Blackwood, Sidor honored as they depart Arlington Heights board
Two retiring Arlington Heights trustees were feted by their village board colleagues this week for their years of service to the community.
"There's been really no greater examples of trustees - people who've earned the trust of the voters in this community and who've really exemplified what it means to be village trustees - than Trustees Carol Blackwood and Mike Sidor," said Mayor Tom Hayes, who presented each with a plaque and read proclamations in their honor at a village board meeting Monday.
Blackwood was first appointed to an open spot on the board by former Mayor Arlene Mulder in 2010, then elected in 2011 and 2015. For the last two years, she served as president pro tem in a backup role to Hayes. She also spent 17 years on the village's plan commission, which included time as the panel's chairman.
Her colleagues recognized her for her business acumen and strong, but reasoned, perspective during board discussions.
"Carol is not one who speaks too much, but she speaks at the right time," said Trustee John Scaletta.
Sidor, elected in 2011 and 2015, was recognized for his support of a small business development agreement, relationships he fostered with downtown businesses and residents, and an idle-free driving campaign.
Hayes quipped that he thought Sidor was a "troublemaker" when he first started attending board meetings as a resident a decade ago. Now, the mayor calls him a "model" trustee.
Sidor said from the beginning he was going to limit himself to two terms. "That's why I came out of the box a little hard, Tom," he said.
"You think about giving back to the village, but it's really not the case," Sidor continued. "This village gives back to you exponentially when you're sitting up here."