Ex-manager saving Carpentersville thousands in search for replacement

Craig Anderson has been pretty busy for someone who retired about six weeks ago. The former Carpentersville village manager has set up a desk in village hall as a pro bono consultant in the village's search for his replacement.

Anderson, 59, who held the position for about eight years, is conducting the background research of candidates from cross-checking references to credit checks.

"I volunteered to the board, when I gave notice, that I would assist at no cost to them," Anderson said. "I am happy to help out if I can."

Village President Ed Ritter estimated Anderson's work is saving the village about $25,000 in costs of hiring a search firm. Those estimated costs are based on the village's previous contracts with search firms and the amount other villages have reportedly spent to hire a search company, Ritter said.

Ritter said Anderson has completed Internet researches on candidates and their work, interviewed references, completed background, credit and driving record checks. Anderson then submits a detailed report to the village trustees.

"He is doing a lot of legwork, a lot of thorough legwork, to provide lots of really good information on each candidate," Ritter said. "He is doing something that we would have had to pay for, for free."

In addition to the searches, Anderson said he developed a list of candidate questions and would also facilitate candidate interviews and narrate tours of the village.

Trustee Judy Sigwalt said Anderson has been extremely helpful in the search for a new village manager.

"We have done it in the past, so we know how much money it costs, and the village was looking to save money. Craig stepped up," Sigwalt said. "To me, with all of his years in municipal government and years as village manager, Craig is just as qualified as a consultant."

The village board has whittled the candidate pool to 11 and expects to make an offer to a candidate in the next month. Assistant Village Manager Dawn Wucki-Rossbach was appointed acting village manager. Finance Director Lisa Happ is also assisting with duties.

"We have got an amazingly good pool of candidates and we haven't found a blemish on any of the remaining candidates," Ritter said. "That says something about our initial selection process and I am confident we can get a good candidate from our pool."

Ritter would not comment on whether any of the remaining candidates are Carpentersville residents. Village Trustee Keith Hinz had applied for the position.