Familiar Face Tapped For La Grange Village Board

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange businessman Steve Palmer is likely to become a new village trustee.

Late Friday, Village President Mark Kuchler announced that he was appointing Palmer to fill the seat left vacant by Glenn Thompson, who is moving to Florida for a job.

Kuchler knows Palmer and has praised him publicly before. Palmer, former owner of Palmer Place restaurant, is well-acquainted with the local political establishment, having served in several civic roles.

"Steve has been a leader in our community, and his skills will be a great addition to the Board," Kuchler said in a statement.

At its next meeting, the Village Board is expected to vote on Palmer's appointment.

Kuchler broke tradition by letting each applicant speak to the board, a process that most public bodies conduct entirely in secret.

The other candidates were Jonathan Robinson, Al Foreman, Justin Hanson and Madonna Walsh.

Palmer, Robinson, Foreman and Hanson said they planned to run in next April's board election. Walsh said she was seriously considering it.

Besides Thompson's old position, the seats held by Beth Augustine, Tim O'Brien and Shawana McGee are up in the election.

Augustine announced months ago that she would not seek a third term. Last week, O'Brien confirmed he was seeking another term. Patch has left a message with McGee.