Residents show support for administrators under fire

Glen Ellyn village officials met in executive session Monday night to discuss possibly disciplining two top Glen Ellyn administrators over misconduct allegations - administrators who continued to garner the support of hundreds of residents and business owners.

However, no firm decisions were made late Monday night, sources said.

Village officials remain tight-lipped about the allegations against Police Chief Phil Norton and Planning and Development Director Staci Hulseberg, but during an early workshop Monday, almost a dozen residents and business owners praised Norton and Hulseberg. At the formal meeting later, almost 100 residents silently showed support for the two by their presence.

"I am overwhelmed and heart-warmed," Norton said.

Diane McGinley, a resident who's also running for village trustee, spearheaded a petition that about 150 people signed as of Monday evening.

"I started the petition because I am concerned about the process that has been followed so far in the situation," she said. "I am hoping that the petition will allow residents, business owners, property owners or anyone else who does work with the village - to show support for these two individuals before any decision is made."

During the workshop meeting, village President Vicky Hase said the board would listen to residents but wouldn't discuss the matter.

Business owner Jessica Pekny has worked closely with Norton and Hulseberg for years.

"To lose these two devoted village officials would be detrimental," she said.

Jeanne Enright said the two are assets to the community.

"Please, we ask you to reinstate both to their current positions," she said.

Attorney Stewart Diamond said anything that legally needs to be voted on in public would be posted 48 hours before a meeting.

"Some matters need to be voted on in public," he said, "and some can be handled administratively."

Norton has been with the police department for more than two decades; he became chief in 2001.

Hulseberg became Glen Ellyn's planning and development director in 2004. Before that, she held similar positions in Woodridge, Hanover Park and Highland Park.

Since August, village officials have been meeting in executive session to discuss whether to discipline Norton and Hulseberg.