Mancino prepares to take reigns in Hawthorn Woods

Hawthorn Woods mayor-elect Joe Mancino and his trustee slate can't wait to get started, so they've called a special meeting to be sworn into office.

The meeting is set for Saturday at 9 a.m. at village hall, 2 Lagoon Drive. Mancino will be joined by re-elected trustee Neil Morgan, and newcomers David Ansani and Kelly Dobbs-Corrigan.

Mancino said he contacted the state board of elections about an old law allowing for elected officials to take office immediately following certification of the election by the county clerk, instead of waiting for the next village board meeting, which is May 14.

"I had brought this up to them (state board of elections) just to correct them," he said. "It wasn't so much for me, but I thought it was a matter of record that should be corrected."

Mancino said he and the new board are ready to get started on several village issues.

"We have a plan and as far as listing them in priority, they're all number-one," Mancino said.

Specifically, he said he aims to improve communication between the village and residents, and develop a long-term financial and business plan, something the village does not have in place.

"The village is basically a small business," Mancino said. "Without a long-term plan, I don't believe you can be successful."