Sabbe resigning as Carpentersville trustee

Carpentersville Trustee Jeff Sabbe is stepping down from his post when his family moves out of state later this fall.

Since being elected to his first political seat in 2015, Sabbe said he has grown to love the responsibility that comes with sitting on the village board. In addition to being heavily involved in decisions affecting the community, he said he has enjoyed getting to know and working closely with village employees.

Sabbe's favorite moments of being a trustee have been his one-on-one interactions with residents who were seeking help or needed individual attention, he said.

"I never had any political aspirations, and then (as trustee) you're being asked for your opinions and you see all the decisions that are made," Sabbe said. "I'm going to miss being involved."

Village President John Skillman, who was elected in April, said Sabbe works well with the board, communicates openly with residents and always seeks feedback from the public and his peers.

"He's been very progressive and very receptive to some new ideas that I've brought forth," Skillman said. "He communicates with the public as much as he can. That was always a plus."

Sabbe's last village board meeting is expected to be Nov. 7, he said, after which he and his family are moving to the St. Louis area to be closer to relatives.

Skillman will appoint Sabbe's replacement, who must be approved by the full board. The new trustee will serve the remainder of Sabbe's term, which ends in 2019.