Bergen residents elect new mayor

Political newcomer Thomas LaSage will lead the Village of Bergen.

LaSage garnered 153 votes edging out 13-year incumbent James MacConnell for the mayoral seat. MacConnell received 75 votes in his re-election bid.

LaSage thanked the voters for their support and said he was ready to jump in and get to work. "I want to sit down with the trustees, work with them and get things done," he said. "There are some issues that I need to look into, gain some background and get to work on."

A 30-year resident and business owner in the village, LaSage said he decided to run for office because he wanted to become more involved in the running of the village and he also wants to work toward the revitalization of the downtown area.

Incumbent trustee Anna Marie Barclay, who retained her seat, received 124 votes.

Former trustee Virginia Adams was also elected with 133 votes. Adams served on the board previously from 1981-1987.

Robert Bausch, a 25-year resident of the village, garnered 180 votes in his bid to retain the trustee position to which he was appointed last summer.