Homer Glen Mayor Censured By Village Board

HOMER GLEN, IL — The Homer Glen Village Board censured Mayor George Yukich at Wednesday's Village Board meeting. The censure comes after Yukich claimed his signature was falsified on a liquor license application.

The Village hired a handwriting analyst, who gave results that stated sufficient evidence determined it was probable that the signature was Yukich's.

"I stand by my word as not only the Mayor but [as] a longtime leader and volunteer in my community, that I did not sign the paper," Yukich said.

The Board approved the censure in a 4-2 vote, with Trustees Dan Fialko, Jennifer Consolino, Rose Reynders and Ruben Pazmino voting yes. Trustees Beth Rodgers and Nicole La Ha voted against the censure.

The Board also approved future signing requirements for Yukich. According to board documents, Yukich will have to sign all Village documents in the presence of the Village Manager or Deputy Clerk.

Trustee Fialko said the censure doesn't stop the mayor from doing any duties, but expresses the board's "severe disappointment."

He added that the signing requirements will help avoid misunderstandings in the future.

Trustee La Ha said she wanted to make sure the Board was doing what was good for the community.

"I just think a little grace goes a long way," La Ha said.

Trustee Pazmino said he wishes this wasn't happening, and he is moving forward.

"It seems that when we're taking two steps forward, we're taking 10 steps back," Pazmino said.

Trustee Rodgers said the amount of time that has been spent on the matter is ridiculous.

She said that she doesn't have a problem with the signing requirements, as long as it's expected of everyone.

"Let's stop with this, it's just ridiculous," Rodgers said.