Two new trustees join Mundelein village board
Mundelein's newest village trustees, Erich Schwenk and Kara Lambert, took office this week.
Schwenk and Lambert recited their oaths of office with help from Lake County Judge Charles Smith at the start Monday's village board meeting. Both were elected to 4-year terms in April's election.
Incumbent Kerston Russell recited his service oath at Monday's meeting, too. He was elected to a second term in April.
Village Clerk Sol Cabachuela, who was appointed to the post in 2018 and won her first election in April, was sworn in Monday as well.
The trustees, clerk and judge were joined in the center of the boardroom by Lambert's 2-year-old son, Theo, who scampered over from the audience to be with his mom. Smith gave him a high-five afterward.
Mayor Steve Lentz and other elected officials congratulated the quartet after the oaths.
"It's great to have you here," Lentz said.
Lambert said she's excited to get to work.
"The last month has been a whirlwind of meetings with department heads, orientation with the village and other trainings and events," Lambert said.
"It can be overwhelming, but a few times I stood back and remembered I am doing this because I want the best for Mundelein's residents and families that call Mundelein home."
Schwenk said he was "both nervous and excited" to begin work.
He expressed appreciation for the village's orientation efforts.
"We will continue to learn as we grow into the trustee position," Schwenk said.
Schwenk and Lambert unseated Trustees Scott Black and Bill Rekus in the April election.
Rekus had been on the board since 2015. Black had been a trustee since 2017.
Lambert and Schwenk campaigned together. Both in their 30s, they are the youngest trustees on the board.