Island Lake planning commissioner nominated for open trustee seat
A relatively new Island Lake transplant has been nominated to fill a vacancy on the village board.
Dan Powell, who moved to Island Lake less than three years ago, could be appointed to the seat during Thursday night's board meeting. He's been nominated by Mayor Charles Amrich, but it's up to the trustees to approve the nomination.
If appointed to the board, Powell will replace Jennifer Villarreal, who unexpectedly resigned in June.
Amrich initially had suggested appointing former trustees Mark Beeson or John Burke to the post, but board members objected to those nominations last month and delayed votes.
Powell, who was appointed to the village's planning and zoning commission in March, has never held elected office. A technical product specialist with Homewerks Worldwide, he moved to Island Lake from Morton Grove.
Powell said he would bring a positive attitude to the job. He also wants to move the board away from what he called "past distractions."
Lately, the board has been going through some significant political strife. That includes a lawsuit filed this month by three former police department employees accusing Amrich, Beeson and a former village employee of corruption and racketeering.
No criminal charges have been filed.
Thursday's board meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave.