Former village trustee jumps in to help Glen Ellyn

Mary Jane Chapman is cruising along in her familiar role as Glen Ellyn's newly appointed trustee.

She recently replaced former Trustee Sara Lee, who died in May after a battle with cancer.

Many issues Chapman dealt with while serving her elected term as trustee from 2003 through 2007 still are in the works, so she says she's been able to jump right in.

She also served as chairwoman of the village's plan commission and is familiar with projects that have now made their way from the commission to the village board.

"I certainly know the general workings of the board and many projects that have been before it," she said.

In late June, Glen Ellyn officials unanimously agreed to appoint Chapman to complete Lee's term, which ends in May 2009.

"I really feel very honored to be asked to come back and fill Sara's seat," Chapman said.

Village President Vicky Hase said Chapman was at the top of her list.

"She had experience," Hase said. "That was one of her big qualifications."

Chapman says she's also very comfortable with the current board.

"I've certainly served with half of them," she said, "And the other half I know through the community."

One project that she looks forward to taking part in is the downtown strategic plan study.

"That came after me, so I am looking forward to being involved in the consideration of that," Chapman said.

Though the board's happy about Chapman's return, Hase said leaders are sad they had to appoint someone to fill the seat of a trustee who died.

"It was a sad occasion for us," she said. "I never thought I'd be in this position."

In November, the seats of Chapman, Hase, trustees Tim Armstrong and Peter Norton, and Village Clerk Andrea Drath will be up for election.

Chapman made clear she doesn't plan to run for another term this fall.

The new leaders will take their places in May 2009.