Rooney takes reins in Rolling Meadows

It was a night of welcomes and farewells as Ken Nelson completed his mayoral duty to the city he has served for more than 20 years, handing over his job to Tom Rooney.

Rooney noted that procedural changes will be made to the council meetings in the future, but he promised not to implement any changes until the council has a chance to give feedback at the next committee as a whole meeting. In previous interviews, Rooney promised to make the meetings more efficient, productive and “a whole lot easier for regular folks to watch.”

Nelson, who had served as mayor since April 2003, has a long history of service to the city, serving two terms as First Ward alderman and six years on the plan commission. He also participated in dozens of community activities and organizations.

Nelson will continue public service as a member of the citizens advisory committee for a group that does metropolitan area planning. And he volunteered to put his relationships with area legislators to use on behalf of Rooney when special issues come up.

Rooney praised Nelson for always having a positive attitude, for giving unselfishly of his time and for providing a strong voice for the residents of Rolling Meadows. Rooney proclaimed May 11, 2011, as Ken Nelson Day.

Also saying goodbye were longtime Alderman Glenn Adams, city Clerk Lisa Hinman and Alderman John Pitzaferro, who was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

New council members Mike Cannon and Robert Banger Jr. joined Aldermen Larry Buske and Jim Larsen in Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony. Ginny Cotugno will serve as the deputy city clerk.