Mundelein wants members for human relations group

Mundelein officials are looking for people to join a newly revamped group designed to celebrate the town's ethnic diversity.

Seven people will sit on the human relations commission, which was re-formed by the village board last week after decades of inactivity.

Mayor Kenneth H. Kessler will make the appointments.

Elected officials likely won't serve on the panel, Village Administrator John Lobaito said. Rather, members will be local residents and business owners.

"We'd like this to be a diverse group that is reflective of the community," Lobaito said.

Nearly 29 percent of Mundelein's population was Hispanic as of 2005, according to a Lake County Partners report. More than 7 percent was Asian at that time, and nearly 2 percent was black.

Highland Park, Aurora and Elgin are among the suburbs with active human relations commissions.

Mundelein has had a human relations commission since 1962. It was formed to deal with fair-housing issues but long has been dormant.

Last week's board action, which followed a public discussion in June, reactivated the group and gave it new purpose.

"We want it to be a uniting force," Lobaito said. "I view it as an educational commission."

Applications can be picked up at village hall, 440 E. Hawley St., or by calling (847) 949-3225.

Applications should be returned to village hall in person or through the mail. There is no application deadline.