said the contract should have also been negotiated with the Seminole tribe, not just the Menominee.
Bogdala also said he plans to continue holding meetings with the community town hall-style, as he has done as alderman. He also has said he believes the city needs to have better communication with the public, including a better social media presence.
Both Bogdala and Spottswood's campaigns pushed for improvements in public safety, and with regards to better access to health care for all, agreeing that Kenosha has become somewhat of a health care desert east of Green Bay Road, and saying that needs to change.
Where they differed was in experience and in support generated by the community. Spottswood has been a civic leader, serving Kenosha on numerous mayoral-appointed boards. She also is a former Kenosha alderman. Bogdala is employed in a management position at Abbott and has also served Kenosha as alderman for the past 16 years. While Spottswood held the Democratic Party support, Bogdala had the support of present Mayor John Antaramian.
Bogdala's watch party erupted in loud cheers Tuesday night as he was declared the winner. He said it might have been raining on this Election Day, but the sun will be coming out tomorrow as Kenosha gets a new mayor.
Bogdala is expected to be sworn in as Kenosha's mayor on April 16.