Dist. 4 trustee appointed, another announces early resignation
A new trustee was appointed to the Lombard village board Thursday, just minutes before a longtime trustee announced her early resignation.
The village board unanimously approved Village President Keith Giagnorio's recommendation to appoint Bill Johnston, a candidate in the 2015 election, to the District 4 seat. The position was previously held by Peter Breen, who resigned in December to serve as state representative for the 48th District.
"I'm excited to be here," Johnston said. "For those of you who don't know me, I'm very open-minded, I listen very well and I look forward to representing District 4 and the city of Lombard."
After the appointment, District 5 Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick said she submitted her letter of resignation last week. It will be effective March 1, which means Thursday was her last village board meeting.
"I want to sincerely thank the residents of District 5 for the privilege of serving them for the past eight years," she said. "It's been an interesting and fascinating time and I'm glad that I was part of it."
Fitzpatrick had previously announced she was not running for re-election. She will continue to work in government, however, as the district office director for State Sen. Chris Nybo.
Robyn Pike, a 30-year-old mother who does interactive marketing for Easter Seals, is the only name that will appear on the ballot for the District 5 seat. Village officials say there is a possibility she will be appointed to the soon-to-be vacant District 5 seat before the election too.
Like Pike, Johnston is the only person whose name will appear on the ballot for District 4. He was being challenged by retired state employee Alan Bennett until late last month, when Bennett said he was withdrawing from the race due to health reasons and lack of name recognition.
Johnston has lived in the village with his wife for 31 years. He is retired and has three grown children.
State statute allows the village president 60 days from the resignation of a trustee - which in Breen's case was Dec. 31 - to make a recommendation for a replacement who will fill the role until the upcoming election.