East Dundee trustees approve new clerk

After a divisive first go-round, East Dundee trustees have approved the village president's nomination for village clerk.

Jennifer Rehberg, a lifelong Dundee-area resident, will take over the position vacated when former village clerk Sue Norton resigned in May.

"Of the 10 applicants qualified for the position, I felt most comfortable advancing Jennifer's name to the board for consideration," Village President Jerry Bartels said. "She has kept minutes for the last couple of years for her church organization and has excellent typing skills. She has also been involved in a number of community events."

Rehberg was one of 15 people to apply for the position. Five of those applicants were disqualified because they did not live in the village, a requirement for the village clerk as it is an elected position.

"I care about the village and I think it is important to give back," Rehberg said. "This is something I could do to help and be involved. I care about East Dundee and what's going on."

Trustees unanimously approved the nomination, which was Bartels' second. In May, Bartels nominated Kathy Kalish to serve out the remainder of the two-year term. Kalish was 19 votes shy of securing a trustee seat in the April election.

However, board members denied the nomination, preferring that the vacancy be advertised to the general public for 30 days and vetted by trustees.

Kalish subsequently withdrew from consideration.

Assistant Village Manager Heather Zipparo has served as interim clerk since Norton's resignation.

Rehberg will fulfill the remainder of Norton's term, which expires in 2011. At that time, Rehberg may seek election to the position.