New boss on tap for DuPage Water Commission

A deputy commissioner of Chicago’s Water Management Department has been tapped to become the next general manager of the DuPage Water Commission.

John F. Spatz, 50, of Chicago, was selected unanimously by the panel overseeing the water agency to replace Bob Martin, the former general manager who resigned under fire last March following a report that uncovered fiscal mismanagement at the commission.

But Spatz can’t be hired unless the DuPage County Board approves his selection. That vote is expected Tuesday, March 8.

On Thursday, commission Chairman Jim Zay said he’s hopeful county board members will sign off on hiring Spatz, who he calls “a great match” for the agency.

“John is well known in the water community — not only in the city of Chicago but the state of Illinois and nationally,” said Zay, who also is a county board member. “He brings a wealth of experience. We’re so excited to have someone with his professionalism.”

The DuPage Water Commission, which delivers Lake Michigan drinking water to more than two dozen communities, was overhauled after the agency accidentally spent its $69 million reserve fund through poor accounting practices and lackadaisical financial oversight.

Spatz, who has more than 25 years experience in the management of Chicago’s water system, said he applied for the general manager position in DuPage because he thought it would be “a good challenge.”

“I hope to make their commission a little bit more transparent and work closer with the county,” Spatz said.

Zay said he and other water panel members want somebody from the outside to come in and take a look at the organization and help it move forward. At the same, Spatz has an understanding of DuPage’s distribution system.

“He knows how we’re getting the water in,” Zay said. “He has dealt, obviously, with the city who we buy our water from. He came highly recommended to us from the city.”

Spatz served for four years as commissioner of Chicago’s Water Management Department. He said he agreed to step down to the first deputy commissioner position last June when he decided to pursue other opportunities.

Zay said the former water commission wanted to hire Spatz months ago. But a final vote to fill the spot was delayed until after the panel was revamped in January.

“They (new commissioners) all picked John again,” he said, adding that three finalists were interviewed.

“I’m happy to hear that the board selected me,” Spatz said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity. Hopefully, I can bring my expertise there.”

Once a general manager is in place, the water commission’s next steps include finding a treasurer. The agency also needs to do a search to find a permanent replacement for the financial administrator who was fired when the accounting errors were discovered.

“I’m hoping we’re going to have our full staff in six months,” Zay said. “But John’s the first major step. He’s the one who is going to lead us.”