O'Connell getting ready for life after politics

Life without politics is shaping up to be quite different for outgoing Palatine Township Clerk Kevin O'Connell, who decided not to run for re-election last month.

O'Connell has held office for the past 12 years. He was first appointed to the board in 1997 and then re-elected in 2001 and 2005.

"I am very honored to have had the opportunity to serve in public office," O'Connell said. "Very few people get the chance to serve in such a capacity."

Though no plans are in the works right now, O'Connell has not ruled out running for public office in the future. In the meantime, he'll continue to be involved in various civic and political affairs.

O'Connell was a proponent of posting Palatine Township meeting minutes online, which the board recently approved.

"I am proud of having run an effective and efficient office, especially when it came to changes in election procedures and pushing for open and transparent government."

Palatine Township Trustee Lisa Moran ran unopposed to replace O'Connell. She and the rest of the board will be sworn in at the May 18 township meeting.