Lindenhurst embarks on search for new village administrator

Lindenhurst has less than a month left to tap into James Stevens' 23 years worth of village government know-how.

The retiring village administrator will leave his post at the end of May, leaving board members in the unfamiliar position of finding a new manager.

Stevens' shoes will not easily be filled, trustees said.

"He has a wealth of talent," said Trustee Fred Messmer. "Not just with being an administrator, but his personality, background and interests were a perfect fit for the village."

When Stevens announced his retirement in March, he said he would be gone by the end of April.

Stevens has since decided to work half days in May with his last day scheduled for May 27.

The village has hired Paul A. Reaume Group of Lake Bluff to find Stevens' replacement.

For a $15,000 fee, PAR will advertise the position, solicit resumes, screen applicants, obtain referrals and present candidates to the village board.

Lindenhurst Mayor Susan Lahr could not be reached for comment.

Messmer expects the process to take four to six months.

"In the meantime, we'll just have to carry on with our present staff and try to cover all of the bases," Messmer said. "We're looking for someone that is trained in the area of public administration with some background in finance or budgeting. We know not everyone will have all of the qualifications but that is a starting point."