Former trustee returning to West Dundee board

A familiar face will return to the West Dundee village board.

Trustees Monday night unanimously approved the appointment of Joseph Motyl to fill the board vacancy left when Trustee John Mayer resigned in December.

The appointment is effective immediately and will expire in April 2009.

Motyl was first elected to the board in 1985 and served until losing a re-election bid in 1997.

"He is a former board member so he will be able to get up to speed fairly quickly," said Village President Larry Keller of his lone nomination. "He has always done his homework in the past and he is someone who has really good judgment in decision-making."

Keller and Motyl worked side-by-side as trustees from 1990 to 1997.

Motyl said Monday he was flattered to be asked back to the board

"It is an honor to serve the village," said Motyl, who has lived in the village since 1959. "I haven't served for the last 10 years and to be asked back is a great privilege."

Despite the lag time between tenures, Motyl said he is ready to take part in village politics a second time around.

"I hope I can be productive and contribute. All of the issues are new and different, but I think you have to deal with each individually," Motyl said. "I think my experience and knowledge of the village will help me make decisions that are productive for the good of the village."

Mayer, who served on the board for about 11 years, resigned in December, citing additional work responsibilities and a desire to pursue further education.

Motyl said he currently does not intend to seek election in April 2009.

"I am just happy to fill in," Motyl said. "For now, I don't plan on running."

Under state statute, the village president is required to nominate a replacement within 60 days of a vacancy.