Quick change in top job in Round Lake

It didn't take long for Round Lake's top administrative position at village hall to change under new Mayor Daniel MacGillis.

Marc Huber is out after seven years as village administrator. He has been replaced by Russell Kraly. who will serve in the administrative position until it can be filled permanently, according to a statement MacGillis issued Tuesday.

Kraly's hiring was listed under the “contracts” portion of last Thursday's Round Lake village board agenda, three days after MacGillis was sworn in as mayor. The agenda referred to a “management consulting agreement” with Kraly.

Most recently, Kraly has been Hainesville's building official. MacGillis said Kraly's wealth of knowledge and experience gained in similar municipal jobs in Riverwoods, Round Lake Beach and Hainesville will benefit Round Lake while he's in the village administrator's office.

“With over 20 years of experience, we are thrilled to have Russ join our administration,” MacGillis said.

Kraly's relationship with Hainesville dates to 1996, when he was hired as an independent contractor for building duties. Neither Kraly nor Hainseville Mayor Linda Soto could be reached for comment on whether he'll continue in his part-time duties for Hainesville while also working for Round Lake.

MacGillis, in his Tuesday statement, gave his “sincere thanks” to Huber for his hard work and commitment to Round Lake over seven years.

“We wish Marc all the best in his future endeavors,” he said.

MacGillis topped James Dietz to win the Round Lake mayor's job in April. His Citizens First slate swept three trustee seats and the village clerk's office, as well.

Trustees Don Newby and Susan Triphahn, who ran with Dietz four years ago, were part of MacGillis' Citizens First political team.

Building business downtown will be an immediate priority, MacGillis said. A plan for the downtown commissioned several years ago has languished and a spark is needed, he added.

“I'm tired of hearing people say, `You can't.' I don't want to hear we can't anymore. We're desperate for downtown development,” MacGillis said.

Round Lake isn't the only town where a change in mayors has led to new leadership in a high-profile village department.

Island Lake Police Chief William McCorkle resigned before Charles Amrich was sworn in as the new mayor last week. Amrich, who trounced Debbie Herrmann in the April election, received village board ratification for his appointment of Don Bero as Island Lake's top cop.