Motion to remove Carpentersville trustee gets no support

A resolution seeking the removal of a Carpentersville trustee failed to gain support Tuesday night despite the impassioned plea from the village president.

Village President Bill Sarto introduced an ordinance deeming Trustee Paul Humpfer's board seat vacant based on Humpfer's recent conviction of domestic battery as well as questions regarding his residency within the village's corporate limits.

But trustees refused to second a motion to vote on the resolution. Trustee Linda Ramirez-Sliwinski made the motion and Sarto asked for a second at least four times.

Trustees didn't budge.

"You ought to know that you are not going to get one," Trustee Ed Ritter said. "We have already heard your speech and we don't want to hear it again, frankly."

Residents holding signs supporting Humpfer applauded Ritter's statement.

Sarto, who addressed the resolution during his village president's report, said the wrong message would be sent if the board did not approve the resolution.

"What we need to do is come to an agreement as to what is lawfully correct, what is legal," said Sarto, who called Humpfer's insistence to remain on the board "incredible" and "ridiculous."

"Are we going to be a sanctuary community for people who abuse their spouses?" Sarto said.

After the resolution died for lack of a second, Ramirez-Sliwinski reiterated her disappointment in the outcome.

"I have to say from all of the e-mails and all of the phone calls I have received from residents, I am disappointed in the board," Ramirez-Sliwinski said. "Your lack of wanting to discuss the issue shows you do not care about this community's image.

The resolution came almost a month after Humpfer was found guilty on four counts of domestic battery, including hitting his wife with a baseball bat during an argument in May 2007.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 10. Humpfer has said he would appeal the decision.