Citizens' Council of La Grange Final Slating Results

La Grange – The Citizens’ Council of La Grange held its second and final slating session of the biennial election cycle Wednesday, November 16th at the La Grange Village Hall. The mission of this 76-year-old, nonpartisan Council is to educate its members on Village matters and to always be on the lookout for potential candidates for the Village’s three elected offices (Park, Library and Village Boards). Every two years, the Council solicits applications, interviews and then slates (makes recommendations) of candidates for these Boards.

Four candidates chose to seek Council endorsement for three open seats on the La Grange Village Board of Trustees. Incumbents are Bill Holder, David McCarty and Mark Langan. Seeking a Trustee seat for the first time was Lou Gale. There was also one candidate for Village Clerk, incumbent John Burns and one for Village President, incumbent Tom Livingston. After a short presentation by the Council, candidates were escorted out of the room. Each were then called up one at a time to deliver a statement about themselves and then fielded questions from the Council and members of the community.

After all candidates had presented, the guests and candidates were thanked and the Council members entered into a closed session where they discussed qualifications, reviewed data sheets, references and personal notes taken during the Q and A. What followed was a heavy discussion regarding individual merits, experience and key skills as it relates to the current needs of the Village. When members felt ready, secret ballots were cast in a series of votes to create the full slate.

“La Grange is very fortunate to have such skilled, caring and talented people seek demanding and unpaid positions - and all for the greater good of the community in which they live. When a trustee seat is contested, it is good for the process but it can make for a very difficult vote and that was certainly the case this year. Council members felt all candidates were qualified but it is our mission to make evaluations and recommendations.” Council Chairman, Beth Augustine.

Results: The Council has slated the following: Bill Holder, David McCarty and Mark Langan for Village Trustee. John Burns for Village Clerk and Tom Livingston for Village President.

A week ago, the Council slated incumbents Becky Spratford and Suzanne Stegeman, and new comers Joyce Hagen-McIntosh and Tom Krueger for the Library board; and incumbent Bob Vear for the Park District. Elections for these offices will be held in the Spring of 2017.

The CCLG was founded and exists as a non-partisan body of interested citizens who desire to encourage the best possible government for LaGrange (Village Trustees, Library Trustees and Park Commissioners). For the past 76 years, a majority of candidates seeking elected village offices have come before the CCLG seeking to be slated (endorsed) by our membership. The CCLG encourages the citizens of La Grange get involved, have a say in the character of our Village and the services we receive, and is currently welcoming new members. La Grange residents are encouraged to consider running or recommending a fellow resident to run for the Village, Park or Library Boards.

If you are interested in learning more, please join the monthly meetings every 2nd Wednesday of the month from September through May, 7:30pm, at the Village Hall.

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