New College of DuPage trustee sworn in
The College of DuPage's newest trustee is vowing to work “in good faith with each member” of the board after taking his seat and breaking a 3-3 tie on the fiercely divided panel.
David S. Olsen of Downers Grove was sworn in Thursday, less than a week after being appointed to the seat last held by former board chairwoman Kathy Hamilton. He was selected by Illinois Community College Board Chairman Lazaro Lopez after the six trustees failed to fill the vacant seat in the required 60 days.
“Some people have described my position as the 'swing vote' or as the 'fourth vote' for a certain group,” Olsen said. “I do disagree with that. I characterize my position as 'one vote of seven' — doing my part to ensure the best ideas, the best practices and the most ethical and appropriate policies carry the day.”
Vice Chairwoman Deanne Mazzochi asked the 27-year-old to bring an open mind to the board and use his best judgment to make decisions “based on the best idea, not necessarily who offers them.”
Bill Graham of Glen Ellyn called Thursday an “important night” and thanked Olsen for his “willingness to take on a job that in recent years has seemed to be thankless.”
“There are some challenges to be faced, but each can be matched by a cooperative approach that we pray begins this evening,” he said. “We look forward to future board meetings with routine quorums and less drama.”
But Claire Ball of Addison, one of 27 candidates who applied for the trustee position through the college, said she was disappointed with the way Olsen was selected. Olsen wasn't one of those applicants.
“The entire process stinks of political motivation and I don't like it one bit,” she said. “I am excited for the knowledge and opinions you will be bringing, but I am dismayed by the process behind that decision.”
Olsen has been a Downers Grove commissioner since 2013. He was University of Illinois student body president from April 2010 to April 2011 and holds the position of vice chairman of the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization.
Olsen said Thursday he has studied and learned from what has happened at the college prior to his swearing in, but his focus is on the future, not the past.
“This institution faces immense challenges, but nothing so overwhelming that we can't meet,” he said. “We've hit a rough patch, but I know this college can — and will — move forward to be greater than ever before.”