Larson's singular focus: what is best for Schaumburg
Editor's note: This essay is part of a souvenir special section on Al Larson's 32 years as Schaumburg village president.
I first met Al Larson back in 1985 when I became vice president of my homeowners association. He contacted the current president and I, and wanted to talk with us about things going on in the village as a courtesy and to keep us informed.
He felt it was important that the community knew what was going on. His passion for the village was clear right from the first meeting.
Over the next couple of years, I became more impressed with him and his knowledge and genuine concern for where Schaumburg was going and what was best, to the point that I decided to help him win his first campaign for mayor in 1987.
I remember standing there in awe the night he won and watching the excitement in him and on his face. From there, I watched Al's passion for the village show and grow more and more. He instilled in me that Schaumburg should be more than bricks and mortar, blacktop, and concrete, as he always said.
His love of the arts is clear. He understands that the arts, music and stage is what binds people together and sets a community apart. He also understands that having a great park district, wonderful library, and excellent schools, would sustain the village and make it great.
Everything Al has ever done has had a singular focus of what is best for Schaumburg. What can make Schaumburg the best of the best. His dedication and willingness to make that happen is unmatched.
As they say, the rest is history, and oh what a great history it is with 32 years as mayor. I have often said that while Bob Atcher is considered the founder of Schaumburg, Al Larson built Schaumburg into what it is today - a powerhouse in the Northwest suburbs.
I have had the honor to serve as trustee under Mayor Larson for the last 30 years. He is my friend, my mentor, and he will always be Mayor of Schaumburg.
Thank you Mayor Larson for all your years of love and dedication to Schaumburg.