Metro West Council inducts new officers serving for 2014-15

Metro West Council of Government recently installed the new officers who will serve as the board of directors' executive committee for the organization's 2014-15 year. The installation was held during Metro West's annual dinner Oct. 12, following a unanimous vote at the board of directors meeting.

David Kaptain, mayor of the city of Elgin, will take the helm as Metro West's president as he completed his term as vice president the previous year. Prior to being elected for the first time to the Elgin City Council in 2005, Kaptain served on both the Elgin Planning Commission from 1999-2005 and as chairman of the Elgin Community Network since 2000. Kaptain is a retired chief chemist and director of process control for the Fox River Water Reclamation District.

New to the executive committee is Matt Brolley, president of the village of Montgomery, who was elected to serve as vice president. Brolley will automatically become the board president next term. Both Ray Keller, administrator of the village of Gilberts, and Bill McGrath, administrator of the city of Batavia, will continue in their roles as Metro West's secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Also new to the board are the members representing Metro West's three counties.

The municipal representatives are Anne Marie Gaura, manager of the city of DeKalb, who will represent DeKalb County municipalities; Kathy Curtis, president of the village of Maple Park, who was elected to represent Kane County municipalities; and Bart Olson, administrator of the United City of Yorkville, who will serve as the Kendall County municipal representative.

Rounding out the executive committee are the past presidents of the organization including Brian LeClercq, president of the village of Oswego (immediate past president); David Anderson, president of the village of Elburn (at-large); Stephan Pickett, president of the village of Sleepy Hollow (at-large); and Thomas Weisner, mayor of the City of Aurora (at-large).

Metro West Council of Government is a nonprofit organization that represents municipalities in Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties. Metro West fosters regional cooperation to address regional issues including managing growth, transportation and water conservation and promoting sustainable economic development.

Metro West provides a united voice for municipalities and serves as their advocate. The council provides networking opportunities for area mayors and managers, which allow them to share ideas and address common issues.