Glen Ellyn appoints finance panel chairman

A newly formed finance committee is starting to take shape in Glen Ellyn with the appointment of a chairman.

The village board Monday named Randall Parker to head the seven-member advisory group that recently was approved by trustees. Village President Mark Pfefferman had campaigned for the committee, saying he wants to give experts a chance to bring another perspective to village finances.

"I'm quite excited about this," Pfefferman said.

Parker, who is a partner with Glen Ellyn Homes, a local builder, previously worked for 18 years in the banking industry. He has an undergraduate degree in economics from Denison University in Ohio and an MBA in finance and accounting from Northwestern.

"I think a group of sharp, creative financial minds can help (the village)," Parker said.

He's volunteered for village groups in the past, including Anima, formerly known as the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus.

He'll be working with Pfefferman to select the other six committee members. They are searching for residents with a sound financial background who are creative and have a passion for Glen Ellyn.

"The most important thing right now is to get to the right people involved," Parker said.

Pfefferman has been pushing for the creation of a finance committee to help the village find ways to cut expenses and bring in more revenue in a time when it's struggling with its budget. He said he'd also like to find a way to repeal a village sales tax increase that recently took effect.

The committee also will look at long-term finances, debt issues and development incentives.

For details on the panel, contact village clerk Andrea Draths at (630) 469-5000.