Cathy Adduci began her third term as River Forest village president by assuring residents that “our community is on solid ground” but noting, “we have more to do.” She was re-elected president in last month’s election, defeating Patty Henek, who gave up her village trustee seat to seek the higher office.
Voters re-elected Respicio Vazquez as village trustee and elected Lisa Gillis and Ken Johnson as trustees and Jonathan Keller as clerk. Tom Cargie did not run for re-election after serving two terms as trustee and Kathleen Brand-White did not run for re-election after serving one term as clerk.
In her final act as clerk, Brand-White administered the oaths of office to Adduci, Gillis, Johnson and Vazquez at the May 10 virtual village board meeting.
“I want to thank the residents of River Forest for their continued confidence and support of our agenda for our community,” Adduci said after being sworn in. “Our vision is to maintain and continue the growth of River Forest as an outstanding place to live and work through focused and steady leadership and community engagement.
“We are guided by three broad principles and remain committed to them,” she added, identifying ensuring the safety of all residents and businesses; strengthening residents’ quality of life; and stabilizing property taxes.
“I am so proud to have been elected for another four years as your village president,” she continued. “I promise that I will work hard, I will be transparent, I will be available, I will bring together the best of our community on issues that are important to us and, last, I will treat everyone with respect and dignity.”
Adduci and Vazquez were joined by trustees Erika Bachner, Katie Brennan and Bob O’Connell in thanking Brand-White, Cargie and Henek for their service. Several of them noted that Cargie also served six years on the River Forest Park District Board prior to his election to the village board and that Henek has been active in community projects, specifically the Lemon-Aid Stand fundraising effort.
Brennan noted that the board is losing its longest-tenured trustee in Cargie. She also praised Henek for taking “residents’ concerns seriously.”
In addition to thanking Brand-White for her service, Adduci said she “admired her ability to pronounce words and names.”
She also praised Cargie for his municipal law expertise and leadership on the collaboration and deer management committees.
In addition to thanking Henek for her service, Adduci said she “hopes she will continue to be involved.”
In turn, Brand-White and Cargie thanked their fellow elected officials and village staff members.
Brand-White thanked the residents who speak at village board meetings or volunteer to serve on village committees and commissions, calling them “the heart and soul of River Forest.”
Cargie said it was an “honor” to represent the village and that he “thoroughly enjoyed” it.
“I tried to figure out what was best for the village,” he added.
Henek did not attend the meeting.
Elected officials were not the only ones being sworn in May 10.
Michael Fries was sworn in as police sergeant and Megan Drake and Lane Niemann were sworn in as probationary police officers. In addition, Cpl. Troy Fields was recognized as police officer of the year.
May 12, 2021 at 03:28AM
https://www.oakpark.com/2021/05/11/river-forest-board-gets-a-new-look-fresh-start/
River Forest board gets a new look, fresh start - Wednesday Journal
https://news.google.com/search?q=fresh&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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