Cortland mayor likely secures second term

CORTLAND – Cortland incumbent Mayor Mark Pietrowski completed a successful reelection bid Tuesday against challenger Douglas Corson, unofficial results show.

Results were posted by the DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, although vote tallies won’t be certified for two weeks. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Tuesday also still need to be counted.

Pietrowski collected 455 votes to Corson’s 293 votes, with all precincts fully reporting.

In a Facebook post on his campaign page at 6:56 a.m. Wednesday, Pietrowski said he was deeply grateful for voter support for a second term as mayor.

He also shared appreciation for Corson’s challenge.

“His commitment to our town is commendable, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on the board,” Pietrowski said. “I also look forward to continuing to engage with all community members to further the positive progress of Cortland.”

Also elected by Cortland voters Tuesday were three township trustees, if unofficial results hold. The top vote-getter was Randi Olson with 417 votes, followed by Michael Siewierski with 395 votes and Victoria Haier with 393 votes.

Pietrowski, 42, has been Cortland mayor since 2021. He previously served as a Democrat on the DeKalb County Board in 2012 and served as board chairman from 2014 to 2020. His reelection campaign focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and plans to enhance local parks and recreation options for Cortland residents.

Corson, 52, served on the Cortland town board in 2019 to 2023 but is not currently in a publicly elected office. Corson’s campaign emphasized the need to bring more business to town, repair local roads and engage regularly with Cortland residents.

A Republican, Corson works for Corson Construction. Pietrowski works as the director of student success and advising for the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University.

This story was updated at 9:55 p.m. April 1, 2025, and at 5:29 p.m. April 2, 2025.