North Aurora picks new police chief, administrator

North Aurora has a new police chief and village administrator.

The village board Monday promoted Sgt. David Summer to chief, and named Wes Kornowske the chief administrative officer.

Five North Aurora police officers applied to be chief, Village President Dale Berman said. The village did not advertise the job outside the department.

“I've lived here for 50 years, and we've only had two police chiefs in that time. Each of them came from within,” Berman said. “I think we have a good group to select from within our department, and I saw no reason” to look elsewhere.

Summer, who has worked for the department since 1986, replaces Tom Fetzer, who retired April 29.

Kornowske fills a position that has been vacant for two years. The village board in 2009 fired its administrator upon the recommendation of Berman, when he took office. Berman took on some of the duties of administrator.

“I felt in the beginning I wanted to see how the village was operating,” Berman said.

Kornowske assisted him, as “chief administrative officer.”

“I've felt Wes has done an outstanding job of complementing my effort. It is a good time to name him village administrator,” Berman said.

The president said he will step down from some day-to-day involvement in affairs at the village hall.

Kornowske has worked for the village for six years, “and has grown quite knowledgeable in that period,” Berman said.

The board will vote on a contract, including Kornowske's salary, benefits and other terms of employment, June 6.

The village will leave the assistant position vacant, Berman said.

“We have adequate staff.”