Viering becomes Sterling's first female mayor

Philip Marruffo/Gazette Linda Osborne, left, and Mayor-elect Amy Viering, right, look over election results Tuesday evening at Viering's campaign party.

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STERLING - The city has

its new leader.

As expected, Ward 3 Alderwoman Amy Viering, 43, was elected the first female mayor of Sterling, with 90 percent of the vote Tuesday, according to unofficial results.

She will replace Mayor Ted Aggen, 77, when he finishes his third term next month. Aggen did not run for a fourth term, citing health reasons.

Viering was the only person on the ballot, but did face a challenge from retired Northwestern Steel and Wire employee Roy Cantu, who ran as a write-in candidate.

According to the Whiteside County elections Web Site, www.fidlar.com, 202 people voted for a write-in mayoral candidate. It was not possible to determine how many of those votes went to Cantu.

Viering, executive director of the nonprofit Woodlawn Arts Academy, did serve as interim mayor for eight months after Aggen underwent quadruple bypass surgery in December 2004.

She has been on the council since 2002, when she was appointed to replace Craig DeWitt. She won her seat in 2003, after challenger Sheila Barton withdrew.

Lucio Sotelo Jr. was elected Ward 3 alderman, and will take Viering's seat. Sotelo ran unopposed.

Viering applauded Cantu for having enough courage to run.

"I truly respect anyone who's willing to take the challenge," she said. "I appreciate his willingness to serve the city."

Viering's first order of business will be to meet with Aggen, to discuss what's needed for economic development.

"He has much to give before he leaves," Viering said. "He has a lot of information and good knowledge to share."

When Cantu embarked on his write-in campaign, he believed he would only receive 20 to 25 votes, he said. The possibility that he received as many as 200 was a pleasant surprise for the political novice, who campaigned with hand-written yard signs.

"I'm a rookie; nobody knows me," Cantu said. "In Sterling, it's hard for a Hispanic to run for office."

Cantu does not plan on running again for public office, he said.

"I don't mind losing," Cantu said. "I'll invite her (Viering) for coffee and I'll pay for it."

Reach Joseph Bustos at (815) 625-3600 or (800) 798-4085, ext. 529.