Warrenville picks disgraced alderman's replacement

A homeowners association president has been appointed to succeed a disgraced former alderman on the Warrenville City Council.

David Kratz, 52, was chosen by Mayor David Brummel to replace Christopher Halley, who pleaded guilty last month to felonies stemming from multiple scams he perpetrated on acquaintances he made as an alderman. Halley received a 94-day jail sentence and two years probation.

Kratz will serve out the remaining months of Halley's term, which expires in April. Kratz said he will run then for the seat's full term.

“I'm committed to running for a full term,” he said. “There are a lot of things I want to help out with. The river and flooding is definitely an issue.”

Kratz, a software designer, serves as president of the Fox Hollow Homeowners Association currently. Brummel said he watched Kratz at some of the association meetings and was impressed by his leadership abilities.

“When we talked about issues, he had a perspective, but he wasn't someone that was hard and fast with their perspective and wouldn't entertain other ideas,” Brummel said. “He has children in local schools and he would be the only one I believe on the council with kids in the schools here. I felt that was an important demographic to have represented on the board.”

Kratz has lived in Warrenville for 17 years, he said. He is married with two children. One child attends Hubble Middle School and the other goes to Wheaton Warrenville South High School.

“I have a vested interest in what the town is for my children,” he said. “I also felt the ward needed a little better representation.”

Brummel said he interviewed five candidates before choosing Kratz. The new alderman was sworn in Monday.

“I think his overall demeanor was one of the more important aspects,” Brummel said.