3 Vie For Crystal Lake Mayoral Seat

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — After Crystal Lake's longest-serving mayor died unexpectedly last year, residents will be tasked with picking a new leader for the city this election.

Last May, Aaron Shepley, who served as Crystal Lake's mayor for 21 years, died in his sleep at the age of 56 after biking 50 miles the day before, city council member Ellen Brady told the Chicago Tribune last spring. He said he felt a tightness in his chest before he went to sleep.

Former city council member Haig Haleblian was picked to step in as acting mayor and now voters will be asked to pick from three candidates, including Haleblian, to officially take the mayoral seat this spring.

Also running are newcomers Donald Kountz, a retired senior director for Northrop Grumman, and Jim Sisto, a former sales manager and teacher.

Here are the profiles submitted to Patch by all mayoral candidates running for the open seat:

• Haig Haleblian
• Donald Kountz
• Jim Sisto

Local elections will be on April 6.