Mahony sworn in as East Dundee trustee

Kathleen Mahony was sworn in Monday night as an East Dundee trustee, filling the seat of the recently-deceased trustee Michael Ruffulo. She will serve until May.

Mahony is a director of design and development for gift products for Enesco, one of the largest gift companies in the U.S.

"I moved to East Dundee about 12 years ago and love the small town vibe," she said. She wants to help make the village "a great place to live, the best it can be."

Mahony had previously been appointed to serve the rest of Dan O'Leary's term when he replaced Jerald Bartels as president in July 2007. She served until 2009. Mahony also served as commissioner of the planning and zoning commission from 2005 to 2007.

Village President Lael Miller picked Mahony for the position and she was approved by the board. The seat is currently up for election, which takes place April 7.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have her back on the board again," Miller said. "She's going to be able to jump right in and work on a number of complicated issues."

Mahony said she had spoken with Ruffulo many times about village governance, and that he told her that if something happened to him, he would like her to fill his seat.

Judy Ruffulo was presented Monday with a plaque from the village in honor of her husband's 18 years of service.