Hanover Park president taps police chief as interim manager

In yet another move aimed at combating crime in Hanover Park, police Chief Ron Moser has been tapped as interim village manager.

Mayor Rod Craig confirmed Tuesday he'll ask trustees to approve the appointment at Thursday's board meeting.

"Crime prevention is number one on my agenda," Craig said, "and with the good leadership (Moser) has shown, this decision was a no-brainer."

The village has operated without a village manager since Craig engineered Marc Hummel's ouster shortly after three new trustees were elected. The two frequently sparred during Craig's freshman term as mayor.

In contrast, Craig is an ally of Moser, echoing his call for increased police staffing. Craig recently vetoed nearly $550,000 in personnel expenditures in the budget, citing the need to reroute funds to the police department and effectively firing several staff members, including the assistant village manager and executive coordinator to the village manager.

The recent surge in gang-related violence - a homicide, shooting and three stabbings have taken place since mid-March - contributed to Craig's pick.

"Ron will help ensure policymaking that protects the quality of life of Hanover Park's residents," Craig said, without offering specifics.

No timetable is in place for hiring a permanent manager, but Craig said he hopes Moser will serve in the role for at least a few months during a transitional time in the village. In addition to the new board, Hanover Park has a new clerk and attorney.

Moser, named chief in 1998, will hand off many of his day-to-day police duties. He recently spent a few weeks in Africa, and Craig said the police department "didn't miss a beat."

Moser said he doesn't want to be presumptuous about the appointment before Thursday's vote. Still, he already has met with department heads to prepare.

"Given there are many positions that aren't here anymore, we're working on a list of items that need to be addressed and deciding who to turn to with this or that," Moser said.

No salary figures have been discussed for Moser, who in 2008 made $183,000 in salary and benefits. Hummel, the village manager for 23 years, earned more than $230,000 in total compensation.

Craig is working with the Illinois City/County Management Association to generate a list of potential permanent candidates.