Bartlett honors departing legislators

Two local Republican politicians whose terms end early next year were honored during a Bartlett village board meeting Tuesday night.

Sen. John Millner and Rep. Randy Ramey, both of Carol Stream, received a round of applause and standing ovations from the board, the village staff and more than a dozen audience members after Village President Michael Airdo read resolutions about each of them, declaring gratitude for their service to the community.

Millner, who has served the 28th state Senate District since 2005, was recognized for his recent help in obtaining a $360,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the purchase of a wireless telemetry water and sewer monitoring system.

He also supported the village’s downtown redevelopment efforts during his time as senator, in particular the dedication of the village hall in 2006 and the new Metra station in 2007.

“Every time I reached out to residents of Bartlett or Bartlett residents reached out to me, it was always a mutual collaboration of moving forward, something that we could do together,” Millner said, adding that the village staff was “a class act” and very professional. “I never had a bad experience in Bartlett.

“You guys have been really, really good to me, and I truly appreciate that.”

Millner announced last September he would not run for re-election because he wanted to spend time with his wife, who was fighting cancer. Deborah Millner died in the spring.

Ramey decided last year to run for the 23rd Senate District instead of running for re-election in the House, but he lost to state Sen. Carole Pankau of Itasca in the March primary. He has served the 55th state House District since 2005.

He, like Millner, was thanked for helping secure state funding for the wireless telemetry water and sewer monitoring system. Ramey also supported more than $200,000 in grant funding that allowed Bartlett to complete the Schick Road bridge project.

Ramey said he has faith in the people who will continue to serve the village.

“I think our new legislators will strive to hold up what we’ve built here,” he said. “They realize you’re here, and we will keep reminding them that you are an integral part of their districts.”

He added that he enjoyed working with the village board, Village Administrator Valerie Salmons and all three village presidents who have served during his time as representative.

“I thank you all. It’s been a pleasure and an honor for the last seven years,” he said. “Bartlett’s a great village to get involved with.”