Falkenberg sworn in to succeed Solberg on village council
Joe Falkenberg was sworn in Monday as Palatine’s newest village council member from District 4.
Falkenberg succeeds Greg Solberg, who served 37 years before stepping down at the end of September.
Mayor Jim Schwantz said Falkenberg gathered enough signatures to get on the ballot next year for the District 4 seat.
“So it just makes sense that we take that next step and give the people of District 4 the representative that they deserve,” Schwantz told the council at Monday’s meeting.
Falkenberg thanked Solberg for his years of service.
“I am fully aware of the high standards he has set and the responsibility I have in stepping into this role,” he said.
The youngest of 10 children, he was raised in Palatine, moving back about 12 years ago to the same neighborhood where he grew up.
A Palatine High School graduate, he attended Indiana University. He works in data analytics for a financial technology company.
A husband and father of three, he said he was inspired by his parents’ example of volunteerism and public service.
“I love my community. I love the schools that my children attend. I love my neighborhood and I’m simply looking forward to trying to give back a little bit,” he said.
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