Scott Nickles named interim mayor of Round Lake Beach
Round Lake Beach trustees voted unanimously on Monday to name Trustee Scott Nickles as interim mayor until the election next spring.
Mayor Richard Hill announced last week he is stepping down Sept. 30 after 20 years because of an increased workload at his job as a human resource manager for nine Ace Hardware stores and a desire to spend more time with his family.
Nickles, a former Chicago police officer, has been a village trustee since 2017.
"As mayor, with the this trusted board's approval, I hope to nurture all of those seeds you have planted, grow our community outreach, foster in new and diverse economic development, encourage stronger relationships within our community members, enhance safety and security for all of our residents, and solidify a true partnership between the people and government," Nickles said.
Hill says that his work with Nickles on several different issues made him endorse Nickles.
"I've been mentoring Scott for some time now," Hill said, praising Nickles' work ethic, dedication and ability to represent the village on state government issues.
"I think he's the best man for the job," Hill said.
Hill said he already had decided not to seek reelection before his announcement last Thursday that he is leaving office this month. He became a trustee in 1997 and was elected mayor in 2001.
"It's been a great time serving my community," Hill said. "I really loved working with so many great people and helping the community move forward and I'm really going to miss it."
Nickles will serve the remainder of Hill's term until April 6, at which point residents will elect a mayor for a four-year term.
Nickles has a bachelor's degree in applied science in law enforcement. He and his wife, Julie, have two children.