Daily Herald opinion: Respect over rivalry: In naming former opponent to commission, new mayor puts priority on ‘what counts’

Routine appointments to a village’s planning and zoning commission usually don’t draw much attention. But Mundelein Mayor Robin Meier’s recent pick is notable for the tone it sets for her first term and for the message it sends to her constituents.

That’s because Meier nominated Tim Wilson — the man who ran against her in the April election. It’s an unpaid post, and his appointment was approved unanimously by the village board.

“I’m honored that she’s giving me the opportunity to serve a community I deeply love,” Wilson said. “I think it says a lot about her leadership.”

We heartily agree.

Thoughtful, effective leaders put their communities first. They recognize experience, knowledge and commitment — even in a one-time rival. They see differences, but work through them when their towns benefit.

It helps that the Mundelein mayoral race was not a contentious one.

Instead of lobbing political attacks against each other, Meier and Wilson, both former trustees, focused on what they had to offer voters and the goals they had for Mundelein.

In fact, in endorsing Meier, we noted both candidates valued collaboration. And both showed respect for each other, and the voters, in keeping their campaigns positive.

Meier was matter of fact this week about why she picked Wilson, telling reporter Russell Lissau that Wilson’s knowledge of Mundelein’s comprehensive plan and the village board’s vision would be an asset to the commission, which advises on development proposals, annexation requests, zoning issues and more.

“To me,” she said, “getting the job done is what counts.”

Ah, if only government always worked that way.

Imagine if “getting the job done” — and getting the job done right — guided all political appointments and employment picks. Here in Illinois, decisions have been too often made in the service of rewarding cronies, a practice that has landed more than one politician behind bars.

Meier isn’t alone, though, in treating her 2025 challenger with grace.

In Arlington Heights this spring, newly elected Mayor Jim Tinaglia recommended Trustee Tom Schwingbeck — the man who came in second in a three-way mayoral race in April — to serve as president pro tem for the next two years.

“Tom has been a wonderful trustee for a number of years now, and with everything as it went in the election, he was a fantastic candidate, and I think the community wholeheartedly would endorse Tom helping out to the next level on this board,” Tinaglia said.

This is the way local government was meant to work.