Buffalo Grove to name Ottenheimer as new trustee

Buffalo Grove Plan Commission Chairman Lester Ottenheimer has been chosen to fill a village trustee post left vacant after this month’s election of Trustee Jeffrey Braiman to the village presidency.

Ottenheimer, an attorney, was selected from among seven applicants interviewed by the village board in recent days to fill the remaining two years on Braiman’s trustee term.

That group included Eric Smith, who had been filling recalled Trustee Lisa Stone’s seat since her ouster. Andrew Stein won that seat in the April 5 election.

Ottenheimer has been a resident of Buffalo Grove since 1986 and has chaired the village’s plan commission for 16 years. He is a past volunteer on the Buffalo Grove Days Committee, as well as a past board member of the United Way serving Buffalo Grove, according to a village news release.

“It is a privilege to recommend the appointment of Lester Ottenheimer,” Braiman said in the release. “His experience and leadership as chair of the plan commission has been exceptional. He has a great vision for the future of Buffalo Grove, and his leadership and professionalism will complement the dynamic board of trustees.”

Braiman’s trustee seat became open when he won an uncontested race to replace Village President Elliott Hartstein, who chose not to seek a fourth term in office.

Ottenheimer is married and he and his wife, Karen, have three children, ages 26, 21 and 17.

“The Village of Buffalo Grove has been a great home for my family,” Ottenheimer said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to increase my contributions to the village and to serve with a talented and dedicated group of elected officials and staff, and continue to enhance the quality of life in Buffalo Grove”.

Ottenheimer is expected to be sworn in Monday, along with new trustees Stein and Michael Terson. Also being sworn in Monday are Braiman and incumbent trustees Jeffrey Berman and Steven Trilling, who won re-election April 5.