The Jim Schwantz era begins in Palatine

In front of flashing cameras and packed council chambers, Palatine entered a new era.

Mayor Jim Schwantz was sworn in by Cook County Circuit Court Judge James Etchingham during a brief ceremony on Monday night, gave a broad smile and took the seat held by Rita Mullins the past 20 years.

Schwantz was all business, calling the special village council meeting to order and addressing council committee assignments. He introduced Mark Long of St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church to give the benediction and then adjourned the meeting.

No grand speeches, no platforms. Just a few minutes of village business and Schwantz' first showing as mayor was complete.

Afterward, he shook hands and accepted well-wishes from dozens of friends, family and supporters in attendance.

"It's been a crash course so far, and there will be a steep learning curve," Schwantz said during a post-meeting reception. "But there are a lot of people here willing to help. I'll lean on them a lot early on but then I'll be ready to start on my own path."

Mullins, who finished third behind Schwatnz and businessman Vito Manola in the election with 23 percent of the vote, oversaw a speedy council meeting before collecting her purse and leaving the room to applause. She first took a minute to thank staff and supporters.

"I loved every minute of it," Mullins said. "I did my best. I can't do better than my best."

She departed with Mike Jezierski, who was defeated by Aaron Del Mar in the District 1 council race 58 percent to 42 percent.

"It's been a lot of hard work and sacrifice by me and my family," Del Mar said. "To have it come to fruition and get the opportunity to do some great things for Palatine is really exciting."

Also sworn in were Greg Solberg and Brad Helms as councilmen and Marg Duer as clerk. All three were re-elected.

Monday's meeting was mostly ceremonial. The real work will begin next week, when Schwantz says he'll get to work on issues including attracting business, filling commercial office space and condos, analyze the need for a new village hall and police station, and end the "theater of politics" at council meetings.