Campton Hills trustee hopefuls differ on administrator
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Four people running for Campton Hills trustee in the April 9 election say the village is in need of an administrator, but differ on whether that person should be full or part time.
Trustees Al Lenkaitis, Mike Millette and John Strauss are each seeking re-election to a four-year term. Challenger Harry Blecker also seeks one of the three available seats.
All support hiring an administrator for the village, which will turn 5 years old this spring.
In a municipal government, the elected board sets policy and the administrator or city manager acts like a CEO carrying out the day-to-day operations.
Strauss is firm in his belief that it needs to a be a full-time position.
"I've been in favor of this position for a couple of years," said Strauss, noting that Village President Patsy Smith has been handling the administrator's duties even though those are not part of her elected post. "It's time to do it. Patsy's got two more years before her term is up. That will give us to years to get organized, shall we say."
Lenkaitis took the middle road, saying if the village could afford a full-time administrator that would be great. but a part-time post would be OK as well.
"It's time we professionalize the village. It's time to streamline some of the processes we've been going through," Lenkaitis said.
Blecker said part-time is his preference, but he would support full time if the village could afford it.
"There is a need for an administrator," he said. "I don't think a full-time administrator is needed, but we need help in spreading the work around."
Millette said he favors hiring a village administrator, but has no strong feelings on whether the position should be full or part time. If an administrator is hired, that person should be a contract employee.
• Daily Herald Night Photo Editor Patrick Kunzer contributed to this story.
