Campton Hills trustee hopefuls differ on need for 2nd law firm

A Campton Hills village board meeting these days in some ways resembles a court hearing.

There's a court reporter present and two attorneys, each offering differing views when called upon by their respective clients.

Six people seeking three seats on the board have differing views on whether it was right for trustees to hire a legislative law firm last year in addition to village attorney William Braithwaite.

Laura Andersen and Susan George are seeking re-election April 7, while Steven Galloway, Michael O'Dwyer, Don Sheluga and Mike Turgeon each seek a first, 4-year term.

Anderson, George and O'Dwyer are part of a slate with Harry Blecker, a trustee who is running for village president.

Galloway, Sheluga and Turgeon are part of a slate organized by Village President Patsy Smith, who is running as a write-in candidates for a third term.

Sheluga and Turgeon also are write-in candidates.

Trustees voted 5-1 last year, with Jim Kopec the lone "no" vote, to hire the firm of Angel and Glink.

The move has pushed legal expenses at least $40,000 over the $135,000 budgeted and could rise in coming months.

George acknowledged that on the surface, a second law firm looks bad.

But she said trustees weren't getting accurate information from the village attorney.

"When you're an elected official, you have to follow state statutes," George said. "You have to look for other options and five board members agreed to do that."

George said the village administrator can help cut legal costs by drafting ordinances and resolutions.

O'Dwyer wants to get rid of both lawyers.

He pointed to escalating costs and said officials should only consult with an attorney when absolutely needed.

"It's just not necessary," O'Dwyer said.

Galloway, Sheluga and Turgeon each said they disagreed with the move for a second law firm.

Sheluga said an attorney was needed in the village's early days, when some residents petitioned to disconnect from the village and others tried to dissolve the village altogether.

"We need to move away from that and grow up as a village," Sheluga said.

Turgeon said the second law firm has still not helped trustees conduct business.

"If (trustees) didn't hire the attorney, I don't think we'd be over (budget)," he said. "It didn't solve the problem. That irritates someone who has been a problem solver all his life."

Early voting begins Monday. For polling places, visit kanecountyelections.org.