West Dundee trustee resigns

[Mayer_John_B_mg(2005)]

West Dundee Trustee John Mayer has stepped down from his post after more than a decade on the village board.

In an e-mail to board members and village officials, he announced his resignation to pursue a college degree and because of the demands of his role as assistant fire chief in Hoffman Estates.

"Additional responsibilities in Hoffman Estates and my return to college are demanding time that I would otherwise devote to my role in village government," Mayer said in the e-mail. "I don't feel I can give village issues the attention they need."

Mayer, who was a part-time firefighter in West Dundee, was first elected to the board in 1997.

Described as one of the most committed trustees to serve the village, Mayer's term was set to end in April 2009.

"John's dedication and commitment to West Dundee is second to none, and he is going to be sorely missed," Village Administrator Joe Cavallaro said. "I know the pursuit of his college degree is a big personal goal. It is tough to juggle those things in this day and age."

Village President Larry Keller said Mayer's public safety background was just one benefit he brought to the village board.

"He has been a real asset over the years especially in the area of fire, police and public safety," Keller said. "I don't want to limit it to that, but that was his real expertise. I am sad to see him go because he is a guy who really did his homework and did a nice job."

Mayer did not return calls for comment Wednesday.

For now, it is uncertain how the village will fill Mayer's vacancy, Cavallaro said.

"We need to confer with our legal counsel," Cavallaro said. "We don't do this often."

Keller said the last vacancy on the village board was in 1997, when Keller was appointed acting village president after Cal Grafelman died in a car accident.

At that time, Keller served as acting village president while retaining his trustee seat.