After three months of campaigning for an aldermanic seat in Geneva, Ill., John Trierweiler, sophomore journalism major and Student Government Association vice president of communications, is ready to settle down and focus on school after the election.

Trierweiler beat out two other candidates and placed second in the race. His top opponent won the election by 50 votes on Election Day, April 7.

Trierweiler, a Geneva native who became active in community politics during high school, spent time working on campaigns for Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns’ runs for both mayor and Congress. Burns was elected mayor in 2000 but lost in his 2004 Congressional election. Trierweiler said he was immediately drawn to politics after the experience.

“Campaigns are just a great opportunity to get involved and have fun,” Trierweiler said. “So when I was asked to help on Burns’ campaigns, I said ‘Sure, no problem.'”

When Trierweiler found out there was an opening in the 5th Ward for an aldermanic seat in Geneva, he decided to run in the election and organized his own campaign, despite being a 21-year-old, full-time college student. Trierweiler is also preparing for next year’s SGA elections taking place April 21-24.

After his candidacy was announced on Jan. 8, Trierweiler and his campaign team spent endless hours getting his name and message out to the community over the course of three months.

“We made yard signs, websites, went to public forums and went door to door to talk to people in the community,” he said.

Terry Burns met Trierweiler at Geneva High School where she worked as the student activities director. She worked with Trierweiler on community campaigns and was excited when he asked her to head his campaign team.

“I was thrilled to work with him,” Burns said. “I always joke that he is the son I never wanted.”

Trierweiler ran against three other candidates for the seat, all of whom were considerably older. Trierweiler was beat by Ralph Dantino, a prominent figure in the community and member of the school board.

“I was a little relieved when it was all over,” Trierweiler said. “We ran a great campaign and I am really proud of the work we did. But now I am happy to get back into school and my old routine.”

Trierweiler said he doesn’t believe his age played a factor in the outcome of the election.

“Some blame my age, but I disagree,” Trierweiler said. “It was just not the right time.”

Burns commended Trierweiler on his campaign savviness and people skills.

“It was very interesting to watch him during this campaign,” Burns said. “He knew exactly how to handle himself and is really knowledgeable about the community of Geneva. People were really impressed by how passionate and well-spoken he is.”

Trierweiler is hoping for a good turnout during the SGA elections and is considering taking a new position on the executive board. As for public office, he said he has no plans of running for another candidacy.

“I have no plans now, but we’ll see what happens,” Trierweiler said. “Geneva is my home, and I plan on staying involved in the community for some time to come.”