Two veteran Mundelein trustees say they won't run for re-election
Two of Mundelein's longest-serving village trustees won't seek re-election in April.
Neither Ed Sullivan nor Terri Voss will run again, leaving their posts open for newcomers. Three seats, each carrying 4-year terms, will be on the April 7, 2015, ballot in Mundelein.
The third incumbent whose seat is up is Robin Meier. She couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Sullivan, 71, was elected to the board in 1999. A veterinarian and the father of state Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr., he previously built a reputation as a tax watchdog. Sullivan served on the Mundelein High School board before joining the village board.
Sixteen years on the board is enough, Sullivan said.
"Although I hope to be around for a long time, and am sure I will stay involved, life is short at 71 and my bucket list has a lot of items still to be achieved," he said.
When asked about his tenure as a village trustee, Sullivan said he was especially proud of a few accomplishments, including the 2005 hiring of Village Administrator John Lobaito and other department heads.
Sullivan also cited the ongoing redevelopment of Mundelein's downtown area, particularly the construction of a new village hall, as one of the board's better projects during his 16 years on the panel.
"I do not think any one trustee can say that the successes of the village were accomplished by them," he said.
Voss, 55, was elected to the board in 2003. She said she's not seeking a fourth term on the board because she favors term limits for all elected offices.
"I am self-imposing mine," Voss said.
Voss said she'll continue to be involved in the community and will advocate for small businesses. She used to own a small store in downtown Mundelein.
She unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for the Lake County Board's 10th District seat this year.
Sullivan and Voss were on opposite sides of many issues through the years, and arguments between them weren't uncommon during public board meetings. They traded accusations last month during a discussion about a proposed tax-sharing deal with a local landlord trying to lure Walmart to town. Sullivan favored the deal and Voss didn't.
But they also worked together on projects. For example, Voss and Sullivan comprised the negotiating team that forged a development deal for the new village hall.
"That public-private partnership allowed Mundelein to build a new village hall without raising taxes," Voss said.
Candidate filing for the April election begins Monday, Dec. 15, and ends Dec. 22. In addition to municipal contests, school, library and park district board races will be among those on the ballot.