New trustee joins Wauconda village board
Wauconda resident Joseph Coster was appointed this week to the village board to fill a vacancy created when Teri Burke quit unexpectedly this summer.
Mayor Frank Bart recommended Coster for the post. The village board approved the nomination Tuesday, and Coster was promptly sworn in.
Coster, 37, works for Grainger Industrial Supply in Lake Forest. He moved to Wauconda from South Carolina about two years ago.
"I really enjoy this community," said Coster, who also is a local youth football coach. "This is home for us from here on out."
Coster has never before held public office. However, he served on a local economic development board in South Carolina.
Bart said he interviewed several candidates and sought Burke's advice before making a recommendation to the board.
"I chose Joseph for his strategic planning expertise, his objectivity and his leadership ability," Bart said. "I think he will be a great fit for the village."
Coster was the only person the trustees considered or interviewed for the post, Trustee Linda Starkey said.
She voiced some concern about Coster's lack of municipal experience and his short time in Wauconda.
"While Joseph's resume isn't deep in these regards, that wasn't enough for a 'no' vote, as I feel he has the qualifications and heart to do a good job," Starkey said. "We all have to start somewhere."
Burke was elected to a 4-year term in 2013. She resigned without public explanation in early September.
Because Coster is filling a vacancy, his seat will be up for election in spring 2015.
He said he intends to run in that election.