Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor to seek another term

Longtime Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor announced he will seek another 4-year-term in the spring.

In his announcement this week, Taylor also endorsed the three village trustees up for reelection on April 6: Shawn Vogel, Adam Shores and Lalena Zoe Magnetta.

Taylor said he will continue his focus on fiscal responsibility and enhancing the quality of life for all Grayslake residents.

He touted the village's capital investment program, which he said has brought businesses and investment to the community. Participants in Grayslake's investment program in recent years include FLAG Chevrolet, which received $1 million in 2018 to partially fund a renovation, and Butera Market, which received an incentive package potentially worth $750,000 in 2016 to open at 815 Center St.

"This position of financial strength helps us foster an excellent quality of life for our residents," Taylor said. "People want to live here, raise a family here and experience all we have to offer because our town is special."

Taylor has been mayor since he ran unopposed for the top seat in 2009. He previously served as a trustee from 2001 to 2005. He lost his reelection bid in 2005, but was appointed to fill a board vacancy in 2007.

Vogel, who works as an engineering manager for the Elk Grove Village-based Parker Hannigin Corp, has been a Grayslake trustee since 2005. In the past, when Taylor has missed a village board meeting, Vogel has led in his place.

Adam Shores, who works as a vice president of state government and political relations for Chicago-based American Property Casualty Insurance Association, was appointed by Taylor to the village board in 2016.

Shores was a speechwriter for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's office from 2004 to 2005. He held other jobs in Florida government, including spokesman for the state's department of education.

Magnetta, who works as a senior training specialist for Siemens Smart Infrastructure Academy, was appointed to the board in August to fill the vacancy left when Heather Nicodemus resigned over the summer. Taylor said at a board meeting this summer that Nicodemus decided to retire from village service.

Magnetta is a Navy veteran whose deployment included serving on two aircraft carriers during Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name for the Global War on Terrorism that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Magnetta was one of 24 finalists of the Ms. Veteran America Competition in 2018.