Mt. Prospect mayor speaks publicly about assistant manager's exit
To clear the air in the face of questions about the recent departure of longtime Assistant Village Manager David Strahl, Mount Prospect Mayor Arlene Juracek issued a statement at the beginning of Tuesday's village board meeting.
She wished him well and thanked him for his 22 years of service to Mount Prospect and expressed hope that an amicable separation agreement could be reached between him and the village, before announcing that there would be no further comment.
Strahl's last day of active employment was April 8. Before Michael Cassady took over as village manager, Strahl served as acting village manager in the absence of Michael Janonis, whose 24-year tenure ended when he reached a separation agreement with the village in April 2015.
On Tuesday, Juracek put Strahl's exit in the context of the new direction taken by the village under Cassady's stewardship.
“Last year, in order to better execute our village's strategic plan, the village board hired new staff leadership in the form of Mike Cassady to lead our already strong organization to even better levels of achievement,” she said. “As is common in such situations, and as the village board required of Mr. Cassady, the organization reforms itself in the shadow of the leader.”
She continued with an illustration taken from the world of sports.
“Anyone familiar with Chicago sports teams knows that this may involve a turnover in coaching staff reporting to a new general manager,” she said. “Such is the case with Mr. Strahl.”
Juracek staunchly maintained her reserve on the topic of the separation agreement.
“In personnel matters, it may be expedient for action to precede formal agreement. This is especially so when swift organizational transformation is the goal,” she said. “Out of respect for all parties until details can be finalized and formalized, a no comment position must be held, no matter how many times or ways one is asked questions about details.
“A statement made by me to a representative of the press that there is no agreement should be taken at its plain meaning. It is not a denial that an eventual agreement is desirable. We are hopeful that a fruitful discussion can be had and that we can reach amicable separation terms with Mr. Strahl in the near future. We will report those publicly when we are able.”
Strahl began working for Mount Prospect in 1993, having previously served as administrative coordinator in St. Charles. He was scheduled to earn $151,980 this year, according to village documents, and also had the benefit of a take-home vehicle from the village.