Ward 1 rep appointed ahead of November election

City Council appointed a new Ward 1 representative last week after the open seat drew no candidates in May’s elections.

Jessica Jaimes was appointed to the position at the May 19 meeting following the resignation of Councilwoman Joy Casnovsky. Jaimes and fellow applicant Rick Harden each presented their qualifications to council, which voted by majority to select the new representative.

Casnovsky’s resignation letter, read aloud by Mayor Theresa McShan, cited her family’s relocation outside Elgin.

“It has been a true honor to represent the residents of Ward 1 since 2022 and work alongside you to address our city’s needs,” Casnovsky wrote.

Under the Elgin Home Rule Charter, when a council vacancy occurs more than 90 days before the next regular election, the dais appoints a replacement rather than calling a special election.

The city plans to hold a special election in November to allow Ward 1 voters to permanently fill the seat. Candidate filing deadlines will be announced once the election date is formally set, according to the city.