Carpentersville trustee candidate drops off ballot after appointment to board

Filling vacant storefronts and helping with Carpentersville's rebranding initiative are among the goals new Trustee Jim Malone hopes to accomplish during his time in office.

The 20-year resident was chosen to replace former Trustee Diane Lawrence, who stepped down last month after her job forced her relocation. Malone will serve the remainder of her term, which expires in May 2021.

Malone initially filed to run in the April 2 election, seeking one of three 4-year seats on the board. When Lawrence announced her resignation, Malone said, he decided instead to contact Village President John Skillman about filling the vacancy.

Skillman said he was impressed by Malone's focus on small businesses and economic growth, as well as his desire to "keep the town moving forward."

"He has the same goals in mind as we do," said Skillman, whose appointment of Malone was approved Tuesday.

Unhappy with the national political climate in recent years, Malone said he was motivated to get involved at the local level. He has been encouraged by Carpentersville's progress and forward-thinking leadership, he said, pointing to the village's ongoing plan to rebrand and improve its image.

Malone, who works with Sheet Metal Workers Local 265, also is a precinct committeeman and treasurer for Dundee Township Democrats.

"(People) say to start small and do your part," he said. "I wanted to be a part of governing Carpentersville instead of sitting on the sidelines."

Malone has filed paperwork to withdraw from the April 2 election, meaning the Carpentersville village board race is now uncontested. Incumbents Jeffrey Frost and Maria Vela, as well as newcomer Humberto Garcia, are running for 4-year terms, and Trustee John O'Sullivan is seeking a 2-year term.