New Elburn village president shakes things up on first night

After taking the oath of office Monday night as Elburn's new village president, David Anderson warned the 60-some people in the audience about his tenure: "You are going to see some changes. Some of them subtle, some of them not so subtle."

In the next few minutes the not-so-subtle were made as he appointed a new police chief and switched the jobs of the village administrator and the community development director.

Cmdr. Steven Smith replaces James Linane as police chief.

Linane is still an employee of Elburn, Anderson said, and it will be up to Smith to decide what job Linane will do.

Anderson said there was an issue of "meshing of philosophy" between him and Linane.

He declined to cite specific problems or describe his philosophy. He did say, however, that residents told him while he was campaigning this spring they were unhappy with how the police department operated.

Smith said before any changes are made, he wants to study every aspect of the department, to make sure changes are done "logically and fairly."

Erin Willrett, the community development director, will take over the post of village administrator.

David Morrison, who has been the village administrator for 10 years, will become community development director.

"David's strength is in development and dealing with developers," Anderson said after the meeting.

Willrett, who joined the village staff a year ago after working for Kane County, said "I'm happy to take on any role here. It's nice to work with residents."

Anderson asked Linane, Willrett, Morrison and Public Works Director John Nevenhoven all to resign several weeks ago. He said some did, but refused to say who Monday, calling the matter "moot."

Nevenhoven was reappointed to his position.

Patricia Romke, one of two trustees who voted against the staffing changes, said she would like to have given input on the decision to switch Willrett and Morrison, and believes all the department heads should have been given the chance to adapt to the new village president's policies.

"But I respect his decision," she said of Anderson, who defeated her in April.

All appointments are for one year. Salary changes will be considered by the village board later this month.

"I spent a minimum of two hours interviewing each and every one of these individuals. I very much appreciate their attitude and willingness to work on behalf of the village of Elburn," Anderson said.