Bartlett trustees speculate who will fill Kelly’s seat
As they grapple to comprehend Michael Kelly’s sudden resignation Wednesday from his position as Bartlett village president, trustees on the village board are starting to think about who might fill the open position.
Bartlett Village Administrator Valerie Salmons said a decision could occur at either the regularly scheduled village board meeting Dec. 6 or at a special meeting before then.
Salmons said the person who takes over likely will be a trustee and the selection will be made by fellow board members. She said the new leader will be in the position until the next presidential election in April 2013.
She added that she didn’t know who might fill the spot.
Trustee Greg Martin said he had “one or two” people in mind whom he could see taking over the position, but he didn’t mention names.
“All I know is I do not want the job,” he said. “Eric Shipman and I are freshmen; … we still have a lot to learn. I am nowhere near ready.
“We’ll figure out what’s best for Bartlett,” he added. “I’m still shocked that (Kelly) resigned.”
Trustee Frank Napolitano said he didn’t have any idea of who would fill Kelly’s spot.
“I don’t really have any speculation at this time,” he said, adding that he hopes to take his name “out of the hat before it even goes in.
“I’m busy at work and I’m busy at home,” he said. “I really don’t have additional time to dedicate to the position.”
Napolitano added that because he will be out of town Dec. 6, he thinks it is possible a special meeting will be held on an earlier date so the board can make the decision as a whole.
Trustee Eric Shipman said he felt the situation is “still kind of new and evolving” and that he is waiting to hear more details about the procedures the board will need to take before thinking about who will fill the position.
Trustee T.L. Arends wouldn’t offer her thoughts on who should be the next village president, but simply said with a laugh, “It won’t be me!”
Trustees Dennis Nolan and Michael Airdo could not be reached for comment.