Two DuPage panels each welcome a new member
The DuPage County Board and county forest preserve commission welcomed new members Tuesday when they both filled vacancies on their respective boards.
Karyn Romano of Glen Ellyn has been appointed to finish the term of the late Jerry "JR" McBride on the county board. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Redick of Elmhurst has been appointed to forest preserve President Joseph Cantore's former seat on the forest preserve commission.
"This is the right opportunity for me to bring the professional experience I've gained and apply it here locally," said Romano, who will represent District 4 through Nov. 30, 2016.
Romano, who owns Metro Strategies, Inc., has worked in the public sector for most of her career. Before starting her public affairs consulting firm in 2004, Romano was the transportation director for the Metropolitan Planning Council.
"Karyn is very knowledgeable about many of the issues that face our county board as we begin our new fiscal year," said board Chairman Dan Cronin, who picked Romano to fill the vacant seat left following McBride's death.
As a county board member, Romano said she hopes to focus on transportation issues in addition to community development and economic development in the county.
District 4 includes all or parts of Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Lisle, Lombard, Wheaton and Winfield.
As for Redick, the former county board member who sits on the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority board will once again represent District 2. This time, it's going to be for two years on the forest preserve commission.
District 2 includes all or parts of Addison, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Woodridge.
Cantore has said he picked Redick for the seat because of Redick's experience with environmental issues as a county board member.
Redick, who is a partner at the Oak Brook-based law firm of Power & Cronin, Ltd., served as a county board member for two terms from 2006 to 2012.
Redick was appointed to the tollway board in October 2011. He has said he has no immediate plans to step down. His term is slated to end in April.